MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Station House Advisory Board met for the first time Aug. 6 in Midrise 658.
The purpose of the board is to ensure a flow of information between the Housing residents, staff and the commanding officer. The HAB plans to work hand-in-hand with Housing management, to resolve difficulties, and to enhance quality of life.
Sally Gilmour, Family Housing manager, commented that the board had been in the works for the past six months.
"Since this was the first meeting it was used to familiarize all HAB members with one another," said Gilmour. "The meeting went great and it looks like everyone will get along, hopefully creating a bond in the future."
In addition to familiarizing all HAB representatives, meetings can deal with some of the quality of life issues.
"This meeting went really well. Problems were brought up but they were not just brought up in a negative way," explained Annette Sprague, chairperson. "The members did not just bring up problems, they also brought solutions for those problems."
"Also the HAB meeting is not just a forum for complaints about housing, this time can also be used to give positive comments about the living quarters," added Gilmour.
Along with voicing positive and negative opinions about housing, attending the HAB meetings is also a good place to get solutions for problems and kick them into gear.
Gilmour also explained some future projects that are in the works to improve quality of life.
"Currently we are working on solving the problem with putting tables back into the community rooms so that they will available once again to families. Having more parking available is also being worked on to accommodate families better," she said.
With only eight out of 22 house members present at the HAB meeting pleasing all community members is difficult.
"I just wish that we would have had a better turn out for the meeting," said Gilmour.
Spargue added that hopefully the information passed in the meeting will entice other members and spread the word on how beneficial the meetings are.
"As more people come to the meetings, I want them to feel comfortable with asking different questions to maximize our quality of life at the Station," she said.