Commander's Corner

Published Nov. 18, 2013

DYESS AIR FORCE, Texas -- The Commander's Corner is a forum for the Dyess community to make suggestions or voice concerns about Dyess directly to Brig. Gen. 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
Loreal Flannery - What are the rules on base for young children sitting in the front seat of vehicles? I see the tops of little heads riding in the front seat of vehicles quite often on base. I know the state law is 7 yrs old (I believe) just wondering if there are different regulations on base. Thank you.

Jessica White Rawls - I was wondering the same thing.. I called DPS and they said 40 pounds, must be in a booster, and to make sure that the seat is all the way back with the airbags off. They told me it's no different than a child riding in a single cab truck. Are base rules different?

Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck

RESPONSE

Jessica and Loreal - I'm really glad you asked that question, because I want everyone who comes onto this base to understand Texas law as it is applied to children riding in vehicles. All motorists who drive their vehicle on Dyess must follow Texas law. The law does not specify where in the vehicle a child is required to ride - but - the law is very specific that all child-safety seats must be used in accordance to the vehicle's owner's manuals. In addition, all rear-facing seats are prohibited from being used in the front seat of the vehicle if there is a passenger air bag. If there is an air bag, it must be in the off position before a rear-facing seat can be legally placed there. I think it's important to note some manufacturers expressly prohibit using their products in certain seating positions. However, while it is legal for children to ride in the front seat - if done properly - children are more safe if they are properly restrained in the back seat. The state of Texas recommends all children 12-years-old and younger ride in the back seat. All children are also required to be in an age/weight appropriate safety-seat system until they are 4' 9" or 8 years old. If you'd like to view the complete list of rules, please feel free to visit the Texas Department of Public Safety at www.txdps.state.tx.us. Thanks for your questions ladies.

QUESTION
Hillary Combs - Will the grass on Washington loop between Texas and Hunters Mesa be mowed? I know my hubby runs that trail and I've seen families taking pictures out there and other runners, but I'm concerned that if it is allowed to grow up snakes and other critters will move in there and it won't be safe to run that trail or take pictures.

Elicia Bartoo- Hillary we have thought the same thing. Since the new company has taken over they stop mowing up to a certain point but it's still part if housing. We stopped walking through there in the evenings because like you said critters and snakes.

Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck

RESPONSE

Hillary and Elicia - Like you, I also like to take a run or walk in the neighborhood without worrying about Texas critters surprising me on my journey. However, funding cuts in our grounds maintenance contract forced us to make some hard choices on which areas to include in the contract in order stay within the revised budget. Unfortunately, the area in question is no longer being mowed by our contractor. Thankfully, there are still several other areas on base that are more ideal for running or walking - like the airpark, or the running path near the fitness center, where you might be less likely to encounter critters. Even though the area you're referring to is no longer being maintained by our contractor, it doesn't mean that we can't or shouldn't take pride in the way our base looks, and I certainly encourage anyone who wants to go out there with a mower or weed-eater and take the next step to keep Dyess a place where we can be proud to live, work and play.

QUESTION
Christina Kuper - I have heard some talk about a potential off-road/motocross/ATV dirt track being in the making maybe? I have a few families wondering why would this be funded if our library was not funded? I figured you would be the best person to answer this for those families! Thanks

Steve Jebb - In addition to the ATV track, I was told there is an effort to make archery and firearms ranges. Any new developments on these projects?

Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck

RESPONSE

Christina and Steve - Thank-you both for bringing up these exciting, new projects. The first thing I want to mention is that these projects are being driven entirely by volunteers - rest assured we have not and will not take resources from other activities to create or fund these new opportunities. Steve, our new archery range, which was built by volunteers using donated materials, was recently completed and is available across the street from the FamCamp. Christina, several volunteers are working with my folks in the Force Support Squadron and are still in the early planning stages of an off-road/motocross/ATV dirt track. When we get closer to a completion date, we will be sure to publicize this activity. The great news is that use of both of these facilities will be free to Club members, though non-members will be charged a fee. These fees will generate revenue that can then be applied toward other programs here on base, such as potentially re-opening the library. As far as a shooting range is concerned, our 7th Security Forces Squadron is exploring the idea of allowing people to fire their personal firearms at a location on base, as well as establishing a rod and gun club. However, more details on that will be released at a later time. Finally, I would like to add these projects were launched because a couple of Team Dyess members saw a need and stepped-up to make them a reality - so keep the ideas coming!

QUESTION
Carly Rose - Thank you for taking the time to reach out to the airman of the base and especially spouses, using this type of forum. I've read many good questions and just as helpful and informative answers. Recently, past couple of weeks, I've noticed some cars at the main gate haven't had their IDs checked. I was behind a car just the other day and saw they didn't show their ID, maybe because they work with or are friends of the Security Forces people at the gate. I didn't want to say anything to the guards, some of them can be a little intimidating, but if this happens, people just being waived through, doesn't that defeat the purpose of the 100% ID check? Also several weeks ago around 4:30p-5:30p (I don't remember the days), I noticed that the out going traffic was stopped at the gate for at least 15-20 minutes while traffic coming onto the base was allowed to continue. This has happened on more than one occasion, I was wondering if there was any reason for it, or if it would become a regular thing? Again, thank you.

Elicia Bartoo- Since the topic of the main gate was brought up, it reminded me of some occasions in the past couple months where the gate guards have held up traffic while chatting with people in the cars. I have been behind these cars with my windows down and can hear their conversations. It's definitely not directions but socializing. All the while a line of cars backed up. I don't like tattling but obviously there are some issues going on with the gate guards lately being way too laid back I guess you could say. This is a military installation after all.

Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck

RESPONSE

Carly and Elicia - Thanks, Carly, for those kind words. I enjoy interacting with the members of Team Dyess in this way, because I think it promotes open and honest discussion. Taking care of our Airmen and families is one of my highest priorities, and receiving feedback from them helps me quell concerns, identify trouble areas, and improve the quality of life for the members of our command. So thank you for your participation in this forum! Now for your questions - I have mentioned before, I have a 100 percent ID check requirement at Dyess. Security Forces personnel and DoD gate guards have no discretion on this matter. With your question Carly, concerning the front gate being closed, sometimes Security Forces will close the outbound lanes in accordance with their procedures for responding to certain incidents on the installation. I want to assure you this is done in the interest of public safety and security. Once the situation is resolved the lanes are reopened. Elicia, I expect all Airmen assigned to Team Dyess to be professional at all times while performing their jobs. As I drove through the gate last week, I observed the lack of professionalism that you mention from our Security Forces personnel and immediately corrected that individual. I've also spoken with the squadron commander to ensure these individuals are held accountable - this behavior is completely unacceptable. If you continue to see this behavior, please let me know. I want to ensure that we have professional, dedicated Security Forces personnel protecting and defending our military installation. Thank you both for raising these concerns.

QUESTION
Mary Collins - I have an agent badge because my daughter has a military I.d. My badge has no restrictions as far as shopping at aafes and commissary. Usually I can buy whatever I want, from clothes to dog food, even a bottle of wine! But this week I was told at the bx that I could only buy things that are child related. I'm confused because I've been shopping for months without issue. Can you tell me what the rules are here? Thanks!

Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck

RESPONSE

Mary - Thanks for asking your question on this forum. As you might be aware, authorizations differ for the various agent badges. In your case, you are qualified to shop at both the commissary and the base exchange. However, purchases are limited to those that are child-related. In other words, if the clothes you're purchasing are for the child, that purchase is permitted. However, the bottle of wine, which is not considered a child-related purchase, isn't permitted. If you have any further questions about the locations you're authorized to shop and what you are allowed to buy, please feel free to contact our administrative professionals in the Force Support Squadron at (325) 696-2960. Thanks for your question.

QUESTION
Brianne George - My question is about how we're planning to take care of our dorm residents this holiday given the DFAC shutdown. I am still fairly new, so I apologize for redundancy if this question had been addressed. However, I would like to be aware of/involved with making sure our enlisted Airmen have a great feast as they usually do for the holidays! Anything "cooking", sir?

Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck

RESPONSE

Brianne - Welcome to Dyess and thank-you for your concern for our dorm residents - it's great that you are jumping in and becoming active in the base so quickly! To answer your question, our First Sergeants are already hard at work to ensure these Airmen are being taken care of. Earlier this week, all of the First Sergeants contacted the Airmen in their respective squadrons to find out their plans for the Thanksgiving holiday and get a count of how many dorm residents would be interested in a meal if one is prepared on base. Those numbers have been compiled and communicated to our Force Support leadership, who will ultimately advise me on the way ahead. If there isn't enough interest to warrant preparing a meal for Airmen on base, we may explore other avenues, like the Adopt-an-Airman program. If you're interested in helping or volunteering in any capacity, I would suggest contacting your unit's First Sergeant. He or she can keep you in the loop on any developments to this plan. Please keep in mind that dorm residents currently receive a basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) in their monthly pay. This allowance is provided to offset the cost of a member's meals. When Airmen receive a BAS, we are unable to provide free meals with appropriated funds and would have to charge a fee in order to provide this service. As I mentioned, once our Force Support leadership develops a recommended plan, I'll be able to make an informed decision on the way ahead. Keep in mind that while we are making certain our young enlisted folks have a place to go this holiday, they may not be the only group of Airmen without family nearby to share the holidays with - I understand that this Thursday our Company Grade Officer's Council is organizing a Thanksgiving dinner for young officers, as well. And finally, looking ahead to the December holiday season, I am excited to announce plans for the Annual Dyess Cookie Drop, orchestrated by the First Sergeants Council. If you would like to donate cookies to be delivered to our dorm residents, you can drop them off at the base chapel between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Dec. 12. Thanks again for your question, Brianne.

QUESTION
Donna Doss - I had a question about the Child Development Center. Lately it has been very cold in the morning and the kids are still being taken outside. I overheard one of the staff members tell a parent who was asking if they are going outside tell them that they have to as long as it is above 35 degrees. Is this true? On this particular morning the wind was blowing so hard everyone was running in the building to get out of it just to be told that their children were being taken right back outside.

Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck

RESPONSE

Donna - Thanks for your question. Our local Inclusion/Exclusion Weather Policy mirrors the policies of the Department of Defense, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and Caring For Our Children. The policy is approved by the 7th Medical Group Airman and Family Services Flight Medical Advisor and states: "Cold weather consists of temperatures from 33°F to 49°F, including wind chill factors, during which outdoor activities may continue provided the child has adequate cold weather clothing, which includes a coat, mittens, close-toed shoes with socks, long pants, and a hat. When children do not have adequate closing, their parents will be notified to bring the items to the CDC. When temperatures are 32°F or below, including the wind chill factor, outdoor activities will be discontinued." In addition, if children are brought to the CDC without proper clothing, the Center has jackets that can be used until the parents provide the CDC with their child's items. Parents can always contact the Chief, Child Development Programs, Ms. Kaci Harrison at 696-4337, if they have any concerns or questions. I hope this answer alleviates some of your concerns!