A delegate signs in the morning of the conference. About 100 people came together Feb. 25 and 26 to discuss what's on the mind of those who live and work at Fort Gordon during the annual Army Family Action Plan conference at the Army Reserves Center.

"A lot of issues are local issues," said Teri Ryan, AFAP coordinator. "They all do have merit. Some can go on from here. Others can be addressed through the garrison."

In addition to the 100, there were dozens more volunteers and others behind the scenes who made the event come to life.

The top issues from more than 160 entries were school zoning for military installations, possible expansion of the clothing store to provide for not only the Army but sister services, reducing wait times in the emergency room, extending the 75-day period for household claims for surviving family members and bringing the installation recycling program to fit the Army's Go Green initiative.

The amount of entries was almost triple over what was submitted in 2008, said Ryan.

Issues were divided into five different subject workgroups - medical, dental and Warriors in Transition, consumer services such as AAFES and MWR; Family support, force support and benefits, entitlements and Soldier support.

Photos by Marlene Thompson Delegates discussed their issues and made recommendations for top issues.

Spc. Kenneth Bryan Tucker, who is the interim Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers president, was part of his first AFAP and said he learned a lot from the process.

"We have some very important issues," said Tucker who was on the benefits, entitlements and Soldier support committee.

A cross section of the Army Family is represented at AFAP. Not only are there active duty, but there are retirees, Family members, civilians, dependents and other services represented.

Although he's active duty, Tucker represented an unusual demographic within the category. At 29, Tucker is a widower and a single parent of a toddler.

Because of his circumstances, Tucker has had the opportunity to learn a lot about available benefits and services and said they've helped him greatly.

(Left, above) Delegates share their enthusiasm for the Army Family Action Plan process during sessions at the U.S. Army Reserve Center Feb. 25. Capt. Charles Dixon of the 7th Signal Command said he was not familiar with AFAP until his wife, Beth, participated in last year's.

"Last year, I came to the out-brief," he said.

Dixon said so often Soldiers find the answer to a question is "no," and they just accept that as the final answer with no thought that it could change.

"This gives a voice to everyone," he said.

Vanessa Stanley, Fort Gordon's Army Community Services' chief, said the conference was a success thanks to many.

"We are so appreciative of all the support from our leadership, our sponsors and all of the tenant organizations," she said.

Corporate sponsors included Augusta Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Balfour Beatty Communities, Shane's Rib Shack, Signal Corps Regimental Association and Association of the United States Army.

Session facilitator Gail Fitzpatrick (in center) works with a focus group during the annual Army Family Action Plan Conference at Fort Gordon. Photo by Charmain Z. Brackett