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Library > Fact Sheets > Commander's Action Line Archive 2010
COMMANDER'S ACTION LINE ARCHIVE 2010
Posted 3/23/2011
Printable Fact Sheet
Street Lights out in Hidden Oaks (Nov. 29)
Q: There are many street lights out in Hidden Oaks, especially on Ash Drive. I'd appreciate someone looking into this, for safety's sake since we are pretty isolated back here.
A: On November 30, the 796 Civil Engineer Squadron exterior lighting crew performed a survey of your housing area and identified several burnt out street and area lights. As you know, Northwest Florida experiences many electrical storms and the impact lightning has on street lighting can be devastating. CES strives to stay up with light replacement, but it is a major chore considering the many thousands of street lights we have on base and frequency of lightning. The good news is a crew is hard at work fixing the lights in your neighborhood and should have them all back on shortly. If you have any other problems with area lighting in housing please feel free to call the CES customer service desk at 882-2477 or Housing Maintenance at 882-8585. They will gladly process a job order for repairs.
Oak Hill Track doesn't measure up (Sept. 14)
Q: According to my Garmin 405 GPS running watch, six laps starting and stopping at the cones the FAC set out equals 1.56 miles (an extra 100 yards)while running on the inside lane. Since the Air Force is weighing so much on individual physical fitness results, I would think the running portion should be as accurate as possible. Would you recommend that PMEL measure the inside running lane?
A: When the FAC took over Fitness Assessments, the civil engineers accurately provided the measurements of the Oak Hill and East Gate tracks. The Oak Hill track is longer, and the distance run for assessments is short of 6 full laps--an exact measurement of 1.5 miles, as the FAC briefs for every test. Due to the increased emphasis on the PT program, the FAC puts a lot of work into being accurate from the start and takes pride in creating a fair program. We want to reassure you that the engineers used USA Track & Field's standard for measurement of the track for our testing.
Anytime you see or hear anything, which concerns you, I encourage you to inform your Chain of Command. Col Nodjomian appreciates your interest in our program. If you have any further questions please contact our Military Programs Liaison, Ben Gleason, at 882-9260 for assistance.
Campers want cable (Aug. 18)
Q: As a frequent resident of the Eglin Camp Robbins Campground, I am surprised, amazed, and disappointed that this campground does not have cable TV access for its visitors. Most campgrounds in the area have cable. Is there any chance of this being accomplished anytime soon?
A: We're proud of Camp Robbins and we'd like to offer all the services associated with progressive recreational camping venues. We focus on providing a high level of basic support for customers and continually reinvest in the program to ensure the basic services are sustained at a high level. Although we'd love to be able to offer cable television hookups for all our sites, the substantial investment required to run cable to Camp Robbins (estimated at over $77,000) makes this project cost prohibitive.
Initiatives like this are supported by the base Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Fund and must therefore compete against all the other MWR-related initiatives for extremely scarce non-appropriated dollars. We do intend to submit this proposal to our higher headquarters for consideration under the cost-sharing program. If approved, the Air Force Material Command MWR Fund would support at least 50 percent of the total cost, making the project financially feasible.
As a frequent camp customer you'll be interested in knowing about a planned improvement based on customer feedback. We'll soon install a wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) hotspot in the camp office, allowing for free Internet access for our guests. Again, thank you for your interest in our program and we appreciate your business. If you have any further questions please contact our Outdoor Recreation Director, Mr. Lee Murphy at 882-3322 for assistance.
Commissary e-carts not accessable (Aug. 17)
Q: The commissary has electric carts for our use, but many cannot get to them from the parking lot, even if a driver drops them off at the curb. I understand the need in today's climate for keeping vehicles a distance from the structure for security, but we need a solution. I'd like to suggest that a small, carport-style open shelter be built to park available electric carts at the curb.
A: The reason the electric carts are not allowed outside of the facility is due to safety issues. Based on manufacturer safety precautions the electric carts are not to be used outside; not to be driven on inclines ramps, uneven surfaces, or in the rain. In addition because the carts cannot be readily seen they are not recommended to be used anywhere around vehicular traffic.
In order to accommodate our disabled customers within safe standards we do provide manual wheel chairs that can be used to transport disabled patrons to and from the facility. To better serve our customers I have directed my managers to store these wheel chairs outside of the facility during operational hours. We also provide shopping assistance as well as assistance in entering and exiting the facility. I have ordered additional signage promoting this service as well as assuring my front end personnel are personally suggesting this service to our disabled customers.
If there is anything further I can do for you, please feel free to contact me personally at 882-5620 or luana.harris@deca.mil.
