Commander's Corner

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DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Commander's Corner is a forum for the Dyess community to make suggestions or voice concerns about Dyess directly to Col. Glen VanHerck, 7th Bomb Wing commander. Each week the Dyess Public Affairs office solicits questions via the official Dyess Facebook page, offering people an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers directly from the wing commander.

QUESTION

When's the subway coming and where?
Col. Glen VanHerck
Col. Glen VanHerck		   RESPONSE

Tyler - The process of opening of a Subway restaurant is currently in the initial planning stages. The planning stage is projected to be complete by the end of 2013, though we've been advised by AAFES that planning may carry into 2014. The new Subway will be located where Robin Hood and Anthony's Pizza are currently locat...ed. The AAFES Food Manager can provide updates if needed and he can be reached at 692-8996. Hopefully this answers your questions. 
 
QUESTION

Why is replacing the paneling on our front porch and taking care of wasps, yellow jackets and other bee families not important enough for maintenance after calling and calling?
Col. Glen VanHerck
Col. Glen
VanHerck		   RESPONSE

Mel - Thanks for making me aware of the issues. The Housing Office strives to provide the best possible service to our Dyess housing residents and to ensure that any outstanding issues are resolved in a timely manner. Maintenance has informed me that they will stop by your house today to assess the situation. If there are bees present they will call Entomology to ensure it's taken care of. However, wasps are the responsibility of the occupant. If you ever feel you are not getting the service you deserve, you can always call and talk to the housing manager. We want all of our occupants to receive the best customer service as possible. We need to be aware if there is a problem, so we can assure the quickest resolution to the problem. 

QUESTION

This is odd, I know....but any chance could get a signed base patch? My family goes back 5 generations in the military, and I myself spent 9 years with the Civil Air Patrol, and have always been a fan of the Air Force. I'm also a huge patch collector.
Col. Glen VanHerck
Col. Glen
VanHerck		   RESPONSE

Cory - I'd be happy to sign a base patch if you can provide one. It's my understanding that there are multiple online companies that would be willing to make a Dyess patch specifically for you, as well as companies that may sell pre-made patches. While I can't advertise for these companies per Air Force guidelines, if you perform a quick online search you should find what you are looking for. Our mailing address is 466 5th St. #107, Dyess AFB, TX 79607.

QUESTION

There are school age children going around ringing my doorbell and running off and opening gates and for those who have dogs have gotten out and recently small children are going around to the houses and selling paper air planes...is it possible that security forces start patrolling the housing again..I'm at my boiling point with my door bell getting buzzed everyday. Thank you.
Col. Glen VanHerck
Col. Glen
VanHerck		   RESPONSE

Jazmin - Thanks for raising this concern. Our Security Forces Squadron conducts housing patrols on a regular basis and will continue to patrol the housing area. Sandy Seward Fish mentions some great advice below. I urge parents mentor their kids about being a good neighbor and for parents to be responsible for their kids actions. We have a fantastic community here on Dyess and this is reinforced by respecting your neighbors, which makes for a nicer and more comfortable place to live.

 
 
QUESTION

What is the curfew for children on base? I know they have a window of time after the Youth Center closes to get them home but can't recall the exact times. Thanks.
Col. Glen VanHerck
Col. Glen
VanHerck		   RESPONSE

Amy - Curfew hours for juveniles 17 and under is 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. everyday. Further, juveniles departed the Dyess Youth Center or any other location hosting a DAFB-sanctioned function concluding after 11 p.m. are the exception to this rule, but the individuals must proceed directly to place of residence.
 
 
QUESTION

How about making sure every one knows that the vehicles already in the roundabout have right of way. That means you need to stop and let them change lanes without having to stop and wait for you to pass because you blew though the yield sign. I cannot tell you how many times I've had to stop in the middle of the roundabout going from housing to gas station and people just keep going and won't stop so I can get over to drive to the gas station. I thought it was just me but my husband and others we have talked to have experienced it as well.
Col. Glen VanHerck
Col. Glen
VanHerck		   RESPONSE

Amira - I share your frustration, it happens to me as well. In addition to the roundabout signs posted on each roadway prior to entering the roundabout, Wing Safety briefs how to properly utilize the roundabout at each Right Start briefing. I took for action after the last Town Hall meeting to ensure that the markings on the road were proper. That is still in work. I've let our Security Forces know about the issue and they will continue to monitor and distribute traffic citations if necessary. Finally, I will engage with Public Affairs and Wing Safety to put together a "blitz" on proper procedures for utilizing the roundabout. In the meantime I ask that you continue to be a good and courteous citizen, maybe it will rub off on others. Thanks for your concern.
 
 
Thanks for all your questions this week - keep them coming!

-Col. Glen VanHerck