Commander's Corner

  • Published
  • By 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
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. Michael Bob Starr, 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.

QUESTIONS

Theresa Lane Gauche - There are several street lights out on the main roads, specifically Texas Avenue. They have been out for several months. Will these lights be serviced soon? No rush. Just wondering.
 
Col. Michael Bob Starr
Col. Michael Bob Starr		   RESPONSE
 
Theresa, thanks for bringing this to my attention. I've asked the Mission Support Group to contact our privatized housing partner, Balfour Beatty Communities, and let them know about the street lights needing repair on Texas Ave. I know BBC has been working diligently to fix other lighting issues around base housing, but the recent high winds have prevented some of the repairs from being made, since they need to send a person up in a bucket truck to repair them. If you see any other lights out in the base housing areas please contact the leasing or maintenance office at BBC, so they can add it to the list of items to repair. Thanks again!
 
QUESTIONS

Jasmin Chandler - My question is not really a question. I guess more a look for advice and a vent We have two of the garden plots from ODR rented. Just today I went to pick weeds and water and I noticed all of our waterhoses were cut in half again. Both mine and my plot neighbor Elicia Bartoos hoses as well. This is really upsetting as we put lots of time and money in gardening. The frustrating part is, same thing happened last year. Plus our veggies being torn out of the ground, bean poles being knocked over and other stuff being messed with. We did report it to security forces. The person handling it pretty much told me there is nothing they can do. Everything looks so deserted out there no wonder people mess with it. And if it looked cleaner and kept up a bit better maybe people would be less likely to mess with it. Well yeah maybe, but there is nothing I can do to get people to rent out the other 36 plots not being used. And there is no way I can make sure this whole area is nice and taken care of. Plus maintained or not, it does not give whoever it was a right to destroy our things. This was done on purpose. And I am willing to bet it was the same people as last year. Should I report it to SF again? Is there anyone who could maintain all of the plots to give them a better look? Is there a way to close of the access road leading to Washington loop? I am sure its kids or teens coming from over there. I doubt anyone would walk the main road all the way there. Then again I don't know, I have no idea who did it. I am just so disappointed, sad, frustrated and mad that we are out of money once again. The whole situation is so disheartening and I am really clueless on how to keep this from happening again and how to save all the crops we put our time and money in to Thanks for listening and thank you for taking your time to
answer to all of our whines, complaints and questions.
 
Col. Michael Bob Starr
Col. Michael Bob Starr		   RESPONSE
 
Thanks for letting me know about this, Jasmin. First, if you haven't already done so, please file a formal report with the 7th Security Forces
Squadron. You can call them at 696-2131 to get this process started. I've already asked the Defenders of the 7th SFS to increase patrols in the garden plot area to deter criminal behavior, but it's still important to document any vandalism discovered on Dyess. I have also asked the Outdoor Recreation manager to increase the monitoring of the garden plots to detect and deter criminal behavior, and identify problems sooner. Outdoor Rec will also look to clean up the area and see what can be done to make it more appealing. I'm sorry you and your friend had to deal with this unnecessary behavior, and I hope these steps will mitigate future problems. Thanks again for your concern.
QUESTIONS

Stacey Salas Elsing - My question is how come there all of a sudden is a time limit on playgrounds? No playtime after sunset and no dogs. Seeing how it is extremely hot now, the only time to play is roughly when the sun goes down. The metal and plastic from the play sets are extremely hot during the day. There are also some parents that work mid shifts. Before my husband deployed we would take nice walks after sunset because it was cooler, we would take our dog for a walk and if it wasn't too dark we would take my daughter to the park. There is already a leash law for dogs. Why enforce such a thing as no dogs at the park? I have seen animals there and if they constantly bark or don't like another dog, the owner leaves. If kids are causing trouble after hours why should my 1 year old have to be punished for that?
 
