Military and Family Readiness presents helpful program Published Aug. 19, 2008 By Jena Bienia Military and Family Readiness Center ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Have you ever wondered what happens to the concerns voiced by active-duty members when they have issues pertaining to their dormitories, or when Air Force spouses feel they are experiencing "cabin fever" and are seeking activities or services to help them connect with other spouses? The Air Force Community Action and Information Board was established by the assistant vice chief of staff of the Air Force to serve as a forum to discuss community issues that impact readiness and quality of life for Air Force members and their families. The focus of CAIBs at all levels is to identify and resolve issues that impact the readiness of members and their families, promote the perception of the Air Force as a positive way of life, and enhance members' ability to function as productive members of the Air Force community. The wing commander serves as the chairman of the quarterly CAIB meeting. group and squadron commanders, command chief, first sergeants, representatives from the base helping agencies, and community representatives makes up the body of the CAIB. Successful and effective functioning of CAIBs requires grassroot input on the issues affecting individuals, families, installations, and communities. A variety of approaches are used to identify individual, family, installation, and community concerns. Collaboration among helping agencies identify gaps in service, and reduce duplication of effort. Elmendorf recently completed a community needs assessment, in which members and their spouses were encouraged to participate in the survey. These results along with other available data are compiled and implemented in a community capacity action plan, to guide the activities of the CAIB. Every two years, a needs assessment is conducted that compiles input from active-duty members and spouses, thus impacting the services and activities provided on base.