Lawn care in base housing not an option Published Aug. 5, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Chelsea Browning 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Living in base housing isn't the same as apartment life. When choosing to live in base housing, one of the additional responsibilities an occupant agrees to is maintaining his lawn to certain standards. "There isn't really a certain length the lawn has to be, it just has to be neat and orderly in appearance," said Dolores Green, Dyess housing program manager. To help maintain lawns, residents can get equipment such as lawn mowers, weed eaters and grass seed free of charge at the self-help center, located at 233 Texas Street, across from the youth center in base housing. "I cut my grass once a week and edge every two weeks," said Airman 1st Class Jacob Hudson, Dyess housing resident and self-help center customer. The housing office conducts yard inspections on Tuesdays. The inspectors issue citations to those who do not comply with the requirements of Military Family Housing. A copy of each issued citation is forwarded to the squadron commander and first sergeant of the offending individual for their endorsement. "As the 7th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant, I see roughly four or five citations a month from the housing office regarding inadequate lawn care," said Master Sgt. Enrique Alcaraz 7th SFS first sergeant. "I call each of these individuals in, counsel them on their delinquent efforts and explain to them the resources they have to help them, like the self-help store." The housing office reviews the citations of those residents who receive three citations during a six-month period for severity of infractions and repeat failures of the same nature. If there are no extenuating circumstances, the housing management flight will prepare a letter of warning for the 7th Civil Engineering Squadron commander's signature. After receiving a letter of warning, any further discrepancies will be grounds for termination of the privilege to occupy base housing. A policy letter signed by Col. Robert Gass, 7th Bomb Wing commander, states, "Please remember, you are the residents of your government quarters and are expected to maintain them as you would a home you own. Together we can ensure our base housing is kept in compliance with mandatory standards at all times." The military housing lawn care standards are found in AFI 32-6001, Family Housing Management. The self-help store is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about the services and products available through the self-help store, call (325) 793-9800.