Community Assessment Survey: Be heard

  • Published
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The Integrated Delivery System Working Group is sponsoring the 2011 Community Assessment Survey of servicemembers, reservists, military spouses and civilians. This survey is the best way for Air Force community members to make their opinions and needs known. The results of the survey will be used by base leadership and the Air Force to target resources where they are most needed to enhance the well-being of the community.

Air Force community members will be randomly selected to participate. A notification letter that includes a link to the Web-based survey will be sent to the work email address of each active duty member selected to participate. Spouses will be sent a letter in the mail with the Web link. Participation is crucial to the success of the project; selected servicemembers are strongly urged to take part.

"The 2011 Community Assessment Survey is a top priority," said Col. Patrick Doherty, 4th Fighter Wing commander. "It is the best way for us to listen to community members and then provide services to help them meet their needs and the needs of their families. It allows them to express their opinions anonymously so participants can respond openly and honestly to issues that affect them every day. We hope those selected will do everything they can to respond to the survey as quickly as possible."

Survey responses can directly influence family services and related support activities at local bases and throughout the Air Force. In fact, results from previous Air Force Community Assessments have impacted the policies and programs that support families at every level of the Air Force, to include:

 Expanding financial counseling programs to members and their families
 Develop a user-friendly support network for AF single parents
 Set up marriage support seminars for junior enlisted members and their spouses
 Adjusting childcare and other support services to better match the needs of the community
 Increasing opportunities to socialize and participate in on- and off-base activities.
 Increasing spouse-to-spouse support, especially during times when service member is deployed or TDY
 Increasing job opportunities for AF spouses

"The 2011 Community Assessment Survey provides community members a wonderful opportunity to improve the Air Force Community," Colonel Doherty said. We hope those selected will do everything they can to respond to the survey as quickly as possible."

This year's survey at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will be particularly important. As part of a Department of Defense sponsored initiative, this year's Community Assessment, along with some supplemental questions, will be used to direct additional resources to help service members and families base wide. Base agencies will be working with researchers to ensure that this year's survey results are used to maximum benefit.

For more information about the 2011 Community Assessment, contact Crystal Spears-Jones, the 4th FW Integrated Delivery System chair at 722- 0577.