Service members, civilians, spouses can take 2013 Air Force Community Assessment Survey Published April 9, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Timothy Young 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 2013 Air Force Community Assessment Survey began Air Force wide April 5. The CAS will be administered to randomly selected active-duty service members and their spouses; reservists and their spouses; civilian employees and, for the first time since the survey started in 1998-1999, guardsmen and their spouses. The survey plays a key role in identifying where resources are needed most to enhance the well-being of the entire Air Force community, said Erik Christensen, 99 Air Base Wing, community support coordinator. "It helps the leadership of Nellis and Creech to see what our unique challenges are, and then develop actions," Christensen said, "We take meaningful actions based upon the results of the survey." Active-duty service members, reservists, guardsmen and civilian employees will be notified by email to participate in this survey. Spouses will be contacted by postcard with an invitation to participate. Each invitation will include a link to the online survey. Christensen said the survey is an opportunity for someone to be honest without fear of retribution. No personal identifying information is linked to responses. This means no one will be able to link any aspect of the responses to any participant. "The survey will be used to make changes that truly benefit Airmen and their families," Christensen said. Opinions and comments made from the previous waves of the Community Assessment Survey have directly influenced support activities and family services at Nellis, Creech and other bases throughout the Air Force, he said. Policies and programs impacted by this survey include; better financial counseling programs, better support networks for Air Force single parents, marital support seminars for junior enlisted members and their spouses and job programs for spouses. The overall success of this survey relies on the full cooperation and participation of each survey respondent. Community members are strongly urged to take part in this study said Christensen. Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Air Force chief of staff, said, "Our Air Force is all about people ... caring for Airmen and their families. Please invest some time in sharing your thoughts and opinions on how we can do this better and make our Air Force community stronger." For more information on the survey, call Erik Christensen at 702-652-5791.
