Community Action Information Board results Published Nov. 1, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Amanda Callahan 319th Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The base's Community Action Information Board convened Oct. 24 to discuss and vote on grants to enhance the base community, as well as other base issues. The programs the grants may provide were based off initiatives established after a town hall meeting earlier this year. The town hall meeting discussed the way to combat alcohol-related incidents, as well as drinking and driving, isolation, depression, and personal relationships. The integrated delivery system took the ideas and created a community action plan. The plan, which is based on maintaining a wingman culture and culture of responsible choices, was recently signed by Col. Diane Hull, 319th Air Refueling Wing commander. "Although we have a small number of social problems here on Grand Forks AFB, we are a family, and we'll work through them together," said Colonel Hull. According to the plan, the 2006 Grand Forks AFB Community Assessment identified three areas of concern which negatively impacted mission readiness: depression and suicidal behavior, community well-being and personal relationships, and alcohol use. The IDS members came up with several different ideas to battle these concerns during three brainstorming sessions after the town hall. The ideas were then transformed into the grant proposals voted on during this week's CAIB, said C.T. Marhula, IDS member. Grant ideas ranged from money to purchase inflatables for squadron or group get-togethers to relationship enhancement training for chaplains (in order to provide seminars to base personnel). In addition to voting on grant ideas, CAIB members also received an update on base social issues, such as domestic violence and crime, along with inputs from chaplains and family advocacy professionals. "These programs will have a lasting impact on the base, and will increase the morale and welfare of the Airmen assigned to the wing," said Marhula.