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Community Action Information Board's focus is building resilient Airmen

  • Published
  • By Dianne Moffett
  • AETC public affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Air Force's Community Action Information Board wants to make sure Airmen are well taken care of.

Starting at the major command level, CAIB members write policy and collaborate with Air Force leaders to come up with better solutions to elevate individual, family and installation community issues to the AF level, seeking to improve the quality of life for all Air Force members.

Lt. Gen. Douglas Owens, the Air Education and Training Command vice commander chairs the AETC CAIB and Col. Michael D. Brice, AETC/A1 director, is the executive director.

According to Col. Creig A. Rice, the AETC Integrated Delivery System chair, The AETC CAIB produces a Community Action Plan every two years. AETC's next plan is tentatively scheduled for completion in September. "The plan is designed to help the CAIB tackle issues that affect Airmen and have been identified by the Air Force Community Needs Assessment." Col. Rice said.

The Community Needs Assessment surveys randomly select active duty members, spouses and civilians to come up with ways to improve Air Force community services. Results from the CNA are used to help build an appropriate and effective Community Action Plan for each individual installation.

"The best ideas are not going to be generated from headquarters; they are going to come from the ground up," Colonel Rice said. "Getting leaders involved with their people, ensuring they know what resources are available to them, and making their Airmen feel like part of the team increases our readiness," Col. Rice said.

Ms. Felisha Glover, AETC CAIB and integrated delivery system coordinator, said there are many organizations helping Airmen. At a typical base they include: the health and wellness center, mental health clinic, alcohol and drug abuse prevention program, family advocacy program, and chaplains. All of these programs and people are in-place to help Airmen bounce back from setbacks and to deter harmful behavior, Ms. Glover said.

"One holistic approach the AF CAIB introduced is the Comprehensive Airmen Fitness program to improve the well-being of Airmen." Ms. Glover said, "Physical, Mental, Social and Spiritual strength are the main pillars of a comprehensive fitness program and are available to help manage the stressful demands of military life."

The four pillars of fitness are:

· Physical fitness. To help Airmen meet fitness standards and lead a healthy lifestyle which should include exercise, rest and nutrition.

· Mental fitness. Good mental fitness allows Airmen to demonstrate self-control. It requires strong coping skills, a strong self image and helps maintain a positive approach to life.

· Social fitness. This gives Airmen a strong sense of belonging. Socially fit Airmen are able to develop and maintain trusted, valued relationships that are fulfilling and provide an area to exchange ideas, views and experiences. Social fitness also encourages responsible wingmen.

· Spiritual fitness. This allows for a sense of purpose and meaning in life. It promotes well-being by strengthening a set of beliefs, principles and or values.

Tools such as the Comprehensive Airmen Fitness program can help people take control and make life better, more productive, and healthier.

For more information about CAIB and the CAF program, contact Felisha Glover, AETC CAIB/IDS Program Coordinator, at (210) 652-2575.