AFAP Turns 25: Make a Difference the Army Way!

Image Courtesy of Kimberly Freesland @ www.babycolt.com

Social consciousness is on the rise.  People are mobilizing and showing that just one person CAN make a difference.  No system can be perfect and the US Army realizes that there is always room for improvement; thus the birth and continuation of the AFAP (Army Family Action Plan).

ARMY FAMILY ACTION PLAN

The Army Family Action Plan exists as your (Soldier, Family, Civilian) avenue to bring about change in the Army or the Department of Defense.  You might recognize some of the benefits that have come from this program:

BOSS

SGLI Increased

BAH Increased by 11%

FRG Institutionalization

Family Separation Allowance Increase

AFTB

These are just some of the changes.  Go here if you would like to see more.  So you may be asking: “How do I change things?”  Well I am here to tell you how.

STEP 1:

Find or think of a problem.  Write it down.  Think of the scope of the problem.  Who does it effect?  Write down some possible solutions.

STEP 2:

Submit your AFAP issue online or to your local AFAP Coordinator.  If you don’t know who it is contact your local Army Community Service building and ask.  Don’t know where that is?  Ask me and I will help you find it!

Step 3:

Volunteer at an AFAP Conference near you.  These conferences happen on the Post and higher levels.  Ask your Volunteer Coordinator, AFAP Coordinator or just check the VMIS system at the My Army Life Too link on my sidebar.  Remember that you to can make a difference.  I leave you with a wonderful quote attributed to Margaret Meade.

“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

The Kiss of the Ages

Dear Reader,

Words can never describe it.  It takes your breath away and that is a fair task since you can remember holding that breath for quite some time.  What am I talking about?  The Kiss.  It can be that tender kiss of leave-taking that seals to your Soldier your hopes that they return safely and your kind wishes and regard.  It can also be that unrestrained and passionate lip-lock that lets flow the flood of many months of bottledemotion coupled with the relief that they are home safe.  I start this blog with this point because as of late it has become a focus for the life of the military spouse in the minds of many.  Either we are preparing for them to leave or we are preparing for them to return.  We hurry up….and then wait…and wait.

We wait because we love them.  We wait because we understand their sacrifice.  We understand because we commit our own sacrifices while they are away.  In my time with the military; as a brat, Soldier and Spouse, I have witnessed heroics, yet none have touched me so much as the heroics I have seen while serving as a Spouse. They stand steadfast, resolute and forever in the rear supporting their Soldiers.  For them I decided to write this blog because I want to support my fellow spouses in my own way.  I have some knowledge; I have tripped and fallen, yet I got up.  I want to share what tripped me and how to avoid it, but most of all I want to share that there is a helping hand right here in case someone needs it.

With Regards,

Jeremy Brown