The Military District of Washington hosted the annual command-level Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Conference at Fort McNair May 4-6.
AFAP has done more than any other single organization to make sure the Army is responsive to the needs of our Families, said Maj. Gen. Karl R. Horst, commander Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and MDW, in his opening remarks to the delegates.
Fifteen AFAP delegates from MDW installations, including Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Forts Belvoir (to include Fort AP Hill), Meade and Hamilton, joined together to discuss ten issues up for MDW's consideration. Of these the delegates prioritized five issues: basic allowance for childcare of active duty Family members; in-patient Internet access at military hospitals; notification to sexual assault victims of a repeat offense by their alleged offenders; single standard mileage rate reimbursement for DoD travelers; and online filing of DoD household goods claims.
These issues will be forwarded to the Headquarters, Department of the Army, AFAP Conference FY12 for consideration. This worldwide conference will be held early 2012.
''Information on decisions made on all issues submitted to the conference will be sent back to the Installation Army Family Action Plan Program Managers and will be posted in the new Army One Source AFAP issue management system," said Pam Eller, Family readiness specialist, JFHQ-NCR and MDW. ''Everyone has the opportunity to go online and follow the progress of issues through the process."
The first Department of the Army AFAP conference was held July 1983. AFAP has addressed 683 issues through the years, with 51 still active, 495 completed and 136 unattainable for various reasons.
There have been 124 legislative changes, 176 DoD or Army policy changes and 195 improved programs or services and funding.
''It's a great way for the Army to hear from the guy that's in the trenches and the Families that are out in the garrisons that are living the issues day to day," said John Mapes, AFAP delegate, Fort Hamilton, N.Y.
To find out more information go to www.armyonesource.com.
(Reporter LaTrina Antoine also contributed to this story.)
Social Sharing