Survey helps develop stronger military communities Published March 22, 2013 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 2013 Community Assessment Survey begins in late March and runs for 10 weeks through May. The survey gathers opinions and needs of military members, including active duty, Guard and Reserve, defense department civilians, as well as spouses of all military members. Individuals from Air Force bases worldwide have been selected to participate in this survey through a random sampling process. This methodology ensures that the data will best represent the characteristics of the base. A notification letter, which includes a link to the web-based survey, will be sent out to the work e-mail address of each military member and civilian selected to participate while spouses will receive a hard-copy notification in the mail. "Our participation is crucial to the success of this project and I highly encourage everyone that has been selected to do their part," said Col. John Rauch, 55th Wing commander. "It only takes about 30 minutes to complete the survey, so please share your thoughts." The survey provides data on seven main areas, including 30 subscales. · Personal Adjustment · Family Adjustment · Individual and Family Adaptation · Community Well-being · Help seeking and Mental Health Stigma · Resilience · Risk Behaviors - Alcohol/Substance Misuse, family maltreatment, suicide behaviors Survey results will be used by base leadership and the Air Force to target resources where they are most needed and enhance the well-being of the community. "Your participation will help us identify Team Offutt's strengths as well as our shortcomings, and ensure we develop a stronger military community in the future." Rauch said. In addition, survey results can directly influence family services and related support activities at local bases and throughout the Air Force. "Many improvements and changes have come about because of this survey, so we hope everyone selected participates," said Jack Sweet, 55th Wing community support coordinator, Community Action Information Board executive director and Integrated Delivery System chair. "We want to make Team Offutt a place where military members and their families feel welcomed, are informed and have the assistance they need," he added. "This survey will help us ensure we do that to the best of our ability." For more information on the 2013 Community Assessment Survey, contact Sweet at 232-8481.