Survey lets Airmen/families shape future

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chad Warren
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The next Air Force-wide Community Assessment Survey is fast approaching, giving Airmen and their families the opportunity to voice their opinions and have a positive impact on their future.

This year's CAS theme, "A strong community depends on you!" is a call-to-arms for everyone to do their part and help inform senior leadership of ways to improve military communities across the globe.

"We need to make sure our programs are meeting the needs of Airmen and their families. This survey is one way we can learn how well we're doing that," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody. "It's every Airman's responsibility to provide some honest feedback to help."

The CAS has been conducted every few years since 1988 and previous surveys have resulted in new parks, job opportunities for spouses, increased support networks and more.

The survey is anonymous, but the results are localized, giving leadership a unique snapshot of the base community and service members needs in the area.

"The Air Force Community Assessments provide direct and anonymous feedback to the wing commander," said Jeff Maiette, Barksdale Community Support Coordinator. "It tells him what your concerns are and where to focus resources."

The survey audience is broad, requesting input from active duty members, reservists, guardsmen, civilian employees and spouses. Invitations to participate will be sent out via email to employees and by postcard for spouses, each including a personalized link.

"The results will allow wing leadership to focus on improving issues specific to Barksdale," Maiette added.

The data helps to develop the base Community Action Plan, which is the 'game plan' that base helping agencies use to develop, summarize and consolidate community concerns and proposed solutions, he explained.

From the top-level leadership to the newest Airmen, the Air Force is committed to taking care of its people.

"Everything we do depends on our people, the living engine of our Air Force," said Air Force Secretary Michael Donley. "The entire Air Force leadership team is committed to doing all we can to support our Total Force Airmen and their families."

For more information regarding the 2013 Community Assessment Survey contact Jeff Maiette at (318)456-8006.