TOP STORY>>Base conducted spring Facebook Town Hall

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Col. Patrick Rhatigan, 19th Airlift Wing and installation commander, hosted Little Rock Air Force Base’s second-ever Facebook town hall May 20 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

More than 100 Team Little Rock community members attended the event, presenting hard-hitting issues that were addressed by the commander and base leaders.

As the event kicked off Rhatigan said, “What an unbelievable month we’ve had here at Little Rock AFB! It’s been an extremely busy time, and we’ve faced several challenges, but you’ve accomplished amazing things.”

The commander summarized many of the challenges and unprecedented events the base faced throughout the end of April and beginning of May: the 19th AW major exercise of the year ROCKEX; the tornado that struck the Central Arkansas region; posturing as an initial operating location for FEMA; serving as a staging base for President Barack Obama’s visit to Arkansas; supporting Gen. Robin Rand, Air Education and Training Command commander, his wife, Mrs. Kim Rand, and Chief Master Sgt. Gerardo Tapia, AETC command chief master sergeant, visiting the base to see the integration between the 314th AW and the 189th AW.

Things did not slow down after the Rand visit, as Lt. Gen. Brooks Bash, Air Mobility Commander vice commander delivered the newest C-130J to the Little Rock AFB fleet May 16.

Also during this time, the base had a Family Fest, Sexual Assault Prevention Down Day and Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Lastly, the base welcomed Chief Master Sgt. Rhonda Buening as the new 19th AW command chief and Col. Robert Ator as the new 189th AW commander.

“During all of this, you kept the C-130 combat airlift mission going,” said Rhatigan. “Right now, there are about 250 Team Little Rock Airmen deployed around the globe supporting wartime and contingency operations. Thank you to all our Airmen, families, civilian personnel, retirees and community partners for your support, work ethic and cooperative spirit.”

More than 25 questions were posted, and base leaders answered most, if not all, concerns during the one-hour event. Questions that were not answered were staffed and addressed within three business days. Here are the questions and answers from the event:

Q1: Issue – Medical records support to sister service members & Speeding in parking lots
A1: Most computer systems in the Military Health System are compatible with the other services; however there are still a few that have not transitioned. In those cases we use service specific, hard copy documentation that you can provide to the appropriate officials in your organization. If you have further questions on this, please contact Mrs. Leslie Kyer at (501) 987-8753. Thank you for reaching out to us; we want to ensure that we are providing installation excellence to all DOD members, dependents and retirees.

The speed limit in parking lots is 15 mph, and our security forces do perform random checks on these roads. However, if you ever witness someone exceeding the posted speeds, please call our law enforcement desk at (501) 987-3221. We will also add your concern as a topic for discussion at June’s traffic safety working group. With your help, and the assistance of others, we can all provide a safer environment for our children.

Q2: Issue – Potholes, speed limits, lighting, signage

A2: Though we try our best to identify issues on roads and in parking areas on base, there are times we can’t or don’t see everything. The 19th Civil Engineer Squadron repairs potholes as they are identified and based on funding availability. As you’ve seen there are a number of parking areas and streets that require repair or replacement. We appreciate your patience as we work these repairs.

As far as the potholes, the aging base pavement suffered as a result of this past winter weather. We have two projects awaiting funds this year to repair potholes and replace small sections of pavement on and near Avenue “A”. We anticipate receiving funding for both projects. In addition, we have developed a plan and recently purchased materials to complete some pothole repairs with our in-house work force. The in-house effort will begin summer 2014. These efforts won’t repair all deteriorating road surfaces, but we will continue to identify areas and advocate for funding in the future.

Thank you for your suggestions concerning speed limits in base housing. They will be discussed during the base traffic safety working group, who will investigate further to determine if more speed limit signs and/or traffic devices are required to better delineate speed limits and improve traffic safety. The next TSWG is tentatively scheduled for June 2014.

