Mid-year AFAP issues updated

By Heather Miles; Army Community Service; Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; U.S. Army Garrison-HawaiiApril 20, 2012

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

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- Status updates on community issues raised at the fiscal year 2012 Hawaii Army Family Action Plan, or AFAP Conference, were presented to U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii leadership, here, recently.

During the AFAP conference, held Oct. 18-20, 2011, two workgroups reviewed community issues ranging from security to community services. Each of the workgroups then selected its top issues and presented recommendations to senior leaders and subject matter experts.

Issue: No recreation center at Fort Shafter for single Soldiers.

Provide a multipurpose Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation facility on Fort Shafter similar to Tropics. Create an atmosphere where single Soldiers can socialize, dine and safely participate in recreational activities: video games, pool tables, TVs, computers, Internet, sports, music, movie nights, games and live entertainment.

Status: Active. FMWR and Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers are looking at less expensive options for recreation space on Fort Shafter. There also needs to be increased involvement from potential patrons to assess the full needs prior to funds being distributed to improve a venue that may not prove useful.

Issue: Create a viable teen establishment.

Use the Teen Board through the Teen Center to implement and create appealing, age-appropriate activities for military dependents, ages 13-18. Develop a safe and healthy environment for teenagers to congregate and interact in an appropriate manner. Complete this action by extending the hours of operation on Saturday and during school breaks until 10 p.m. Also, provide a multiple shuttle transportation system throughout each military installation to the closest teen center.

Status: Closed. The participation has been increasing; many teens have been enjoying the sports activities that are held on the weekends.

Issue: Provide better nutrition and equipment for Teen Center.

Provide a healthy, yet sustainable, snack that could be prepared by teens involved in the Cooking Club. Create a separate menu for middle/high school teens that is suitable for their age group based on their input. And, authorize facilities to purchase adequate food preparation equipment to prepare snacks.

Status: Active. The snacks have improved, per teens. Some of the new items the youth truly enjoy are the chicken nuggets with carrot sticks and ranch, apple/cherry/mixed fruit crisps, fruit parfaits, blueberry scones with apple slices, cinnamon rolls and cheese quesadillas.

Issue: No coin-operated laundry on Schofield Barracks or Wheeler Army Airfield.

Provide an Exchange-managed, coin-operated laundry facility on Schofield Barracks or Wheeler Army Airfield. Also, supply an adequate amount of standard-sized and industrial-strength washers and dryers.

Status: Active. The Exchange has opened communication with the Directorate of Pubic Works to find a location and identify facility requirements needed for a coin-operated facility.

Issue: Provide security in off-post housing communities.

Designate privatized off-post housing communities as military installations and afford them the same level of security as on-post housing. Install automated security access gates with video monitoring for all privatized off-post housing communities. Further, increase roving patrols and use as random access measures in off-post housing communities.

Status: Closed. Col. Douglas Mulbury, commander, USAG-HI, and the Directorate of Emergency Services, leveraged some resources to try and staff the gates at Aliamanu Military Reservation and Red Hill. With staffing levels, DES is unable to meet the expectation of the community when it comes to the hours at the rear gate.