Residents, USAG-HI leaders connect via social network

By Ms. Lacey Justinger (USAG Hawaii)June 8, 2012

Facebook Insights
The above chart shows the gender and age demographics of people who interacted on the USAG-HI^Facebook page (www.facebook.com/usaghawaii) during the week of the USAG-HI^Facebook Town Hall. Participation includes posting questions, responding to posts... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii -- U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii hosted its fourth quarterly Facebook town hall, here, May 29, to address issues and concerns from Soldiers, families and civilians.

Subject matter experts gathered together from all corners of USAG-HI, including the commander, deputy commander and command sergeant major; the Directorate of Emergency Services; the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; the Directorate of Public Works; and Island Palm Communities.

Representatives from Tripler Army Medical Center, the Exchange, the Directorate of Human Resources, and the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security responded to submitted questions electronically.

"This is a great venue to keep track of the communities' pulse points, or the issues they are concerned about and areas we need to address," said Col. Douglas Mulbury, commander, USAG-HI.

More than 65 initial questions were posted, and more than 1,035 follow-ups were posted, including additional comments, questions and "likes."

Participants can continue to use the archived event as a forum to discuss these topics amongst themselves, but the page is not being monitored for new posts.

"Anyone with a Facebook account can participate in this forum no matter where they are, at home or on-the-go," said Dennis Drake, director, USAG-HI Public Affairs. "They have the opportunity to raise topics directly to the people who help make decisions about on-post programs and services."

The evening's top issue was the electric billing process in on-post housing. Although IPC and USAG-HI hosted several in-person town halls before this program was implemented, residents still had many questions. IPC and USAG-HI are coordinating to host a future in-person town hall to address these specific concerns.

Another repeating theme was speeding on post. All personnel operating a vehicle on post are required to abide by posted speed limits.

IPC, in partnership with DES, is also launching a Speed Deterrent Campaign during June and July to address concerns within the neighborhoods. If you would like to be part of this Community Safety Outreach Program, email rsvp@IPChawaii.com with the subject line "Slow Down Now."

Several residents also stated they have never heard of the Army Family Action Plan as a way to present and solve garrison-wide, region-wide or Army-wide quality of life concerns for Soldiers, families, retirees and civilians. AFAP gathers volunteer delegates and prioritizes issues and implements changes in policies, procedures, services and programs. Issue forms may be found at www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/crmt/default.htm under the "Other Ways To Be Heard" tab.

This online Facebook town hall replaced both in-person and televised town halls due to lack of participation in both venues. The Facebook town hall will continue to be a quarterly event.

Stay Connected

Service and family members can connect to USAG-HI social media pages to stay informed about events and changes on post, visit:

•www.facebook.com/usaghawaii

•www.twitter.com/usaghawaii

To address a private concern visit or email:

•http://ice.disa.mil/

•askthecommander.usaghi@us.army.mil

Residents are also encouraged to participate in DES's Neighborhood Watch Program and IPC's Resident Advisory Panels at:

•www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/des/default.htm

•http://www.islandpalmcommunities.com/Current-Residents/Resident-Programs/Resident-Advisory-Board/default.aspx

Related Links:

ICE

USAG-HI Facebook

USAG-HI website

USAG-HI Twitter