Keesler spouses conference topics cover deployments to decorating

Published Nov. 27, 2006
By Susan Griggs
Keesler Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- A spouses conference Nov. 14 provided a cornucopia of information and ideas from a variety of different sources, from the Keesler commander to a pair of home decorators.

Laura Capasso opened the conference by noting it was one day shy of a year since her husband, Brig. Gen. Paul Capasso, took command of the 81st Training Wing. She recalled that in those difficult days less than three months after Hurricane Katrina, her husband's focus was on four specific areas -- taking care of people, mission accomplishment, recovery of vital assets and community outreach.

"One person just can't do it alone," Mrs. Capasso explained, using the metaphor of geese flying in formation to illustrate how important a team effort is for success.

"Birds flying in a 'V' formation create uplift that enables all to fly further than they could on their own," she pointed out. "If a bird falls out of formation, it feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into flight to take advantage of the lifting power of the one ahead.

"When the head bird gets tired, it moves back so another can take its place, and the birds honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

"We have to stand by each other in times of need," Mrs. Capasso stressed. "Whenever we need a boost, there's strength, power and safety in numbers."

General Capasso followed his wife to speak on two topics -- the global war on terror and challenges facing the Air Force and Air Education and Training Command, primarily related to budget constraints.

"It's not your father's war or your grandfather's war," the general said. "We are facing a clash of cultures and civilizations. Our enemies do not accept freedom of speech or that women are equal. They do not accept the existence of the United States and call for the taking of innocent lives of anyone that disagrees with its world view.

"The enemy is committed to his cause and has global aspirations," he continued. "The enemy is very patient and looks for our weaknesses. This war isn't going to end tomorrow.

"I'm concerned that the average American may have forgotten about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks," he added. "It's only a matter of time before it happens again -- maybe five years, maybe 10 years from now. Just remember that your spouses are on the front lines facing these threats to protect our freedom."

General Capasso then talked about the Air Force's current priorities and the growing focus on cyberspace. He said Keesler is a major contributor to AETC's mission of training Airmen, with 26,000 students graduated in the past year.

"Air power saves lives," the general emphasized, noting that C-130 cargo planes are reducing the number of convoys required to deliver supplies in Iraq. He also mentioned "in-lieu-of training" which prepares Airmen to support Soldiers and Marines in areas where manning is inadequate, such as transportation, security, communication, fuels, medical, logistics, intelligence, interrogation, civil engineering and base operations.

"This number is expected to grow over the next two years," he said.

General Capasso also referred to aging aircraft and how funding is being reworked to update the fleet.

"The Air Force's biggest expense is personnel," he pointed out. "Close to 40,000 positions, military and civilian, are being cut through fiscal 2011."

The general said restructuring efforts are under way to maximize what can be accomplished with fewer people.

"We all need to look at process improvements to save time and money, rather than to settle for business as usual," General Capasso stated.

Lt. Col. Charles Dunn, 81st Mission Support Group deputy commander, gave an overview of family housing strategies, particularly the housing construction project, the largest ever in the Department of Defense.

He emphasized that the new homes are larger and have more amenities, with more of a community feel in a natural setting. Higher elevations make homes less susceptible to future storms or flooding.

Between housing and new facilities to replace those destroyed by the hurricane, "In essence, the entire base is being rebuilt," Colonel Dunn said. "It's a domino effect -- as one thing happens, other things happen."

The colonel said phasing efforts attempt to limit families to just one move during the building process, but indicated some families may end up moving three times.

Although a housing construction timeline is in place, Colonel Dunn noted dates can change significantly if more labor becomes available. Then, the five housing construction phases might overlap.

"Labor and material costs are up about 40 percent since Katrina," he said. "Materials have become more readily available, but skilled labor is still in short supply."

Representatives from the housing office explained the rental partnership program, which maintains a list of offbase housing and works with landlords to waive deposits and security fees for military renters. Renters agree to oneyear leases and pay rent by allotment. They reported on the current status of base housing, the process of getting into a house and terminating the living arrangement.

Overviews were given of four groups open to spouses -- the Keesler Spouses Club, open to all military, civilian and retiree spouses, and unit spouse organizations in the 81st Medical Group, 81st Mission Support Group and 81st Training Group.

Youth center director Jeri Peterson outlined clubs, classes, sports, special events and upcoming programs available at the recently renovated and expanded facility.

Airman and family readiness flight officials offered information on programs such as career enhancement, assistance during deployments, financial counseling, volunteer resources, supplemental child care, relocation, transition assistance and the Air Force Aid Society.

Decorators John Folding and Sherry Box provided tips and tricks on small space decorating, particularly in base housing.

Feedback on the conference was positive, according to Lt. Col. Shari Miles, director of staff. She said comments included, "Wonderful experience ... I look forward to future conferences ... There are resources available to me that I wasn't aware of ... Everything was great ... Thanks for the opportunity to meet so many people."

The event was hosted by the 81st TRW, Keesler NCO Academy, airman and family readiness flight and the chapel.

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