FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Fourteen delegates, assisted by facilitation teams, discussed Army quality of life issues and heard from subject matter experts in many fields during the Army Family Action Plan conference May 9-11 in downtown San Antonio. The conference is a three-day workshop designed for open discussions and solution-seeking to issues concerning Soldiers, retirees, Department of the Army civilians and Army Families.
The purpose of AFAP is to provide an opportunity for anyone associated with the Army, from Soldiers or their family members to civilians working for the army along with reservists and members of the National Guard, to bring their issues and concerns with how the Army does things to Army leadership and allow the leadership the chance to make changes.
The top four recommendations from Army North's 2012 Army Family Action Plan conference that were prioritized for review included increased protections for military transfer students, incorporation of the Thrift Savings Plan program during the initial entry contract, increased time for compassionate stabilization from 12 to 18 months, and a mandate for child victim advocacy services.
Col. Richard Francey, U.S. Army North chief of staff, delivered the opening remarks and instructed the attendees to "Ignore your phones. I want your focus here for the next few days." Francey continued "We can't waste this opportunity."
Of the 17 issues presented at the conference, six issues were elevated from the installation conference, and 11 were presented directly to the Army North conference. This is done to get different perspectives on the issues. Once the installation groups have reviewed, discussed and prioritized the issues and possible solutions to them, they are reassessed at a mid-level conference.
The mid-level conference is Army North's AFAP conference. Members of Army North from as far away as Oakland, Calif., and Philadelphia, Pa., were in attendance, with the goal of finding solutions to the issues that were sent up from Fort Sam Houston's AFAP conference.
"We had a terrific week," said Jessica Stocker, conference organizer and Army North family programs manager. "Our conference participants really gave volume to the voices of the Soldiers, civilians and military Families who submitted issues."
Once the issues are narrowed down and approved by Lt. Gen. William Caldwell IV, commanding general, U.S. Army North, and senior commander, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, they are then sent to the Department of the Army, where they will be reviewed at the Headquarters, Department of the Army AFAP conference in February 2013.
"Every year we get better, and the things that I've seen changed over the years effect all walks of Army life, such as policy changes, improved survivor benefits, and even ID cards."
Stocker also hopes that as AFAP continues that there would be more participation from all members of the Army and their families.
Since AFAP's beginnings, it has been responsible for 126 legislative changes, 177 Army and Department of Defense policy changes, and 197 program and service changes to date.
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