To address your lighting question, the Little Rock AFB lighting requirement is 0.5 foot candles on average per the Illuminating Engineer Society of North America standards. We realize there are areas on the base where we are not currently meeting this requirement. We are doing our best to comply with these standards minding the balance between fiscal constraints and energy conservation. We are committed to being good stewards of both taxpayer dollars and of our beautiful Arkansas environment.

The area in question by building 718 is considered a parking lot and not a roadway. A 15 mph speed limit sign is posted. However, the base TSWG will investigate this issue further at the June meeting as well. ord against the other gentleman, which makes a bad situation all the more frustrating. And as it turns out, there are no cameras at this intersection... probably one of worst on base for infractions & accidents. Maybe if there were cameras people would obey traffic laws better, the number of accidents would decrease, and accidents that do occur would be very simple to solve.

Q3: Issue – Traffic during wing runs & commissary prices

A3: At this time, there are no scheduled wing runs for the base. The 19th AW public affairs office works diligently to publish notices and reminders regarding runs that impact traffic on the installation. PA uses the base newspaper, Facebook and Twitter to share with the community.

We have coordinated with Defense Commissary Agency to answer your additional question. If you wish, please contact the Little Rock AFB Commissary directly at (501) 987-3203. The DeCA response is as follows: The commissary incurs two major price changes every month; one on the first of the month and the second on the sixteenth. There are typically around 4,000 price changes every time prices change. Of the 4,000 changes about half the prices go up and half go down. Prices do not go up paydays and then come back down. The prices are made between DeCA headquarters and industry representatives.

Q4: Issue – Traffic flow at front gate

A4: We understand traffic flow is a frustration, and as you said, resources are a limiting factor at times. Our security forces defenders try to process the traffic as quickly as possible while still affording the proper level of security for the installation. Sometimes, the traffic queue just doesn’t line up the way we would hope.

Regarding Vandenberg Gate, we open a second lane of traffic during peak traffic conditions to alleviate congestion as much as possible. We will keep working with our SFS team to try and discover the best formula to expedite our folks through the front gate, but safety and security measures remain the top priority at all time. Additionally, the base’s top military construction priority is to upgrade and relocate the base gate in order to alleviate traffic congestion and traffic safety on Vandenberg Drive and Marshall Road. The project is currently unfunded.

Q5: Issue – Storm shelters in base housing

A5: In case of severe weather, we strongly recommend that each occupant remain in place in either their home or workplace. While the risk of being injured by a storm is of concern, a greater risk exists with individuals attempting to travel from one area to another during inclement weather or trying to evacuate to one single location. In case of a storm, we advise all base personnel to seek a room without windows and get as low as possible. At this time there no plans to install storm shelters in base housing. Budget constraints have drawn limitations to many of potential new projects.

Follow up Q5: Issue – Storm shelters in base housing.

Follow up A5: Everyone’s safety is important to us, and we understand your concern. We are aware of the weather patterns for the base and remember the April 25, 2011, tornado that did hit the base. Unfortunately, we do not have the money to build a shelter for everyone. This presents us with several challenges, but we can educate everyone on the steps you can take to protect yourself and families on weather and safety procedures. We encourage you to look at this article and the links within: http://www.littlerock.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123403161; it has quite a bit of information about storm safety.

Q6: Issue – All-women’s softball team

A6: Thank you for your interest in the intramural sports program; they start June 2. There is nothing that prohibits a team comprised of all females playing in the intramural league. Females can participate in the intramural softball program as long as they play with the units with which they are associated. In addition, there are women’s leagues off-base is the local community that are available for participation. Additional information about local women’s leagues can be found by contacting the Jacksonville Community Center at (501) 982-4171.

