Delegates for the 2016 Anniston Army Depot Army Family Action Plan Focus Group were: Andrela Bothwell, Carlos Curvin, Terry Deese, Kelley Doyle, Roy Favors, La'Shevia Gaddis, Morey Gaddy II, Sandra Green, Christopher Murphree, Rosemary Rollins, Chief...

ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- The depot's annual Army Family Action Plan Focus Group was held Oct. 19 at the DeSoto Entertainment Center.

The focus group is a forum of delegates comprised of active duty military, Department of Defense civilians, tenants, non-appropriated fund employees, retirees and family members of the ANAD community who come together to review and make recommendation to ANAD's command staff and directors on possible solutions for submitted quality of life issues.

"AFAP helps the leadership address the needs and concerns of the ANAD community," said Amanda Mullinax, AFAP program manager. "The AFAP Focus Group is about change, along with letting your voice be heard."

Each delegate takes on the responsibility of representing the total Army family.

The representatives involved in the focus group identify and prioritize issues intended to improve the standard of living in the Army and at ANAD by bringing to the forefront requirements to provide the best facilities, programs and services.

"AFAP is a way to voice our issues and potentially enhance our way of life here at the depot," said Kelley Doyle, one of the 2016 delegates. "Being new to the depot, it gave me the opportunity to potentially help resolve an issue someone considered important enough to document and bring to our attention. We may not be able to resolve every issue, but each issue was discussed and some type of resolution was suggested and given to the command staff and directors."

"I've been a part of AFAP for a while now," said Shawana Thomas, a 2016 delegate. "I enjoy discussing the different issues with those that participate in AFAP. I am glad to be a part of a panel willing to help other employees who submit their concerns."

The AFAP Focus Group was provided 11 issues submitted by ANAD employees.

Delegates prioritized Issue 11 -- quantity and high pricing at the Nichols Dining Facility. This issue was determined not to be an AFAP issue and was sent via an Interactive Customer Evaluation to the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

The delegates presented five of the ten remaining issues to a panel of the command staff and directors.

All the issues will ultimately be addressed by ANAD Commander Col. Martine Kidd. Resolution to these issues will be distributed to all employees via TRACKS and e-mails.

Thank you to all the delegates and the subject matter experts for their hard work during the focus group.

If you would like additional information regarding the AFAP issues, contact Amanda Mullinax at amanda.c.mullinax.civ@mail.mil or 256-235-7445.

A BRIEF RECAP OF THIS YEAR'S AFAP FOCUS GREOUP:

LOCAL ISSUES, RANKED:

1. Candidate selection practices -- briefed by Chief Petty Officer Jeffrey Shaver of the Defense Logistics Agency

2. Background checks for Child and Youth Services Personnel -- briefed by Roy Favors of the Directorate of Emergency Services

3. Areas of considerations for internal job announcements -- briefed by Shawana Thomas of the Directorate of Resource Management

4. Personally identifiable information and government documentation -- briefed by Jason Thompson of the Directorate of Information Management

5. Cell phone coverage at ANAD -- briefed by Jason Thompson

6. Memories lost in cyberspace

7. Unclean restrooms depot-wide

8. Short order food on cafeteria trucks

9. Showers needed in Nichols Cardio Center

10. Pull-up bar in Nichols Cardio Center

TOP SIX ACTIVE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY ISSUES, RANKED BY LOCAL DELEGATES:

1. Issue 609 - Total Army Sponsorship Program

2. Issue 598 - Convicted sex offender registry OCONUS

3. Issue 689 - Sexual assault restricted reporting option for Department of the Army civilians

4. Issue 614 - Comprehensive behavioral health program for children

5. Issue 692 - Reserve component soldiers' behavioral health treatment regardless of duty or veteran status

6. Issue 691 - Reserve component soldiers' and families' access to Army Community Service

FOUR MOST IMPORTANT SERVICES AT ANAD, RANKED BY LOCAL DELEGATES:

1. AAFES Shoppette

2. Army Community Service

3. Ministry Team

4. Physical Fitness Center