Tow truck access (June 8)
Q: No one in the Visitor Center told me that the tow truck driver needed a background check on file to be able to get onto the base. Had I known the requirements I could have explained it better to the national office representative of the road service company I had contacted; and avoided the tow truck arriving with no ability of getting to my vehicle. Much time and effort could have been saved if there were a procedural checklist to help the stranded driver.
A: The background checks for Eglin AFB are as follows. Per EAFBI 31-101, paragraph 14.13.3. all non DoD ID card holders to include fast-food delivery drivers, tow truck drivers and taxi cab drivers, will be checked through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) or JPAS before being allowed access to the installation and issued an installation entry pass or badge. Drivers will be required to stop at either the East or West Visitor Control Center to ensure they have proper authorization to enter the installation. Drivers must provide Pass and Registration a valid State Drivers License and a delivery/work-order/pick-up form showing the destination. Once vetted, the driver will be given a pass which will grant access to the installation for each service.
In this regard, to grant access for a tow truck driver onto the installation is acceptable, however, the process stated above for that driver to gain access does not change. The VCC personnel are not required nor do they keep a list of "approved" tow truck businesses. All drivers, regardless of their business, are required to be vetted per EAFBI 31-101, paragraph 14.13.3. Any driver not meeting proper requirements will require a sponsor to meet them at the VCC. VCC supervisors will have the security assistants brief personnel in need of tow truck service on the requirements for base entry and will reiterate the importance of customer service.
Commissary/BX parking lot issues (May 24)
Q: What is the feasibility of numbering or labeling the parking lot of the Commissary and Army Air Force Base Exchange Services? Can signs be placed in the parking lots to identify the rows or some type of numbering system painted onto the parking lot?
A: Your request to label the traffic aisles in the BX and Commissary parking lots has been approved. The 96th Civil Engineers will paint labels on each end of the aisles. They will also install signs on the parking lot and light poles to aid customers in locating their vehicle. Our maintenance engineering element in the 96th Civil Engineer Group will submit a work order for this work. The project will compete for funds from Air Force Material Command and should be a good candidate for end of year funding. If you require additional information concerning your suggestion, please contact our Base Traffic Engineer, Mr. Sam Wall, at 883-0222.
Thanks Eglin hospital (May 5)
Please express my thanks to the entire hospital and command. I had a removal and replacement of defective hardware in a left knee joint. This group has done a great job. There is no place that matches the amount of care and attention given to a person while having this surgery or any surgery. Having at one time been an Army Airborne Pathfinder, I am glad to know this group is in the forefront of cutting edge medicine for the Armed Forces.
Taxi access to the base (March 18)
Q: Is there any way to allow taxis or shuttles on base without having people walk to the visitor center to meet the driver? Is it feasible to offer some type of shuttle service on base to the gate for such an instance? Particularly these questions come from the concern of a handicapped gentleman who had to walk to the gate to meet a shuttle that was picking him up.
A: Taxi cab drivers are allowed on the installation, but need to be screened before being allowed access to the installation. Drivers have to stop at either the East or West Visitors Control Center to ensure they have proper authorization to enter the installation and need to provide a valid state drivers license and a delivery/work-order/pick-up form showing the destination. Once vetted, the driver will be given a pass which will grant access to the installation for each service. Further, any driver not meeting proper requirements will require a sponsor to meet them at the VCC.
You do not personally have to meet shuttle bus and taxi cabs at the gates. As long as they are granted access to the installation, they can come to your place of work and pick you up there. In the event that a business is not granted access to the installation, then you would be required to meet that individual at one of the main Entry Control Point's for transportation. We recommend when you call a particular shuttle company/taxi service, you ascertain beforehand their accessibility to the installation. Many businesses will provide drivers that already meet the requirements to be granted access.
Thanks again for taking the time to address your concern and hope that we've addressed this to your satisfaction.
Suggestion for traffic flow (March 4)
Q: To possibly improve traffic flow into the west gate coming from Shalimar, take the old right turn lane that was originally used for the old hospital gate and put a straight arrow so vehicles could use that lane as well. Currently no one will go into that lane because it's marked with a right turn arrow prior to the traffic light. Having a straight arrow marked on the asphalt would allow for three lanes into the gate area for morning rush traffic and help alleviate traffic backing up from Shalimar.
A: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. The intersection outside the West Gate to Eglin AFB is owned and maintained by the Florida Department of Transportation. Our civil engineers evaluated your suggestion and it will be sent to the FDOT, the responsible authority to approve and accomplish work at this location. We will also provide any recommendations from our traffic study to the FDOT for implementation to improve traffic flow and safety at that intersection.
