Eglin provides answers to 7 SFG transition questions

  • Published
  • By Minty Knighton
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
FORT BRAGG, N.C. --  Hundreds of 7th Special Forces Group Army Soldiers met with Eglin Air Force Base supporters to gain insight into what their future holds in upcoming months.

The 3rd Eglin AFB/7th SFG Town Hall meeting was held here May 11 and 12. The meeting focused on the concerns of military spouses and families.

"We've had a pretty good crowd," said Col. James Kraft, commander for 7th SFG. "It includes everybody, our Special Forces soldiers and what we call our MOS, [Military Occupational Skill] personnel. MOS is an important audience. They are our young people and probably the most stressed."

The meeting began with an overview from both Eglin and 7th SFG leadership.

Sgt. Maj. William Zaiser of the 7th SFG tried to put attendees at ease.

"I know there's a lot of anxiety." "It's never easy to pick up and move, but we're going to reduce the concerns and anxiety as much as possible."

Followed were breakout sessions and information fair. Personnel from Eglin, Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties traveled to the area to provide information on housing, employment and educational opportunities.

Basic concerns included continuing education for spouses and children, employment for spouses and basic living conditions.

"A lot of the husbands and spouses are asking about education," said Lynn Wilson, Education Specialist for Eglin. "Many thought there was no money and are really happy to know we still have money for military spouse education."

Eglin Airmen and Family Readiness Center along with Job Plus of Okaloosa County provided guidance and information on employment opportunities.

"Most of the spouses attending already have in mind what they want to do and most want to work in that same field," said LaShae Dunlop, personnel specialist for Eglin's Civilian Personnel Office.

Most of the professions asked about were nursing, physical therapy, administrative jobs, pharmacists, social work and cosmetology according to Mr. Don Holloway.

Ms. Dunlop shared some encouraging information with attendees in that according to U.S. Executive Order 13473, Non-competitive Appointment of Certain Military Spouses was put into action to specifically help spouses find employment during BRAC transitions.

"We also have job listings not normally posted to general public to aid spouses in employment," said Renea Washington, career counselor for Eglin AF&RC.

Housing was another concern. Towns in the tri-county area of Northwest Florida attended the meeting eager to provide information on what their area can offer.

"Regardless of where they choose to live, the opportunities are right at their back door," said Maj. James Brownlee, 7th SFG Public Affairs Officer.

Although the three main concerns of education, employment and housing, were up front, there was also an underlying concern of support.

"I really need to know what kind of support system is there [Eglin AFB]," said Hilda Sepulveda, a 7th SFG spouse. "I've been with the Army for 16 years and heard the Air Force has a good support system."

Eglin personnel noted the concern and did what they could to alleviate the stress.

"Anxiety is coming from moving out of their comfort zone, but once they get there they will see Eglin AFB is a military community and will welcome them with open arms," said Becci Luna, 7th SFG Town Hall meeting coordinator. "They will feel right at home."

Aside from the concerns, most of those attending the Town Hall meeting were also interested in the fun stuff. They wanted to know about recreation.

"We have what they have, just on a larger scale," said Justin Johnson of Jackson Guard. "If they hunt and fish at Fort Bragg, they'll feel right at home here."

Both Eglin and 7th SFG leadership agreed this town hall meeting had the biggest impact.

"What we see is phenomenal." said Colonel Kraft. "I've never seen this level of support in my 26 years as we have with Team Eglin." "You can see the stress is turning to excitement and that's in large part due to the efforts of Eglin's team."

Orders are already being cut for the first group of soldiers to arrive Summer 2010. Their new history begins.