Members of the Natick Soldier Systems Center community came together Jan. 18 at the Lord Community Center to raise issues and concerns during the 2012 NSSC Army Family Action Plan Conference.

Soldiers and civilians at installations across the Army participate in the annual process, which identifies issues that are then forwarded up the chain of command.

"This is a really important process," Lt. Col. Frank Sobchak, Natick garrison commander, told participants. "If you haven't done it before, it's an opportunity where we can take messages all the way to the top.

"This is an opportunity -- either at our level, or at the regional level, or at the Army level, or even at the DoD level -- to potentially make changes with the overall goal of making life better for people."

Sobchak said he looked forward to seeing participants' ideas for making Natick "a better place. You all had to take time out of your days. We all appreciate it very much."

Don Cannata, director of Natick's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, split participants into three working groups. They voted on issues at the close of the conference.

"The issues you vote on as the most important to you will get forwarded to Headquarters, IMCOM," Cannata said. "It's your conference. Our purpose is to help facilitate (it and) answer questions."

Lauren Anzivino, Army Community Service family advocacy specialist at Natick, pointed out that even minor change was a worthwhile goal.

"We're not going to solve major problems, maybe, but there could be something little that you're focused on or that you think would improve life here, and you want to bring it forward," Anzivino said. "We're just really encouraging you to do that today."

Natick Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Warren closed the conference with a few words for participants.

"I thank you for all your comments and all your work today," Warren said. "Rest assured that all your comments will be looked at, considered and, hopefully, implemented for change for the better for all of us."