SOAR aims at helping Airmen, families with problems

  • Published
  • By Eglin Family Advocacy Outreach Program
  • 96th Medical Operations Squadron
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Integrated Delivery System Working Group, commonly known as the Services, Outreach and Resources (SOAR) Team on Eglin is sponsoring the 2008 Community Assessment Survey.

In addition to surveying active-duty servicemembers, spouses and Reservists, this year's assessment will also survey Air Force Materiel Command Civilians. This will be the first time that civilians will have the opportunity to provide their perceptions and opinions of the Air Force community in which they work.

Air Force community members will be randomly selected to participate in the survey. A notification letter will be sent out to the work e-mail address of each active-duty and civilian 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 personnel are strongly urged to take part.

"The 2008 Community Assessment Survey is a top priority," said Col. Eric Pohland, 96th Air Base Wing Commander. "It is one of the best ways for us to listen to our people 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."

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

"The 2008 Community Assessment Survey provides our community members a wonderful opportunity to improve our Air Force community," Colonel Pohland said. "We hope those selected will do everything they can to respond to the survey as quickly as possible."

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

For information regarding the 2008 Community Assessment, call Beth Marks at 883-9465 or Ann Lienemann at 882-8212.