Leaders' walk builds relationships

By Jason Ledford; Army Community Service; Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; U.S. Army Garrison-HawaiiMarch 3, 2014

Walk through
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SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (Feb. 28, 2014) -- The Army is like a fortified fighting position; it has to be continually improved to provide the best protection and support for the troops.

Likewise, it is each Soldier's responsibility to improve his own fighting position.

Many people would agree that this philosophy is what makes the Army the greatest fighting force in the world. The Army trains Soldiers at every level to become leaders and improve the Army at every chance. Therefore, the Army is continually building a stronger fighting force.

Recently, the "Wolfhounds" of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Inf. Division, coordinated a Leaders' Walk at Army Community Service to provide an opportunity for their junior leaders to learn about Army programs available to support the Soldiers.

These programs included the New Parent Support Program, the Exceptional Family Member Program, the Mobilization and Deployment Program, the Victim Advocacy Program, the Financial Readiness Program, the Employment Readiness Program, and the Family Advocacy Program's (FAP) Prevention, Education & Outreach.

The walk provided leaders with an opportunity in an informal setting to interact with representatives from each program and learn more about the services offered.

"The Leaders' Walk is an excellent opportunity for leaders and service providers to build stronger relationships. It makes a difference when you get to meet face-to-face and have a conversation," said Bonnie Cordeiro, FAP senior prevention educator. "I know it was helpful for me to be able to ask the leaders about what kinds of things might be affecting their Soldiers?' ability to work at their top form.

"I can take that information back and look at ways we can meet those needs from a prevention standpoint," Cordeiro explained. "It helped the leaders to understand the difference between our FAP Prevention, Education & Outreach and the FAP treatment services. This is a common misunderstanding."

"We want leaders to look for opportunities to help Soldiers, not just be problem solvers when issues arise," said 1st Sgt. Saavedra Castillo, Co. D.

Army leaders have many opportunities to build a stronger team. Likewise, Soldiers and family members also have opportunities to help build a stronger team. If you're a leader, Soldier or family member and interested in learning about programs offered to help build a stronger team, call the Family Advocacy Program at 808-655-4227.