JOINT BASE LANGLEY EUSTIS, Va. –
In an effort to provide a supportive community network to Fort Eustis families, the Army Support Activity hosts monthly residential working group meetings.
During the meetings, installation community members work with leadership to address issues, bring up ideas and gain understanding of changes affecting Fort Eustis.
"There is a need to create a network between residents in order to communicate issues and challenges better, so we can find solutions to those problems," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ricardo L. Sierra-Guzman, Fort Eustis-Fort Story ASA commander. "We're listening and trying to take action within the financial limitations we have. The idea is to make Fort Eustis a better place for everybody."
Throughout the meetings, residents ranging from families of E-1 to O-9, meet with installation leadership and subject matter experts to go over security, events and community concerns and ideas.
Since the first meeting in August, the group has worked to address issues involving revamping the installation dog park, improve base housing maintenance services and response, adding speed signs to housing areas, providing more childcare services, pest control improvements and other safety concerns.
Sierra-Guzman added that while the meeting addresses issues , it is not only about problems, but also how to do things better, including working to host activities brought up in the meeting such as a flea market and date night with childcare provided.
For Candace Cartwright, Fort Eustis Spouses Club president, maximum participation is essential to the success of the group as well as Sierra-Guzman's vision of making Fort Eustis a premiere installation.
"If this is your community, you need to be a part of it," said Cartwright. "This improves our quality of life on base. If leadership doesn't know the problems going on, then they can't correct them, and this gives them all of the information they need."
According to Sierra-Guzman and Cartwright, attendance isn't necessary to be involved, but community communication is vital.
"The more informed I am, the better I can pass on reliable and accurate information to someone who may not come to the meeting," said Cartwright.
"The purpose is to create a network and find community leaders that can gather topics from their neighbor and bring it to us, so we can work to find a solution so if we have one or two active representatives from each community then we can really make this a better place," added Sierra-Guzman.
For those interested in an active group to discuss ideas and concerns, the next working group takes place Oct. 3, at 5:30 p.m., in Bldg. 501.
For more information, contact Sierra-Guzman at 878-7800 or
Ricardo.l.sierraguzman@mail.mil.