Q7: Issue – Water pressure in gym showers

A7: Through executive orders there is a mandate for all federal government installations for water conservation (2 percent annually). As part of that effort, the Air Force is using reduced pressure devices on toilets, urinals, facets, shower heads, etc., in order to conserve water. The reduced water pressure in the fitness center showers is a result of the low-flow shower heads. The shower heads are functioning properly and are aiding the base in meeting the conservation goals. The Air Force and Little Rock AFB are committed to protecting the environment; we are constantly looking for environmentally friendly ways to improve the community in which we live and work.

Q8: Issue – Gates at park for child safety

A8: The base has two options for enclosed play. The Child Development Center has an enclosed outdoor playground available to children enrolled in the program, and the Thomas Community Activities Center has an indoor playground available to all. Also, we are currently constructing a structure for 3 to 5-year-olds adjacent to the Warfit Pavilion at the community park, but it is not fenced.

Q9: Issue – Storm shelters in CDC’s

A9: There are no storm shelters on base and currently no plans to build them. Budget constraints have drawn limitations on potential new projects. However, please rest assured that the safety of Airmen, DOD civilians and their families is one of my top concerns at all times. In case of severe weather we strongly recommend that each occupant remain in place in either their home or workplace. While the risk of being injured by a storm is of concern, a greater risk exists with individuals attempting to travel from one area to another during inclement weather or trying to evacuate to one single location. In case of a storm, we advise all base personnel to seek a room without windows and get as low as possible.

Q10: Issue – Update on suspicious activity report

A10: This and all similar reports are of significant concern to me. Please know that our security forces investigators are making every effort to run this incident to ground. We have coordinated this investigation with local law enforcement, the schools and related base agencies. This will remain a significant concern for us until resolved and request you please contact our security forces to report any suspicious activity at our Crime Stop Hotline at (501) 987-6600, regardless of whether it’s linked to a recent incident or not.

Q11: Issue – Base pool closure

A11: We hear you! I was also upset to learn that the pool was damaged. As we were prepping to open it by Memorial Day, we discovered that the lining had multiple tears that occurred due the particularly harsh winter. Believe it or not, the pool is the original construction from 1957, and its foundation has never been upgraded. We are assessing the damage, and until we understand the severity of the damage and cost to repair it, it will be closed until further notice.

The base pool supported more than 6,000 people last summer, so we understand this impacts many families. However, we have spoken to many community pools that offer comparable pricing and even military discounts. Thisincludes the Jacksonville Community Center, Splash Zone for Kids, Cabot Public Pool and Sherwood Public Pools. Please do not hesitate to contact Outdoor Recreation for referrals or more information at (501) 987-3365. Thank you for your patience as we work to provide the best service and facilities to our Airmen and families. Stay tuned for other summer activities and trips by checking www.rockinattherock.com and the 19th Force Support Squadron Facebook page.

Q12: Issue – Day care at fitness center

A12: Currently we do not offer child care at our fitness center. We will research options concerning child care at the fitness center and our force support squadron team will get back to you on this forum soon.

Q13: Issue – Speed limit on Texas Boulevard vs. Arkansas Boulevard

A13: The safety of our Airmen and their families is a top priority. Speed limit determination is based on usage and road design. The speed limit throughout our residential area is 15 mph while the adjacent area is 25 mph. However, the base traffic safety working group will investigate further to determine if speed limits need to be adjusted to improve traffic safety. The next TSWG is tentatively scheduled for June 2014.

Q14: Issue – Sister Service Access to Give Parents a Break program

A14: Currently the Give Parents a Break program is sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society which is the Air Forces’ charitable organization. We’ve previously asked your question of the society and they responded by saying the program only supports Air Force members. Give Parents a Break is geared toward deployed family spouses or families that have been referred by first sergeants, chaplains and leadership due to unique situations.

Q15: Issue – Base housing trailer parking & fences

A15: Hunt Housing occupants are allowed to temporarily park their trailers, RVs, ATVs, etc., at their residences for 24 hours. However, due to limited off/on street parking and the narrow streets, we limit the parking adjacent to residences to ensure we keep roadways clear for
emergency response vehicles.

