Caring for People forums

Senior Master Sgt. Charles Wortman of the 552nd Training Reserve Squadron discusses an issue with 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker Installation Commander Col. Christopher Azzano during the Caring For People Forum April 24. Many Airmen, spouses and civilians volunteered to attend the forum and openly discuss important issues and concerns with each other and also with subject matter experts and facilitators. (Air Force photo by Kelly White)

Team Tinker members share thoughts in forums

Published May 2, 2014
By Kimberly Woodruff
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Fifty members of the Tinker Community participated in the 2014 Caring for People Forums held April 24.

The group participated in forums specific for civilians, active duty military and single Airmen. School support and Exceptional Family Member Program forums were also held.

"I like hearing from our community and what their concerns are," said Karen Blackwell, 72nd Air Base Wing Community Support coordinator. "There are a lot of 'crazy makers' out there that can cause stress and we [Tinker's helping agencies] can help solve those problems or inconveniences for people. Sometimes it is as simple as helping people find information or services they need that is already available."

The 2013 Caring for People forums resulted in several recommendations the helping agencies are working to complete or have already implemented. They include:

· Improved Websites of Education and Training Opportunities
· Advertisement of Mentoring Training Options for Unit Mentors
· Better Promotion of Leader and Supervisor Development Programs
· Wingman Heritage Night (sponsored by the Junior Force Council)
· Dorm Hail and Farewells
· Continued Supervisor Resilience Training
· Improved Sponsorship Program and Monitoring
· Improved Digital Communication of Helping Agencies and Base Information
· Squadron Commander Fostering Resilience Guide
· Promotion of Wingman Intervention Program
· Wingman Coins
· New Wingman Cards with Helping Agencies Phone Numbers
· Alcohol Education Services Promoted with Units

This year's recommendations will be presented to commanders on May 29 during the Community Action Information Board. The recommendations varied from ways to utilize resources better to ideas for new programs or events.