Day 2 Recap: Speakers, Focus Groups fill the day

European Command continued the Quality of Life  Conference Monday, March 9.  Speakers included Dr. Shirley Miles, Director, Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA);  Mr. Sam Retherford, representative from Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy and Jacey Eckhart, a motivational speaker,  syndicated militarycolumnist, and author of "The Homefront Club." 

The sixty four delegates, who represent a cross-section of each service component, are divided into five focus groups discussing military and family deployment support; youth, teen and dependent education; Wounded Warrior and mental and physical healthcare; single service members; and relocation and housing issues.  Delegates spent Monday morning in focus groups brainstorming ideas and sharing a myriad of quality of life concerns.  By the end of they day, each group narrowed down their issues from several to their top 10.

A reception Monday evening featured an array of hor d'eouves, socializing, and networking. During his welcome remarks, EUCOM Chief of Staff, Army Maj. Gen. Ken Keen thanked the delegates for dedicating their time to be here and said he looked forward to working with them over the next few days. 

The goal of the conference is to build on the accomplishments of the past and to cultivate new ideas for the future. The conference began in 1997 and is the only joint conference of its kind.