Goodfellow leadership listens

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Leanne Hedgepeth
  • 17 TRW/PA
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- --  Part one

The Caring for People Forum met at Goodfellow's Taylor Chapel May 2.
The Air Force mandated the CFPF to meet annually at each Air Force installation.

"The CFPF is a great opportunity for people to voice concerns to wing leadership and get results," said Mr. David Sullins, community support coordinator. "Granted we can't fix everything because of budget cuts, etc., but what I want people to take away is that leadership listens."

This year's CFPF was comprised of active duty enlisted members, non-commissioned officers, senior non-commissioned officers, company grade officers, department of defense civilian employees, military spouses and 10 integrated delivery system agency facilitators.

Unit representatives conducted surveys and sent emails to find items concerning Goodfellow. The CFPF condensed the items to 57 topics of discussion. Unit and group commanders vetted items into a top 10 list then 17th Training Wing Commander, Col. Kimberlee Joos and Vice Wing Commander, Col. Thomas Schmidt reviewed the list.

Communication appeared on the top 10 list with particular concentration on marketing, commander flow of information to civilians, follow through of information and computer access for students.

In order to strengthen communication, the 17th Force Support Squadron has increased e-marketing availability. Along with greater e-marketing the Goodfellow official webpage provides news and information of upcoming events, as well as taking advantage of social media.

Facebook has also become a widely used tool to get information out and improve communication. Goodfellow has an official Facebook page, Facebook.com/17thTrainingWing, to advertise news and events. 17th FSS offers their electronic publication of the Goodtimes online to keep individuals abreast on all the fun opportunities tied to the base. The Goodfellow Combined Spouses club also has a Facebook page tailored to their audience.

Computer network access for students is in the works; currently the base library and the Airman and Family Readiness Center provide free internet service.

Communication for spouses was another area of concern. Students are now briefed on what information can be given to spouses. E-sponsorship created by the Air Force helped streamline and bring convenience to the process of spouse sponsorship. Spouses can now find information at their fingertips prior to arriving on base and feel more connected.

Another way Goodfellow helps bridge the gap in communication between the military and spouses is through the Key Spouse program. Each unit has a program and the mentors created the "spouse meet and greet" held the first Monday of each month.

(This article is the first in a series on the caring for people forum)