Soldier Focus Group Convenes
A Community FIRST focus group was held for Soldiers (active duty, National Guard, and reserve) on January 27, 2009. The twelve focus group delegates discussed issues affecting the quality of life of all Soldiers throughout the community. The following issues were surfaced by the delegates and out-briefed to the Deputy Garrison Commander:
Issue: Alternate Locations on Family Day
Scope: Facilities across
the installation are overwhelmed by the number of participants on Family Day.
These facilities are not only losing money because they are unable to meet the
needs of patrons, customer service standards are also not being met. The
congestion negatively affects the entire community- permanent party, graduating
Soldiers, and the visiting family members.
Recommendation: Provide
more activities and facilities for graduating Soldiers and their families to
participate in on Family Day. Upgrade the Hilton Field area to provide a
“bazaar” (with vendors and activities) on Family Day.
Issue: Disrepair of Installation Roads
Scope: The roads across the installation are in
serious disrepair. Uneven roads and potholes cause injuries to Soldiers and
damage to vehicles. Injured Soldiers and damaged vehicles affect the health,
welfare and mission readiness of Soldiers and reduce their standard of living.
Recommendation: Repave the roads that are in poor condition.
Issue: Marking of No Parking Zones
Scope: Not all “no parking” zones on
the installation are clearly marked; this is particularly true around fire hydrants.
Non-marked zones lead to a safety hazard and lives are at risk when safety
vehicles are unable to reach destinations in a timely manner. Marking will
deter illegal parking and may reduce the amount of contested tickets.
Recommendation: Mark “no parking” zones throughout the installation,
and publicize applicable parking policies.
Issue:
Stronger Punishment for Cell Phone Use
Scope: Cell phone use while driving creates a
hazardous environment for everyone who lives, works, and recreates on the
installation. There is currently no fine for cell phone use; offenders receive
a DD Form 1408 (Commander’s action ticket).
Receiving this “slap on the hand” instead of a monetary fine could
encourage repeat offenders.
Recommendation:
Implement a monetary fine for violators of the cell phone ban and
advertise the policy throughout the installation.
Other
issues proposed by the delegates include: improving the condition of
installation dining facilities; improving the DPW work order process (timely scheduling
and follow up); extending hours at the gyms; improving the hospital dining
facility; adjusting the grade-level breakdown at the elementary schools;
increasing activities for single Soldiers; and reviewing the BAH policy for
privatized housing. All 11 issues have been submitted to the directorate or
organization responsible for their resolution. The issues that are not
completed this month will be addressed at the next Installation Action Council
meeting, scheduled for February 23, 2009 from 1:00-3:00 in the Post Conference
Room, building 4375. The entire
A complete list of Community FIRST/AFAP issues and their status can be found on the Customer Management Services Website: http://www.jackson.army.mil/WellBeing/wellbeing.htm. New issues may be submitted on the site as well, by clicking on “Submit an Issue or Recommendation” or on the Community FIRST/AFAP Logo. Whether it affects individuals and constituent groups here at the installation level or throughout the Army, feedback is important.
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