CAIB addresses issues affecting Fairchild Airmen, families Published Sept. 14, 2012 By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Focused on the overall well being of Team Fairchild, Airmen and families alike, the Community Action Information Board, which held their last meeting in June, are scheduled to reconvene Sept. 25. Referencing results from the last meeting, CAIB executive director, Maj. (Dr.) Kim Sunderland, said they've come a long way but that there's always room for improvement. "The CAIB examined past issues that have been resolved and looked at others to develop a sure strategy to fix them," Sunderland said. "Wing leadership relies on the CAIB to give them answers and recommendations to make the best decisions on behalf of the base populace." One way the CAIB has generated input and ideas has been through the Caring For People Forum in April. Working groups at the forums collaborated on a variety of topics to create lists of suggestions for Fairchild officials to improve life for everyone at Fairchild - enlisted, officer or civilian. Several initiatives approved for implementation as "feasible" and funded by the Comprehensive Airman Fitness program's funds totaling more than $36,000 include: - On base concerts - Team building exercises - Chapel family retreats - Marketing items for the life and career saving program Airmen Against Drunk Driving "We have to make sure we're addressing the physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being of everyone at Fairchild," Sunderland said. "We identify the needs of the Fairchild community and then do what we can to accommodate how we can." Other issues the group has resolved over the last year include a streamlined in-processing line; improved on-base child care support; new service hours at the Education Center, Fitness Center, Exchange, Shoppette, Finance, Military Personnel Flight and Medical Group to support shift workers; corrective actions enforced with Balfour Beatty Communities' maintenance staff; energy efficient base housing; expanded Fitness Center programs and classes; recreational transportation for single Airmen; and an array of improved Total Force Integration initiatives providing better involvement of Air National Guardsmen serving Team Fairchild. "We learn and are able to address many key issues affecting Fairchild families through CAIB initiatives and activities," said Christopher Marble, 92nd FSS Airman & Family Readiness Center chief. "I think it's a great way to get different perspectives from the various communities, whether that be maintenance, medical, ops, you name it. "The CAIB allows us to get a broader perspective on what's going down on base," Marble added. "Bottom line -- all of those people are our customers and knowing what our client's needs are allows us to be able to tailor programs to their specific needs and issues." While there are still many items the CAIB continues to address, Sunderland emphasized the fact that known issues are being looked at it. The opinions of Fairchild community members do matter, she continued as she highlighted the importance of attending the provided community meetings. "That's what they're there for, to give people a voice," she said. "We are continuing to do everything we can to facilitate closer working relationships between all members of Team Fairchild," added Janna Keller, 92nd Force Support Squadron Airman and family services flight chief. "We've used information attained from the Caring For People Forum and other such working groups to continue to address concerns and better improve all aspects of working and living here at Fairchild." The CAIB is chaired by the wing commander and consists of several squadron and group commanders as well as relevant base support agencies. The group meets on a quarterly basis to address issues, concerns and problems everyone at Fairchild faces. The CAIB is expected to reconvene Oct. 18 to discuss Caring For People Forum initiatives. For more information or to contact the CAIB with an idea, send an email to: 92arw.ids@us.af.mil.