Most great happenings start with an idea -- an idea that didn't just sit in the back of the mind, but one put out for others to see. With the right combination of perseverance and timing, ideas become action.
The Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) is one way to make this happen. Merilee Nevins, Army Family Team Building and AFAP program manager at Army Community Service here, pulled out a thick binder in her office filled with examples of ideas that reached fruition.
For more than 30 years, AFAP has been the driving force behind the enactment of 129 pieces of legislation, 187 policy changes, and 212 improved programs and services Armywide. Additions to Army life through the AFAP include: the Army Family Readiness Program, unlimited commissary privileges for reservists, the Exceptional Family Member Program, Army Family Team Building, Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, the Thrift Savings Plan, and dental and vision insurance coverage for federal employees.
"The program is important to command to make sure they're hearing the voice of the people, to hear concerns and recommendations, and do their best to resolve those issues," said Nevins.
Submissions of ways to improve quality of life issues on Fort Sill or Armywide are welcome from anyone affiliated with the Army. Nevins distinguished between the purpose of the AFAP and the Interactive Customer Evaluation comment forum in that the latter deals with customer service issues.
"Anything with pay, benefits, funding," she said, are examples of quality of life issues. Customer service issues include things like, "They were rude to me, or they didn't let me bring my child while I was working out," can usually be worked out at the facility or program level, she said.
In 2016 the installation action council (IAC), comprised of Nevins, program directors, and the garrison commander, reviewed 31 Fort Sill issues submitted by community members. Eleven issues were elevated to Army Headquarters, such as requesting SHARP (Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention Program) programs specifically for minor children, and having the Army provide dedicated child advocates for victims of assault and abuse younger than 18 years of age.
Issues which were acted upon and completed include building a fence surrounding the playground at the Graham Resiliency Training Center playground to keep children from running into the street, a fenced dog park behind the Welcome Center, and hourly child care at the Fires Fitness Center. Other completed items were a pedestrian crosswalk across from Three Mile Track and Sheridan Shoppette, and the Apache Gate sign on the north end of the Fort Sill Golf Course to let drivers know before they get to the gate whether or not it is open.
Issues which are still being worked on:
-- Repairing sections of Mow-Way Road that have uneven gravel, faded and unclear lane markings, and potholes.
-- Installing a pedestrian crossing between the Staff Sgt. Juan Garcia Dining Facility and Three Mile Track parking lot.
-- Instituting appropriate traffic control measures at the intersection of Currie and Mow-Way roads to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic. Current conditions present a hazard and cause confusion to motorists.
"They have been put on the Directorate of Public Works list, it's going to be a big project and require quite a bit of funding," said Nevins, adding the process of collecting, reviewing, and resolving issues submitted to the AFAP is changing.
"In the past we had delegates that represented the demographics of Fort Sill come together and look at the issues," she said. "At Fort Sill we're not doing the conference anymore, but we are collecting and reviewing the issues. The process is still happening, we're just doing it a little differently."
The IAC determines whether an issue can be addressed at Fort Sill or elevated to a higher command. Sometimes an issue remains active for two or three years to see if a solution presents itself later on, or if a funding source materializes.
"They try to do everything they can to resolve it. Sometimes we partner with other organizations that may be in a position to resolve an issue," said Nevins. The council meets, at a minimum, twice a year with the garrison commander and the team to discuss issues, and which organization will address it in more detail. "The designated organizations will look into whether or not there's a regulation that keeps us from acting, or maybe it's a great idea and we can put it into play."
When necessary, the council works together to come up with additional creative ideas that may also solve the problem.
There may be issues that are considered unattainable due to funding constraints or the issue is outside of the IAC's purview to solve.
One of the issues brought up last year was the short on-ramp of I-44 East for vehicles leaving Key Gate. Nevins said the hazard has been brought to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, which has acknowledged the problem, but has not yet found a workable solution. Unfortunately, it is not in our purview to control," said Nevins.
"Our command takes the AFAP very seriously. We've been able to have a lot of improvements here on Fort Sill. One person can make a difference."
To submit an idea or issue, visit www.MyArmyOneSource.com, click on Family Programs and Services, and then AFAP Issue Management System. Ideas already submitted are listed, along with the status.
Ideas can also be submitted to Jean Mills at jean.a.mills2.civ@mail.mil or via fax at 580-442-7617.
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