FORT EISENHOWER, Ga. – Garrison leadership, along with the Army Housing Team and representatives from key supporting directorates, joined residents of Azalea Terrace for the first of several Walking Town Halls scheduled throughout the week.
The initiative, which kicked off March 17 at 5 p.m., aims to engage with service members and their families in their neighborhoods, fostering open dialogue about housing conditions, quality-of-life concerns, and ongoing improvement efforts.
Garrison Commander Col. Anthony Kazor led the effort, alongside Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Durette, representatives from Providence Family Homes (PFH), the Directorate of Emergency Services, Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center (DDEAMC), and the Directorate of Public Works. Neighborhood mayors were also in attendance.
Throughout the evening, Col. Kazor rang doorbells, greeted residents, and asked, "Do you have any questions for us?"
The event not only facilitated open dialogue between leadership and residents but also reinforced the command’s commitment to ensuring a safe, supportive, and well-maintained living environment for military families.
“The purpose behind the Walking Town Halls is to get command presence and support into the neighborhoods,” Kazor said. “It’s a way to engage directly with our residents, hear their concerns, and ensure they feel supported.”
Key Issues and Resident Concerns
Residents appeared comfortable engaging with leadership, making the most of the informal setting to ask a wide range of questions. Concerns varied from basic maintenance issues, such as refrigerator issues, to security matters. Some residents also inquired about upcoming events, including one resident asking when the next Expert Soldier Badge event would be held. Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Durette responded that it is scheduled for June this year. Fort Eisenhower's Housing Team and representatives from PFH took down unit numbers for follow-up on maintenance requests and provided guidance on available resources.
While concerns were discussed, some residents also shared positive experiences. A retiree living in Azalea Terrace expressed appreciation for living on post, citing safety and the strong sense of community as the primary reasons for choosing to reside there.
Security was another key topic of discussion. Lt. Col. Henry Cartagena, director of Emergency Services and Provost Marshal, asked residents about their experiences with patrol presence. One resident noted, “Honestly, I don’t pay much attention, but I have noticed them. Maybe once or twice in a few days, but I do see them parked outside watching over the community.” Cartagena thanked the resident for the feedback and reinforced the importance of vigilance, reminding them, “See something, say something.”
Community Programs and Medical Services
To further support the well-being of residents, the command team emphasized the many resources available on Fort Eisenhower designed to enhance quality of life for families. From recreational activities for children to self-help programs for housing, leaders encouraged residents to take advantage of these services as part of their overall experience living on post.
Maj. Jacob Orrino with Alpha Company, DDEAMC, spoke with residents about the new military health care model and efforts to improve access to care for service members, retirees, and family members.
“The biggest recommendation I have is to build an account for the patient portal,” Orrino said. “It’s the most expedited and easiest way to get directly in touch with your primary care manager, who can then direct your care through messaging or a phone call.”
Orrino emphasized that the patient portal allows providers to receive and address messages as soon as they are sent, often responding between patient appointments. “We recommend using it for everything—appointments, referrals, medication renewals, and medical concerns,” he said.
DDEAMC representatives also handed out brochures to MHS GENESIS Patient Portal, explaining how residents can use online services to conveniently access health care.
The Mayor Program: Enhancing Resident Advocacy
In the ongoing effort to improve the quality of life for service members and their families, Fort Eisenhower has implemented the Mayor Program to address resident concerns and provide support to families living on post. The program is designed to enhance communication by creating a structured chain of concern and expedite problem-solving between residents and PFH.
Managed by the Residential Communities Initiative branch of the Army Housing Office, the Mayor Program relies on a volunteer staff of 10 who represent the five distinct neighborhoods of privatized housing. Each neighborhood has an assigned mayor and assistant mayor who serve in key leadership roles, advocating for their community’s issues and concerns to the command. The mayors meet with housing partners from Army Housing and PFH once a month, with the garrison commander joining quarterly to discuss installation programs, events, issues, and concerns.
Sylvia Thigpen, program analyst with Fort Eisenhower’s Housing Team, encouraged residents to participate in the Tenant Satisfaction Survey, emphasizing its role in influencing housing improvements. “This survey makes a difference,” Thigpen said. “It’s only open from March 3rd until May 1st, and only one email per household receives it. Feedback from this survey helps shape housing priorities.”
Thigpen also highlighted the importance of the Mayor Program, noting that two volunteer mayor positions remain open in Maglin Terrace and McNair Terrace. "We need mayors who want to be involved,” she said. “The best mayors are often those who have experienced housing issues firsthand because they understand the process and know what improvements are needed.”
Why the Army Conducts Walking Town Halls
Walking Town Halls provide an alternative to traditional town hall meetings, allowing Army leadership to engage directly with residents in their living spaces. The initiative, implemented across various Army installations, aims to improve transparency, foster trust, and provide immediate responses to pressing community concerns. By walking through neighborhoods, leadership can gain a better understanding of housing conditions and other quality-of-life issues while also strengthening relationships between residents and installation leaders. During the event, the command team also encouraged residents to take advantage of the many resources available on Fort Eisenhower that enhance quality of life for families.
“Since I’ve been here, our town halls have been conducted indoors,” Kazor said. “This is just another way to execute town halls and get more direct feedback, ensuring residents’ concerns are heard.”
Durette echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the personal connection these events foster. “Walking Town Halls allow us to see and hear firsthand the issues that matter to our residents, build stronger relationships, and gather valuable feedback,” he said. “We have key teammates from across the garrison staff and medical center here to help provide updated information on services and activities.”
What’s Next?
The Walking Town Hall initiative will continue throughout the week, with garrison leadership visiting the remaining neighborhoods on post. Residents are encouraged to participate, voice their concerns, and engage directly with leadership.
Azalea Terrace was on Monday, March 17; Lakeview Terrace, March 18; Maglin Terrace, March 19; McNair Terrace, March 20; and Olive Terrace, March 21. All Walking Town Halls begin at 5 p.m.
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