Fort McCoy addresses Army Family Action Plan Conference issues 

      Several Army and Air Force Exchange (AAFES) issues were addressed. Other issues included the lack or limitations of mobilization housing and guest policies, as well as privately owned vehicle use by Soldiers on medical hold and the marking of installation taxis.

      The issues that are considered active include:

• Consideration of expanded Fort McCoy religious programs. The Fort McCoy command discussed the need to build a sense of relationship and community at Fort McCoy by providing community and family life programs for the more than 400 plus military families assigned to this area. It also was suggested that a formal needs assessment be conducted. This issue remains in an active status to help establish these programs for Soldiers and their families.

• Concerns about visibility of oncoming traffic at South Post intersections. The AFAP conference attendees recommended improving the visibility of oncoming traffic from all directions to ensure safety at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Ginger Avenue. The Directorate of Support Services (DSS) has several projects that will be completed to improve the situation. A number of other options were suggested by those in attendance. The issue will remain open while the installation traffic engineers re-evaluate solutions and a viable solution(s) is found and implemented.

• Fort McCoy weather warnings received from Scott Air Force Base in Illinois are given in time and wind speed measurements not normally used by members of the work force. The AFAP Conference recommendation was to make a conversion formula available on the Fort McCoy Corporate Network. This has been completed, according to the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security. The installation commander recommended adding this information as part of the signature block on the weather warnings, which is being worked on.

• A shortfall of adequate housing for mobilized Soldiers at Fort McCoy. Renovation of existing facilities will continue with two buildings per year for the next five years. This will provide approximately 180 renovated rooms.

      The issues that are considered completed include:

• Concerns were expressed about the quality of haircuts at the Army and Air Force Exchange (AAFES) installation barbershop. All barbers working for AAFES at Fort McCoy have a current state license. Input is sought from customers about the quality of the service -- whether it is good or bad in their estimation -- and can be noted on comment forms located in a number of areas in the Post Exchange Mini Mall. Customer satisfaction policy is periodically reviewed with the independent contractor who provides the service.

• (Extended) waiting time at the Post Exchange Mini Mall food concessions. A second cash register and additional equipment were installed to help speed the process, when volume becomes too high for one cash register. Troop projections are reviewed at monthly staff meetings to help plan work load. Additional training was provided to a core group of employees who can be called in to work if patron volume is too heavy. Also, patrons no longer have to sign for debit/credit transactions less than $25, which helps speed the process.

• Fort McCoy Medical and Dental Support. An AFAP conference recommendation is to ensure commanders inform all Soldiers of medical and dental support available during and after duty hours. A memorandum signed by the installation commander was sent to commanders requesting the dissemination of medical information to all staff and students. Military leadership personnel in attendance were convinced this action should solve any concerns about this topic.

• Lack of signs on installation taxis. An AFAP conference recommendation to place signs on installation taxis has been implemented, and the DSS now uses magnetic signs on the taxis. 

• Medical Hold Soldiers requested the same vehicle operating privileges as nonmobilized Soldiers. The installation commander said any Soldier who has a valid license, registration, and insurance may have a privately owned vehicle on the installation as long as they abide by the law.

• Family members wish to visit Soldiers at Fort McCoy. A command policy states family members are not allowed to stay overnight in Soldiers' quarters; the policy will not change. Two buildings in the 2000 block have been designated as quarters that family members may use for visits on a space-available basis.

      Semiannual AFAP forums will continue to be held to review the progress of active issues and make status recommendations on new issues from each annual conference.

      The Fiscal Year 2006 AFAP conference has been scheduled for October 2005. 
Issues and volunteers are being sought by Aug. 15.

      For more information, visit the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Web site at http://www.mccoymwr.com and click on ACS (Army Community Service) Schoolhouse or call AFAP Manager Ann Wermer at (608) 388-2359/3505.

(Submitted by Army Community Service.)