Employee spotlight shines on Army Community Service

By Marie BerbereaNovember 14, 2013

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Merilee Nevins said her passion for helping others is not going away any time soon, and after 22 years at Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation she has no plans on leaving.

She began her civil service career in Germany.

"I was young and single and had the opportunity to go overseas," said Nevins.

She met her future husband while stationed there, and came back to the United States to work for Child Youth and School Services here.

Nevins worked at Tincher Child Development Center and was also part of the team that set up Grierson and Cooper CDCs.

After 21 years of helping children, she was offered a different position.

"I enjoyed what I did, but I'm also OK with change and new adventures. And it wasn't such a stretch for me because I'd been training for years," said Nevins.

Her focus is still on families, but Soldiers as well, as she is the program manager for the Army Family Action Plan and Army Family Team Building.

"I have been very honored and privileged whether it was with CYSS or to be around awesome colleagues. These are some of the hardest working people I know and their hearts are in making sure Soldiers and family members are taken care of," said Nevins. "I can go to anybody and say 'hey I need help,' or just to laugh or cry, whatever I need to do at that time and I've got people that I can count on. We're all here for the same purpose, and I can't think of a better group of people and better experiences that I've had throughout the years. I've learned from all those experiences."

AFAP

The Army Family Action Plan is a grassroots effort to solve quality of life issues for Soldiers, family members and civilians on Fort Sill.

Nevins said she had volunteered to help with the program a year before she was offered the position. She was equally impressed this year by how quickly issues were resolved.

"During the conference on that first day we had some senior leaders who were like 'We can fix that right now, or very quickly.' There were already phone calls happening."

Nevins said different demographics from Fort Sill are requested to attend the AFAP conference as delegates.

"Everybody's perspective is important, and we want them represented in the solving of these issues and the recommendations of these issues."

Some of the things brought up in this year's AFAP dealt with CYSS programs and letting parents know more about cancellation and payment options.

Another issue was the lack of signage at the Fort Sill-Sheridan Road intersection.

"You don't know until you're at the intersection which lane you're supposed to be in to go straight. It can cause problems. Again somebody submitting that issue was a pretty simple one to fix. Signage is being worked right now."

She said suggestions can be submitted year-round by going to www.myarmyoneservice.com. Click the tab for family services, and then "AFAP issues" and follow the steps to submit for Fort Sill.

Nevins said they put out boxes in the summer around post with hard copies to fill out. She said people can also email her suggestions at merilee.k.nevins.civmail.mil.

All the submissions are reviewed by senior leadership and AFAPdelegates. Proponents and subject matter experts then write an information paper on their response to the issue.

"We resolved a majority of the issues. We do not close an issue until we can either resolve it, it's truly thought of as unattainable, or it has to be elevated to a higher level."

AFTB

Nevins also helps those new to Army life, especially spouses through the Army Family Team Building program.

"We offer classes throughout the year to learn Army culture, leadership skills, resiliency and find out about community resources."

Nevins said the classes really open the spouses up to the ways of the Army so they can understand what their Soldiers are going through on a day-to-day basis.

"Just to see that look on their face when something clicks and to have that interaction with the instructors, it's a great opportunity."

For those whose first language is not English, Nevins also has materials in Spanish, Korean and German.

"I realize that we're a very diverse population on Fort Sill and there may be spouses, or even Soldiers and civilians who may feel uncomfortable coming to class if English is their second language. I want to encourage them to attend because I can give them materials in English, but also in their native language."

The next AFTB class is Nov. 19-21 at the AFTB Center, Building 2719 Bragg Road. To sign up, call 580-442-2039/2382. Child care may be available. Request information when reserving a spot.