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!
PERSONNEL ISSUES
Is the Employee Assistance Program separate or complimentary to programs already available to military?
Great question! The Employee Assistance Program is a Civilian Personnel Program that is separate, but similar to the services available to military members and their families. EAP provides confidential assessment, referral and short-term consultative services for any personal problem that might negatively impact work performance.
Resources include confidential financial counseling, legal and financial services, health and wellness coaching, stress management, and drug and alcohol counseling. Employees refer themselves or can be referred by their supervisor. For additional information, please contact the Employee Management Relations Specialist at 256-9328, or visit the website at www.FOH4You.com. All EAP resources and referrals are available to DoD civilians and their families through the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 256-8668, or visit the A&FRC website, www.scottafrc.com.
INSTALLATION & FACILITIES
With the Fitness Center under renovation, it now has mostly cardio equipment. Can you bring back some weight lifting equipment? Also, what is being done about the James gym renovation and gnats in the shower room?
Thank you for bringing these concerns to our attention. Due to ongoing renovations, the Fitness Center rearranged a majority of the frequently used weightlifting equipment to the cardio side of the facility (to the right as you enter). Unfortunately, due to limited space, some items had to be placed into temporary storage.
The good news, is we’re in the last few weeks of the project and anticipate completing the renovations by Nov. 1. In the meantime, a great alternative is to use the James Sports Center for weightlifting. They have a large array of equipment, and are open from 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday/Sunday/holidays.
In terms of James Gym renovations, the James Sports Center is slated for minor renovations and upgrades in the near future. We’ll publish renovation information as soon as we have firm dates.
Regarding the gnats in the James Gym shower room, thank you so much for bringing this to our attention. Our Challenge Unlimited cleaning staff was notified of the issue and is addressing it. We also reached out to our Civil Engineering Pest Management team for their awareness and assistance. If you continue to notice gnats or any other cleanliness concerns, please immediately notify a staff member at the facility so we can take the additional steps to correct the problem.
What plans are in the works to address the parking issues on the base?
We understand the frustration of limited parking, particularly in the areas west of Scott Drive. Based on fiscal and physical space limitations, we currently do not have any plans to construct additional parking lots in the near future. In order to alleviate the parking congestion, we highly encourage individuals to maximize carpooling or use the Metrolink for daily commuting. Also, we’re investing over $200,000 this fiscal year to re-seal and re-stripe many of our existing parking lots.
Would it be possible to have more bike racks around base?
Thank you for your suggestion! We will certainly consider adding additional bike racks around the base. There is a possibility we may receive some funding for Quality of Life initiatives, and we will make sure bike racks are prioritized on our list.
I have mice in my office. Can someone catch them?
We can absolutely help you with that! Please contact your facility manager and ask them submit a CE service request with your office information. You can also contact the CE 24-hour customer service line at 256-2202.
MISCELLANEOUS
Why was SAPR changed to Green Dot?
Good question! Just to clarify, Green Dot has not replaced the SAPR program. Green Dot is the first step in the Air Force’s new violence prevention strategy which includes a more integrated approach to preventing interpersonal and self-directed violence such as sexual assault, workplace/family/dating violence, suicide and bullying. While they are not equivalent programs, the Air Force determined that the initial Green Dot training will fulfill the mandated annual SAPR training requirement for 2016.
Is there a base softball team? If not, are there plans to start one?
Thank you so much for the great question. Currently, our Force Support Squadron offers intramural leagues for softball, basketball, football and volleyball. Although we do not currently have a base softball team, we can work with an interested group to help build a team. Recently, we’ve done this with an interested group to build a base basketball team. There are several steps involved with creating a team and our fitness staff is ready to help. Anyone interested in starting a base team for any sport, please reach out to Mr. Eddie Norvall at the James Gym at 256-4524 to begin the process.
Who is your hero?
Thank you so much for your question. I’m very fortunate because so many of my “heroes” are actually in my family, and I turn to one of them (or my memory of them) whenever I need inspiration.
My father was (and still is) someone I look up to and always try to emulate. Throughout my childhood and into adulthood, he taught me that striving for excellence goes hand-in-hand with kindness and commitment. My mother has always been a hero for me as well. Most recently, I’ve witnessed her consciously choose to stay strong for our family and remain creatively engaged with her community after my father passed away. That takes real courage.
Another great example is my sister. She’s a wonderful wife and mother and a recent breast cancer survivor. I have learned so much from her as I’ve seen her choose lightness, happiness, and humor every day, no matter what she’s going through physically. My husband, Dave, has also been one of my heroes for the past 20 years. He is the epitome of selflessness and strength and one of the funniest people I’ve ever known.
My list of heroes could go on and on because I am fortunate to have so many people in my life that inspire me in so many different ways. But, I’ll wrap it up here by saying how grateful I am for each and every one of my heroes as I wouldn’t be here today without their love and support.