{"id":39205,"date":"2023-07-05T19:29:06","date_gmt":"2023-07-05T19:29:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/uncategorized\/2023\/07\/05\/to-thrive-we-must-continue-to-do-more-to-accelerate-change\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T21:18:30","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T21:18:30","slug":"to-thrive-we-must-continue-to-do-more-to-accelerate-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/opinion\/2023\/07\/05\/to-thrive-we-must-continue-to-do-more-to-accelerate-change\/","title":{"rendered":"To thrive we must continue to do more to accelerate change"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As I near completion of my command assignment here at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana<\/a>, I can reflect on the team\u2019s success; but I am also very aware of the areas that remain just out of reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working at the wing level for the first time in 20 years demonstrated to me where gaps exist between policy and realities at the field service level. It demonstrated where change is possible and, with community backing and engagement, progress can become reality for areas critical to the health and well-being of our families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the outset, Five and Thrive<\/a> was an area our team went all-in on, recognizing the importance of these subjects to retention and readiness. It is an area of focus I believe Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, and his wife, Sharene, absolutely nailed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Five and Thrive focuses in on the utmost importance of housing, education, childcare, spouse employment and health care provided for airmen and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Five and Thrive is something we have championed at Malmstrom since the outset, my own family has found it to be extremely important over my 28 years of service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Housing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether buying or renting, competition is fierce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here locally, as we look toward the bed-down of the $95 billion Sentinel project<\/a>, current housing will not keep up with the demand of a growing community. Dormitory housing is at 100% occupancy already, and base housing is always above 95% filled. This creates pressure on families. Our local need for the Temporary Lodging Expense extensions was denied several times by Headquarters Air Force staff, despite multiple housing studies and data reflecting deficits where need exists. With delay, the staff bureaucracy is contributing<\/a> to unnecessary hardship on airmen and has added money out of their pockets as they search for quality housing. Help is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The housing shortage is a burden faced by airmen across the nation, not just in more remote corners of the U.S. The rise in BAH rates<\/a> are only met with subsequent rises in rent. Many airmen face mounting costs and will be pushed out to areas they can afford or will have to settle for less desirable \u2014 even dangerous \u2014 locations. Either option can have an impact on an airman\u2019s ability to fully focus on the mission. More airmen are relying on base housing and are facing longer wait times before housing is available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have also worked with the Air Force Services Center to help them understand the long-term importance of on-base lodging, and not having it would pass on challenging effects to airmen and their families. Additionally, there\u2019s a need to expand the number of pet-friendly rooms, as a growing majority of families have pets. Thankfully, AFSVC has been receptive to our feedback so far. But, a shared commitment and continued investment in these facilities is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In two years, partnering with our phenomenal school liaison officer, the Great Falls superintendent of schools and the community of Great Falls, we introduced a pilot pre-transitional kindergarten<\/a> program, enabling education for young children, and off-setting childcare needs. Programs that will allow high school kids to get school credit and early childhood development experience if they work in our center are also in the works.<\/p>\n\n\n\t