MAFB has been heard: Feedback from community forum

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Cortney Paxton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  During the spring, Team Malmstrom members were able to give suggestions to the community support coordinator on ways to improve the base's quality of life as part of the Caring for People Forum. After only a month of submissions, several Airmen gave input on various different topics; many of which are triggering changes among the installation.

"Airmen have always pioneered innovative ways to defeat obstacles," said Col. Robert Stanley, 341st Missile Wing commander. "This spirit of innovation, of seeing problems from an alternative perspective, is in our culture, in our heritage and in every nuclear Airman, regardless of his or her specialty or role. It is imperative that we continue to listen and provide avenues for future generations to express their ideas in order to remain the greatest Air Force in the world."

The Caring for People Forum is a program that is normally run every other year Air Force-wide. However, when the Air Force was unable to conduct the program this year, Air Force Global Strike Command implemented the program on a command level.

"We received 40 suggestions from military members and Department of Defense civilians on the installation," said Lori Muzzana, 341st MW community support coordinator. "I laid out all of these suggestions in a word document and presented them to the Integrated Delivery System. The IDS is responsible for developing and implementing community outreach and prevention programs with the goal of enhancing resilience in military communities. The IDS consists of all helping agencies on base and at the guard, as well as the Airman's council, Company Grade Officer council and spouses' club. The members began looking into feasibility of implementing the suggestions base wide. We then presented the suggestions back to the Community Action Information Board, which consists of all leadership throughout the installation."

Responses to the forum included possible changes to several different places and programs on the base, including the dormitories, housing, medical processes, youth services, fitness programs and others. The following is a list of answers to popular requests:

DORMITORIES
There were several requests for carports or parking covers (awnings); however, according to 341st Civil Engineer Squadron personnel, "Dormitory construction is governed by the Air Force Unaccompanied Housing Design Guide, which does not permit carports. For sub-arctic regions, engine-block heater receptacles are allowed, and these are available in dorm parking lots. As you know, in the Air Force, we are governed by regulations, which ensure prudent execution of taxpayer dollars. In this instance, we are already providing the maximum support authorized at dormitory facilities."

Covers for either the inside or outside of windshields, as well as ice scrapers, were purchased for dormitory residents who may need them for their vehicles during the harsh winter months. Interested Airmen should contact the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office at 731-4225 to get these items.

HOUSING
After being aware of various inputs, Balfour Beatty Communities has taken initiative to include the following additions to the housing areas on base in the future:

· Baby swings in community park areas
· Base-wide yard sales
· Quarterly fliers letting people know what's going on
· Fences in Minuteman
· Community center with indoor pool, fitness center and children's area
· Walking trail, which will intersect with crosswalks and sidewalks
· Community garden (already implemented)
· Dog park
· Walking Club (already implemented)

BBC is also looking into the possibility of having a "Pig Out at the Base" event where local food vendors come and showcase the items they serve as well as including outdoor movie nights during the summer months.

MEDICAL
It was suggested to have more staff in the Personal Reliability Program office and, according to 341st Medical Group personnel, "The Air Force recognizes the need for an increase in staffing in the PRP clinics. In fiscal 2014, an increase in provider manning by one active-duty authorization is in effect. In the interim, the PRP clinic continually strives to meet the medical needs of the PRP members."

HEALTH AND FITNESS
The following is being implemented to improve fitness and health among the base populace:

· The 341st CES has begun the design phase of an indoor pool to suit the needs of the entire base populace. However, construction depends on military construction funding.
· As of Jan. 1, all snacks at the Youth Center are healthy - now, only snacks considered to be healthy for the children, as well as juice, sports drinks and water are available.
· The contract for Military Family Life Consultants has been modified to allow providers to rotate on a six month basis instead of a 45-day rotation.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
The Child Development Center and 341st CES will be meeting in May to discuss possibly redesigning or enlarging the CDC parking lot to accommodate all vehicles.

MAIN GATE FLAGS
Many individuals on base enjoy the state flags that fly at the entrance of the main gate, and it was suggested to have them fly every day to improve morale, inspiration and originality. According to the protocol office, these flags are only flown (weather permitting) when general officers visit the base on official travel or during special occasions like retiree weekend. Unfortunately, due to the costs of repairing and replacing the flags, they cannot be flown on a 24/7, 365 days a year basis.

All inputs to the Caring for People Forum were discussed during meetings and among base leadership; the above list includes requests that were popular among the base populace.

Ideas on ways to improve the quality of live at Malmstrom are always welcome to be submitted to the community support coordinator via email at 341mw.cvb@us.af.mil.