Fort Irwin United States Army Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Esmurria addresses participants of an AFAP Conference breakout group facilitated by Silvia Moreno (center) of Army Community Service here, Oct. 8.
More than 60 Fort Irwin officials and delegates from the community representing the diversity of people working and living here convened to discuss their top 22 concerns about Army and Fort Irwin quality of life issues, Oct. 7 – 8.
Soldiers, family members and civilians comprised the delegates, which divided into two groups for discussing topics and recommending solutions.
“Unlike last year’s conference, when the top issues were about Big Army, attendees this year focused on local concerns,” said Ben Burnette, AFAP program manager.
For example, the youth and teens issues group reported that their top concern was the need for more organized activities in addition to that provided by Fort Irwin FMWR programs.
Another major focus was how the Fort Irwin housing program budget has been squeezed by Army funding formulas for the Fort Irwin area, which has resulted in re duction in housing services.
The AFAP conference recommendations will be studied by a conference steering committee for follow-up and reported back to the community in several months.