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. 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.

COMMENT

Kristina Swartzentruber - Will there be an airshow this year for the base?
 
Col. Michael Bob Starr
Col. Michael Bob Starr		   RESPONSE
 
I regret to tell you, Kristina, that Dyess will not host the Big Country Airfest this year. As you know, 2013 was a difficult year for the Department of Defense; during a six-month period, sequestration restrictions forced the DoD to withdraw support from more than 2,800 civic outreach events. Dyess was forced to cancel our annual air show support and all requests for flyovers, both locally and throughout the country. This year, resources for outreach events continues to be limited, as the total budget for such activities has been reduced by 45 percent relative to pre-sequester levels. However, opportunities still exist for Team Dyess to showcase our people and planes. Please help me spread the word that group and monthly guided tour programs are offered by the 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs office, for people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to access the installation and take a look at our daily operations. For more information on these and other outreach options, I encourage you to visit the link: http://www.dyess.af.mil/basetours.asp Thanks for your question. 

QUESTION

Renee Gardner -Sir, I'd like to piggy back on Mr. Hatchers comment. I work in the OPS building on the 40th Airlift Sq. side. In room 208 we also experienced extremely cold temperatures-51 with a high of 56 in our room for approx 3 weeks. The hall ways and other rooms were warmer then our room. I have worked in this room for at least 5 years and it is a continuous issue every winter. While I am supportive of a policy to conserve energy I can't understand how one room can be uncomfortably cold if the temperature is regulated to conserve energy. CE was contacted with a follow up a few times but the issue was never resolved. We ultimately wore jackets and caps in our office just to stay warm. I just wanted to make someone aware that this is not an isolated incident for just one squadron. I am sure there are more folks that have this issue during the winter. I appreciate your time and willingness to address our concerns. 
 
Col. Michael Bob Starr
Col. Michael Bob Starr		   RESPONSE

Renee, I checked on the status of your request, and CE confirmed that parts have been ordered to repair the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit that helps regulate the temperature in your room. Until CE can resolve this issue, you may ask your facility manager to request approval for the use of a space heater. According to our base energy policy, the Base Energy Subcommittee will approve the use of auxiliary space heaters when extensive redesign is required to correct heating deficiencies (pending an analysis of electrical and safety requirements). Thanks for sharing your concern; I appreciate your feedback!