Speak out: AFAP seeks ideas on making Army life better, volunteers for conference

By Jeremy Henderson, Army Flier Staff WriterOctober 8, 2015

Speak out: AFAP seeks ideas on making Army life better, volunteers for conference
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. (Oct. 8, 2015) -- No idea is too big or too small and Fort Rucker's Army Family Action Plan officials want to hear them all.

The annual AFAP conference, scheduled for Nov. 4-5, provides an opportunity for the community's collective voice to be heard and to collect ideas for streamlining processes and improving Fort Rucker's quality of life, according to Rick Kohl, AFAP program manager.

"AFAP, at its best, is the voice of the Fort Rucker community," he said. "The process gives everyone a chance to voice concerns and present solutions. Fort Rucker is a diverse Army community, and soliciting issues from the community allows us to hear different viewpoints and solutions. This process helps us remain Total Army Strong."

The website to submit ideas or to register for the conference is www.ftruckermwr.com/acs/army-family-action-plan.

The deadline to sign up for the conference and submit ideas is Oct. 30. The Fort Rucker AFAP Office is currently looking for volunteers to assist in a variety of areas.

"There are many different volunteer opportunities," Kohl said. "There are opportunities to help with the planning and organization for the AFAP focus groups Nov. 4 and 5. There are also opportunities during the two days of the conference welcoming participants, running registration, assisting the forum staff, assisting the facilitators and helping the participants."

Although the conference submission deadline is Oct. 30, Kohl said ideas are welcome year round.

"Issues can be submitted year round online or by submitting the issue directly to the AFAP program manager," he said. "There are AFAP issue submission boxes placed around Fort Rucker several weeks before the AFAP forum."

According to Kohl, the conference represents the voice of the community and provides a fresh look into its members' needs.

"The Fort Rucker community changes as residents move in and out during the PCS cycle," he said. "There are also changes in the on-post community as retirees and Gold Star Family members move into the Fort Rucker housing community. The AFAP process allows for the identification of quality of life issues that are impacted by change and the process offers a solution-focused approach."

During last year's conference, more than 685 different recommendations went forward to improve quality of life for Soldiers, family members, civilians and retirees. In 2012, the No. 1 issue at the Army-level AFAP conference was started at Fort Rucker.

"In recent years, the focus has shifted to local issues," Kohl said. "For example, the (child development center) needed updates and renovations. They are now under way -- some portions are complete. Also there was a lighting issue at the intersections of Andrews and Hatch, and Hatch and Combat. Improvements were made as a result of the AFAP."

According to Kohl, any issue or concern that affects the quality of life of the Fort Rucker community should be submitted.

Issues with a facility or particular organization should be reported directly to the commander or manager of that facility or online via http://ice.disa.mil/.

Individuals interested in volunteering should call 255-9637. A list of volunteer positions is listed under the Volunteer Management Information System tab via Fort Rucker>ACS>AFAP on myarmyonesource.com.

Related Links:

USAACE and Fort Rucker on Twitter

USAACE and Fort Rucker on Facebook

Fort Rucker, Ala.

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