Col. Michael Bob Starr
Col. Michael Bob Starr		   RESPONSE
 
Stacey, the signs you're referring to were placed by our new housing maintenance provider, Balfour Beatty Communities. They reflect the standard rules BBC enforces at various on-base properties across the nation. The Mission Support Group asked them to adjust the local rules to account for the Texas heat, and BBC has agreed to change the playground hours (and signs) to open these areas between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Also, pets are allowed in the playground parks, just not in the inner area immediately around the playground equipment. BBC will clarify this in the resident guide, and let me say publicly how much I appreciate their flexibility in responding to the needs of our base residents.
 
QUESTIONS

Cady Browne Kendrick - I have a question on the out traffic being shut down. A while back my son had his first allergic reaction to food, face and neck covered in whelps along with itching. On the way to the ER the out traffic was stopped. Luckily within a few minutes of waiting they opened it up while I was trying to figure out who to call. In a situation like that, who would we call if it is not bad enough to call an ambulance, but still need to get to the ER quickly? If an ambulance had to be called would it be able to get out quickly?
 
Col. Michael Bob Starr
Col. Michael Bob Starr		   RESPONSE
 
Cady, I'm glad you raised this question. Should a situation like this occur again, your best bet is to get the attention of the gate guard near the exit and explain your situation to him or her, or contact the Base Defense Operations Center at 696-2131. While your son's condition wasn't an emergency, as a reminder, you can dial 9-1-1 or contact the Base Defense Operations Center any time you have a medical emergency. Operators are on standby 24/7 at both locations, and calling either number will ensure you receive the appropriate assistance or medical aid. Thanks for the great question!
 
QUESTIONS

Michelle King - There are certain automobile rules that vary by state- one that came up recently for us was that Texas (apparently) is a 2 license plate state (required on front AND back of the vehicle)... my husband had been getting through the gate without issue for literally a year before being turned away on his way to work the other day- the complaint? I CAN'T let you on base without a front plate. Where we are from, only one is required- my complaint lies with the clear inconsistency at the gate.... never a problem, until he was refused access to base, making him go home- search for the missing plate (which had been broken off when his truck was hit by a car) - & end up reporting late to his job. I know that wasn't a question, more of a request for more consistency in the gate rules.
 
Col. Michael Bob Starr
Col. Michael Bob Starr		   RESPONSE
 
Michelle, you are correct -- vehicles only need to display two license plates if the state in which the vehicle is registered requires it. As long as your husband was in compliance with the laws of the state his vehicle is registered in, he should have been permitted to enter the installation. However, if his vehicle is registered in Texas, he is required to have a license plate on both the front and the rear, as well as an inspection sticker on the windshield; if any of these requirements were not met, the gate guard was acting in accordance with my policy by enforcing the expectation that our members act as law-abiding citizens. I hope I have provided the clarity you were seeking; thank you for your feedback.
QUESTIONS

Patricia Limon-Rodriguez- With all due respect, I have a question regarding placing an IG complaint as a military spouse. My husband is stationed in Korea while my kids and I are here at Dyess. He will not be assigned to this base until he is done with his yearly tour. Would I be able to file or contact the IG office here at Dyess? Is there anyone who can help me with my Concerns regarding my husband's medical condition and AFPC taking 3 weeks to make a decision without evaluating a current 469? My husband is an outstanding troop, who has dedicated his life and career to serving The USAF but when it comes to a medical condition that is out of his control, he has not been given an equal opportunity to be evaluated appropriately. I greatly appreciate your time and help.
 
Col. Michael Bob Starr
Col. Michael Bob Starr		   RESPONSE
 
Patricia, when possible, we encourage people to resolve issues in the most direct manner possible. In this case, since your husband is stationed in Korea, I recommend that he discuss these concerns with his current chain of command. His supervisor, commander, or first sergeant may be able to explain the AFPC decision-making process, and if needed, advocate on his behalf. If his chain of command is unable to help him, he may also elect to file a complaint with the Inspector General of the installation there. However, if neither of those options are viable, you are certainly welcome to contact the Dyess IG office at (325) 696-1539 or 696-3898. Thanks, and best of luck with the resolution of this concern.