Golf course fee increase (March 1)
Q: The 10 percent increase in fees at Eglin's golf course only affects the costs to both active and retired members, not civilians. As a gold card member for 20 years, I feel that it is not fair to only raise fees for those currently serving or who have already served their country while civilians are not affected. Also, this increase was not publicized to members. I found out by word of mouth and then confirmed with manager.
A: First, thank you for being a valued gold card member for the past 20 years. Annual fee increases approved by the Installation are across the board and affect retired military, active duty, DOD civilians and contractors. The last annual fee increase was approximately 10 percent, in March 2005. The cost of doing business has certainly increased dramatically during that period of time and golf management has continued to hold down operating costs as much as possible, as well as cost increases to the customer. The Air Force golf regulations do not allow us to offer annual fee options to downtown civilians. Daily fees, which do include civilian fees, were not increased.
To advertise this price increase, the golf course posted signs approximately seven weeks in advance in the pro shop and hallway of the building to inform players. Multiple e-mails were sent to over 900 golfers in our golfer's database six weeks prior to March 2010. Our new web-based internet tee time system offers us this capability and a good way for regular players like yourself to receive course information and updates. I apologize if the information did not reach you.
We appreciate you taking the time to provide us with your feedback and express your concern. If you have any further questions regarding the golf course, please call Mr. John Elkins, golf course manager at 882-2949.
Wood shop supplies (Feb. 25)
Q: Please help the wood shop make proper adjustments in using liquids like wood glue, varnishes and other finishes due to environmental concerns. I understand the need to preserve the environment but the end doesn't justify the means in this case.
A: As a result of an in-depth self inspection, the evaluator concluded that wood shop management was improperly storing hazardous materials in our Arts & Crafts facility, specifically the wood shop. They were directed to immediately remove all items (which could not be properly stored) from the facility and use the correct process of gaining approval to use and store materials of that type.
We've begun the approval process to store and use the top 5 "most used" materials of this type and will expand the number of items from that point (based on need and usage). We expect approvals and to have the items available in less than a month. As a general rule, customers are required to furnish most of these types of materials used to accomplish a wood shop project, just as they are in the auto hobby shop and other similar activities.
Thanks again for your concern and your continued patronage of the Arts and Crafts Center.
Retiree prices at base golf course (Jan. 26)
Q: I recently visited Eglin where I played golf on base. First, let me say that they are very nice courses. Despite that, I came away with a negative impression of this MWR facility. That is due to the cost factor. The cost to play is much less than in the civilian community and the price policy varies in consideration for lower ranks. That is commendable; however, what is not is that you fail to provide a price break for a retiree; which I happen to be. I suspect my retired pay is about the same as a mid-grade enlisted person, yet I had to pay the same as the top rank active duty member. Are you not aware a typical retiree's pay is about a third less than an active duty person regardless of rank? Give me the money a Colonel now makes and I'll be glad to pay without complaint. Otherwise, I'm going to be an E-6 the next time. It will be more in line with my retiree pay check. Shame on you for not considering us retirees in your price policy.
A: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Your concerns are important to us and I would like to take this opportunity to explain how our fees are arranged. An Air Force golf course may set fees according to rank (active & retiree) with approval of the Non-Appropriated Fund Council, made up of representatives across the base. All fees and charges are discussed once a year, voted on by council members, then approved by the Installation Commander. We currently have a pricing structure with 12 levels of fees, based on rank and status. Your rate of $21 per round is well below the daily rates of all area golf courses. Our retiree and active duty fees by rank are set at the same rate, which is in tune with most military courses across the country. We strive to keep our fees as low as possible but also must meet operational expenses and Air Force profit goals. We are proud of our 36-hole golf complex and strive to maintain it in good playing condition while offering great service at a fair price.
We appreciate that you're still loyal to the Air Force Core Value of Integrity First, and smart enough to know that if you're "...going to be an E-6 the next time," your reduced fee will only save you $2. We know you value your integrity more than that!
Anytime you see or hear anything, which concerns you, I encourage you to bring it to our attention. Col Bruce H. McClintock, appreciates your concern.
Handicap parking at commissary (Jan. 25)
Concerned customer #1:
A customer queried the commander's action line that there are currently four handicapped parking spots and one of those is for an employee which only leaves three for customers. This is a violation of the American Disability Act and he would like this issue resolved.
Concerned customer #2
The handicapped employee that has been working at the commissary for 30 years or longer, used the normal parking area as "all employees" of the commissary are required to do. This past week, she has taken over one handicapped parking slot close to the main entrance to the commissary. She has dressed one of the yellow cones with her name and placed weights in it and used the yellow cone to designate the handicapped slot belongs to her only. She keeps the cone in the slot 24 hours a day when she is out to lunch or home. This is most unfair to the military ladies/men who are handicapped and need to use the handicapped parking place close to the store. Several/many handicapped military people can use this handicapped parking place throughout the normal work day. This civilian employee should be required to use the parking area in the "rear of the commissary" as all employees do. Then she is close to the store with no distance to walk. This action of her taking over this close handicapped parking slot should not be allowed. Thank you for early action to "assist many daily handicapped military members" who have been using this parking place for many years.
