SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Here is the next round of Q&As from my most recent Commander’s Call.
I posted these responses and previous Q&A to our wing Sharepoint site and our public website, www.scott.af.mil, for future access and review.
Please keep the questions coming!
Where can you sign up for Green Dot?
Great question, and we’re glad you asked. It is a fast and easy process allowing us to build a team of professionals to address interpersonal violence. The training includes prevention of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking, and it will fulfill the 2016 SAPR annual training requirement. Individuals can view available training dates and register for a Green Dot training online. Please note that there are attendance caps for each session, so all personnel are encouraged to sign up as early as possible to ensure they have a seat for their desired date & time.
Can you have political bumper/window stickers on your POV?
Yes! In accordance with current directives members may display a small political bumper sticker on their private vehicles. However, if you live on base you may not display a large political sign, poster, banner at your residence if it is visible to the public. This prohibition does not apply if you live off-base.
Don’t forget your most powerful tool in a General Election year—your right to vote! If you haven’t already registered to vote or applied for an absentee ballot, register now at www.fvap.gov. Your unit’s Voting Assistance Officer and the Installation Voting Assistance Office are also available to assist—they can be reached at DSN 576-VOTE (8683) or via email at “Scott Vote” (vote-02-02@us.af.mil).
Can Outdoor Rec offer a 24-hour rent option? (If I rent in afternoon, return in afternoon next day instead of by 10 a.m.?)
Scott AFB Outdoor Recreation offers a wide range of recreational items for rent. We currently use a 10 a.m. one day to 10 a.m. the following day rental format.
This 10 a.m. return allows Outdoor Recreation the opportunity to clean & inspect prior to its next use and ensures new customers have equipment available for rent.
Much of our equipment is in high demand and would not be prepared for the next customer unless we maintain a common turn-in time.
Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to seeing you at Outdoor Rec.
Can civilians eat at the DFAC?
Yes, some civilians are authorized to eat at the DFAC. The primary customers of the Dining Facility are enlisted members who reside in dormitories. Accordingly, all enlisted members are authorized to eat in the Nightingale Inn Dining Facility. DoD Civilians on alert status (such as federal civilian police or firefighters) are authorized, as well as those attending a meeting in the facility. Temporary duty DoD civilians receiving a meal portion of per diem are also authorized to use the facility upon presentation of their orders.
We are constantly evaluating the capabilities of our facilities and personnel with the intent of improving customer access and service. Scott AFB is under consideration for a Food Transformation Initiative. This initiative is designed to enhance food service facilities, improve staff training and expand the authorized customers.
There is a possibility under FTI, additional DoD Civilians would be authorized to eat in the Dining Facility.
With all the recent shootings of police officers, what are we doing to ensure the safety of our Security Forces team?
Thank you for voicing your safety concerns. Scott AFB’s Threat Working Group constantly monitors, assesses, and discusses the safety and security of the entire installation to include our Security Forces Team. Over the past two years, we have incorporated additional protective systems and procedures in order to increase base security. Our Defenders have also increased their training and are well-prepared to combat any threat to the base or themselves.
As a reminder, every member of Scott Air Force Base and its neighbors can contribute to safeguarding the installation’s mission, people and families. Security is dramatically improved if we all remain vigilant for potential threats. The Eagle Eyes program is an anti-terrorism initiative that enlists the eyes and ears of all our military and civilian members as well as the citizens in our local communities. If you observe any suspicious activity, anytime during the day or night, Scott AFB members can call in a tip at 256-6000, text tip to 274637(CRIMES) or visit www.tipsubmit.com. For more information on the Eagle Eyes program visit www.osi.af.mil/eagleeyes/.
Can we put some pressure on the railroad company to fix the crossing into Patriots Landing?
Absolutely. As you probably know, Norfolk Southern owns the railroad crossings and is responsible for its upkeep and required repairs.
We have, and will continue to, engage with Norfolk Southern to ensure both the safe operation of trains on our installation and the proper maintenance of railroad crossings into Patriots Landing and across our base.
You may have already seen a notice about the closure of the Belleville gate from Aug. 8-10. This is to facilitate repair of the crossing just outside the gate. Additionally, throughout the month of August, Norfolk Southern will be repairing multiple other crossings including the crossing into Patriots Landing.
What are we doing to improve appointment access for medical care on base?
Thank you for this important question. The main driver for current delays is a provider staffing shortage, however, new providers are on the way. In the meantime, your Medical Home is continuously monitoring access to all of our clinics. We are making adjustments in schedules to ensure we maximize the number of appointments that are available for patients. In addition, we offer alternative methods to access care. MiCare, our electronic messaging system, allows patients to send an electronic message to the provider team. We strive to answer MiCare messages within 24 hours if possible. Also, the Nurse Advice Line—(800) TRICARE, option 1) is available after hours to offer home care advice and if needed, referral to an urgent care center.
How do I book the Showcase Shadow for special events?
Great question! We know how motivating it can be to see our Showcase Shadow around the base, and are always looking for new ways for him to make a difference in your organization. While his agent has informed us about his “Limited-Time Only” availability, continued positive feedback and support may bring him “back from the shadows.” Show your support at #lovetheshadow!