Hunt Housing does not have a contract with Bees Fence Company; this is the only company in the local area that is currently willing to come on base to install/remove fencing. Residents are more than welcome to contact the Better Business Bureau to report their business concerns. The housing residents can install the fencing themselves; they must remove it when they move out of housing. If a resident does not remove the fence, Hunt Housing leaves the fence in place for the next resident.

Follow up Q15: I was told by housing I could install my own gate; so I did and one day later I got a letter from Bee’s Fence Company informing me to remove the gate.
Follow up A15: A resident cannot install a personally procured gate on a Bee’s Fence. However, the resident can have the Bee’s Fence removed and install his/her own fence with a gate.

Q16: Issues – Dorm parking lot potholes

A16: We have developed a plan and recently purchased materials to complete some pothole repairs with our in-house work forces. The in-house effort will begin summer 2014. These efforts won’t repair all deteriorating road surfaces, but we will continue to identify areas and advocate for funding in the future.

Q17: Issue – Child care hiring process

A17: I can assure you our child and youth programs go through a very detailed accreditation and certification program that ensures the employees we hire meet not only state regulations but also DOD requirements. This includes internal records check, the National Agency Criminal Index, the Central Registry board, as well as the DRU SJODAN system which verifies if any individual is a sex offender. We also work with mental health and family advocacy during the screening process. On-base schools follow their own hiring process; however our security forces complete state and federal checks prior to allowing base access.

Q18: Issue – Loose pets in housing

A18: Hunt Housing recognizes that loose dogs are an issue. Residents are required to keep their pets on leashes or within fenced areas. If you have a specific concern, please contact the housing office at (501) 983-9044.

Q19: Issue – Playpass program termination

A19: The Playpass program was funded upfront with the understanding it would continue until all funding was used up. This year that goal was accomplished. I encourage you to contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center because they continue to provide support through social activities, programs and services. Please see www.rockinattherock.com.

Q20: Issue – Safety of front gate

A20: The base’s top military construction priority is to upgrade and relocate the base gates in order to alleviate traffic congestion and traffic safety on Vandenberg Drive, Marshall Road and Highway 107. The project is currently unfunded. In the interim, we will continue to liaise with local law enforcement to address all traffic concerns outside the base perimeter.

Q21: Issue – Repairs on Highway 67/167

A21: As a result of a recent successful Arkansas ballot initiative, the intersections along 67/167 are in the process of being redesigned by the Arkansas Highway Department. This project will widen the highway from Jacksonville to Cabot and rework many of the most dangerous intersections (including exit 11 at John Harden Drive). These projects will take place over the next two to three years.

Q22: Issue – Base access denied

A22: As a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, your identification card is not a common one at Little Rock AFB. We have reviewed our Air Force Instruction pertaining to base access and have found that your level of authorization does not permit access to DOD Installations. In the future, if you would like to come onto the installation, please go to the Little Rock AFB Visitor Center with someone who can sponsor you onto the installation.

Q23: Issue – Chapel activities

A23: The chapel offers several worship opportunities for Protestants and Catholics on base. They can also provide references and contact information for Airmen seeking other religious or spiritual needs. The chapel offers 100 percent confidential counseling for any military member, civilians and their families. For more information on services, please visit the chapel webpage at http://www.littlerock.af.mil/units/littlerockbasechapel.

Their next big event is Vacation Bible School for ages 4 years through 6th grade. It will be held June 9 - 13 from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Thomas Community Activities Center. Registration for VBS is required and can be done at the chapel Bldg. 950 or online at: www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/LRAFB_Chapel

The chapel works with the base public affairs office to publish upcoming events via the newspaper each Friday, chapel marquee, base marquees, this Facebook page and the chapel’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Rock-AFB-Chapel/236072306468481.

If you have ideas for an event or program or recommendations for local partnerships you would like to see, please do not hesitate to contact the chapel directly at (501) 987-6014.