Commissary 1st response:
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. The Eglin Commissary is under renovation which includes portions of the parking lot. While we renovate, parking spaces to include handicapped parking, have been eliminated or covered over. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act standard for the number of parking spaces we now have, we are mandated 5.72 handicapped spaces to include one that is van accessible. We currently have four handicapped spaces painted with proper signage. In order to meet ADA standards temporarily until the completion of our construction project to include re-striping of all spaces, we have coned off and manually marked an additional four parking spaces-exceeding ADA standards for a total of eight available handicapped parking spaces.
I am sorry the renovation has inconvenienced you in any way and I hope this will resolve your concern.
Commissary 2nd response:
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. The American With Disability Act mandates the number of parking spaces we are required to have at the Commissary. We are mandated to maintain 5.72 handicapped spaces to include one that is van accessible. We currently have four handicapped spaces painted with proper signage. In order to meet ADA standards temporarily until the completion of our construction project to include re-striping of all spaces, we have coned off and manually marked an additional four parking spaces-exceeding ADA standards, for a total of eight handicapped spaces.
The employee you addressed has had her own parking space provided by the base since she lost her leg 25 years ago. This space was also located in the front of the store. During the course of our recent renovation, her parking space was eliminated temporarily. By ADA standards and requirements, this employee is allowed, and the commissary is required to provide her, a parking spot. By law, she is allowed to use handicapped parking as well as the customers. In order to eliminate her using one of the mandated spaces required for customer parking, we provided her with a coned-off employee parking space located to the side of the entrance closer to the exchange. ADA covers all with disabilities both military and civilian. It also designates the handicapped parking will be located nearest to the entrance. We are doing our best to accommodate both our valued customers and our valued employee.
I am sorry that the renovation has inconvenienced you in any way and I hope this will resolve your concern.
Anytime you see or hear anything, which concerns you, I encourage you to bring it to our attention. Col Bruce H. McClintock, appreciates your concern.
East gate gas station traffic flow (Jan 24)
Q: Customers called in with concerns about the redirected traffic flow at the East Gate gas station pumps. The stop sign says "Wait for a pump." Instead should say "Please pull forward to the next pump." Some customers are waiting for a particular pump instead of pulling up to the next available one. This is backing up traffic and leaving certain pumps open for other customers but they're unable to get to them due to waiting in line.
A: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We have adopted your suggestion and have changed the sign. We also added that the pump hoses can reach either side of a car, which should help customers know they can use any pump that is available.
Also, I have asked my management team at East gate to monitor the traffic and direct traffic during peak times if AAFES staff is available. As a reminder, this is only a temporary situation at Eglin's East gate Shoppette and we expect the West gate Shoppette to reopen sometime in April 2010.
As always, thank you for providing us feedback. Comments like this give us a chance to improve the services we provide. Feel free to contact the AAFES General Manager's office at 678-6842 directly if you have any additional concerns with AAFES.
Price of cigarettes at BX/commissary (Jan 13)
Q: Question about cigarette carton pricing at BX/commissary in comparison to SAM's Club.
A: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. As you might not know, the cigarettes at the Commissary are provided by AAFES and then reduced, so that when you pay the DECA surcharge, you actually pay the same prices as you would at AAFES. In Oct 2000, to support the Healthy People 2010 goals, DoD established the exchange tobacco pricing policy, which states that the prices of tobacco sold in military outlets could not be more than five percent below the most competitive commercial price in the local community. This pricing policy has been incorporated into DoD Instruction 1330.9, Armed Service Exchange Policy.
The good news is that we have surveyed SAM's Club and have added them to our list of stores to be surveyed. This will reflect in a price reduction for most cigarettes, and these prices will be effective Jan 12. Previously, the SAM's Club was not part of the survey due to the fact they do not sell packs; we have received an exception to this guidance.
Unfortunately, the price for Winston you quoted was from the SAM's Club Wholesale price list. Our regulations do not allow us to survey wholesale prices. We did, however, survey the retail store at the front of SAM's that sells Liquor and Tobacco products and their price (before the Florida state tax stamp) is $49. We pay federal taxes. The new price for Winston will be $47.17 at AAFES and at DECA $44.93 shelf price (plus the five percent surcharge at the DECA register, for the total price of $47.17).
Once again thanks for bring this to our attention. Now we are offering these products at even a lower price and passing along the savings.
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