2008 Community Assessment Survey coming to a mail box near you Published April 7, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Sanjay Allen 460th Space Wing Public Affairs BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Randomly selected service members, reservists and their spouses will soon be receiving the 2008 Community Assessment Survey in their e-mail or "snail" mail boxes. The survey is designed to assist the Airmen and Family Readiness Flight, Family Advocacy Program, Health and Wellness Center, Mental Health Centers, Family Member Programs, and Chaplains in assessing community results and improving services to better meet the needs of service members and their families. Air Force community members at Air Force bases worldwide will be randomly selected to participate in the study. A notification letter that includes a link to the Web-based survey will be sent out to the work email address of each active duty member selected to participate. Spouses will be sent a letter in the mail with a link to the Web site. The survey is a way for Air Force community members to make their opinions and needs known. The results will be used by base leadership and the Air Force to target resources where they are most needed and enhance the well-being of the community. The survey is comprised of four factors, including: personal adjustment, family adjustment, personal and family adaptation to the Air Force and community satisfaction. "The 2008 Community Assessment Survey is a top priority," stated Air Force Community Assessment officials at the Pentagon. "It is the best way for us to listen to community members and then provide services to help them meet their needs and the needs of their families. It allows them to express their opinions anonymously so participants can respond openly and honestly to issues that affect them every day." The Air Force Community Assessment Survey has been administered eight times since 1990. Out of 327,000 randomly selected people from five categories -- active duty Air Force, Air Force Reservists, their spouses and Department of Defense civilians (on a pilot basis only), in 2006, 85,000 chose to take the voluntary survey. From the 2006 survey the following behaviors were identified to be problem areas: alcohol and substance misuse, family maltreatment and suicidal behaviors. The Air Force has existing programs to address those areas identified as needing assistance: the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, Family Advocacy Program and Life Skills Support Centers and Air Force Suicide Prevention Program. Survey responses can directly influence family services and related support activities at local bases and throughout the Air Force. In fact, results from previous Air Force Community Assessments have impacted the policies and programs that support families at every level of the Air Force, to include: -- Expanding financial counseling programs to members and their families. -- Develop a user-friendly support network for Air Force single parents. -- Set up marriage support seminars for junior enlisted members and their spouses. "The 2008 Community Assessment Survey provides community members a wonderful opportunity to improve the Air Force Community," the officials said. "We hope those selected will do everything they can to respond to the survey as quickly as possible." This year's survey at Buckley will be particularly important. As part of a Department of Defense sponsored initiative, this year's Community Assessment, along with some supplemental questions, will be used to direct additional resources to help service members and families base wide. Base agencies will be working with researchers to ensure that this year's survey results are used to maximum benefit. If you have any questions regarding the 2008 Community Assessment Survey, please contact your local Integrated Delivery System chairperson, Dr. Anant Jain, at 720-847-9212.