Town hall discusses hot topics

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  "Why don't the snow trucks get my street?" Is a common question Icemen have and during the recent town hall meeting held Sept. 17, that question and others were answered by wing leadership.

A town hall was held to discuss ways to prepare and enjoy this winter on Eielson AFB. Meeting topics discussed include winter preparation, housing issues, and information on flu vaccinations, as well as, scheduled events for the upcoming winter.

Leadership from the 354th Fighter Wing Mission Support Group were present to address questions and concerns and provide updates on efforts such as construction, winter safety, and winter activities for Icemen.

Also, present were representatives from AAFES and the commissary to answer questions Icemen may have had. AAFES also donated a gift for the raffle that was held at the end of the meeting.

"I went because I had suggestions that could improve the community," said Jennifer Roden, who found out about the town hall meeting through her husband, Master Sgt. Robert Roden, 354th Communications Squadron superintendent.

"It's nice to be able to talk to a person in charge who can answer your questions," added the mother of two.

Town halls are scheduled to be held once a quarter, targeted at major events.

"The meetings are not only a chance to keep people informed, but to have fellowship," said Col. Karlton Johnson, 354th Mission Support Group commander. "At places like Eielson, it's important to get together and see your neighbor as well as pass along information."

"I think people should be at every meeting. We work hard to make it worth our time to set it up, so it's going to be worth theirs to come," the colonel said.

Information isn't only for base residents. Many of the activities are suitable for everyone on the Icemen team and not just those who live in housing with families but single Icemen as well.

"Sometimes people think town halls are for 'townies' or just for families, but they also pertain to Airmen in the dorms. It's a chance for them to ask questions--if they have problems with the dorms or dining facility, we want to hear it," said Col. Karlton Johnson, 354th Mission Support Group commander. "We're going to continue to do town halls and continue to make them relevant to everyone."

Discussed at the meeting were some of the events scheduled for this winter, including Eielson eIeDOL singing competition, Football Frenzy, Sesame Street USO show, Tops in Blue 2010, along with the re-opening of the base ski hill.

Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce members attended to share some of their, "We don't hibernate, we celebrate" mentality and inform Icemen of the many events and activities that are going on in the Fairbanks area during the winter.

Icemen are encouraged to fill out Interactive Customer Evaluation surveys that can be found on the 354th Force Support Squadron's website at www.eielsonservices.com/eafb/. There are more than 30 specific surveys that cover services provided by various organizations on base including the bowling alley, commissary, Yukon Club and Two Seasons dining facility.