FORT BENNING, Ga., (Nov. 5, 2014) -- The Fort Benning Garrison hosted the Facebook Virtual Town Hall Oct. 22 for residents and employees of Fort Benning. Topics included the opening of the new hospital, Fort Benning's role in Operation United Assistance, and topics related to living and working on Fort Benning.
GARRISON:
Q: Is this town meeting only online or can you see it in person? When is the next one taking place?
A: This is a virtual Town Hall. We will be here answering your questions until 7:30 p.m. You can participate within the comment thread of the post that interests you, or you may call in with a question by dialing 706-545-5019. If you are unable to participate this evening and have a question, please send our Facebook page a private message and we will respond as soon as we can. Our next virtual Town Hall will be sometime in January. We appreciate your interest in the Fort Benning community!
Q: My question is why aren't neighborhoods and the schools handicap friendly? My son was in a wheelchair for several months. He had to drive it in the middle of the street because the sidewalks are not handicap accessible I'm sure there are not only children that could use this, but Soldiers that are injured. The neighborhood claims to have handicap accessible homes, but how accessible are they if they can't get to the sidewalk? The schools on base also do not cater very well with heavy doors that cannot be opened by someone in a wheelchair. The buttons that you have to buzz to get in the school are placed too high for someone in a wheelchair. Luckily, my son is out of a wheelchair for now, but there are children that never will be out of one and Soldiers also! Why isn't there an advocate for ADA concerns?
A: Fort Benning strives to provide accessibility for handicap individuals. We will contact you directly to resolve your concern and meet your needs. We have an EEO office that will address ADA concerns and our Exceptional Family Member Program Systems Navigator which advocates for these concerns. The EEO office can be reached at 706-545-1872 and the EFMP Systems Navigator can be reached at 706-545-5516.
MARTIN ARMY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL:
Q: Is there a pediatric phone number or a nurse number when you have questions about your kids' health?
A: We have the Nurse Advice Line available 24/7 at 1-800-TRICARE.
Q: We were informed upon calling the After Hours Care Clinic at the North Columbus Home that due to the fact that we have standard we would have to go somewhere else. Is this true?
A: Yes. The After Hours Care Clinic at North Columbus Medical Home is open to all TRICARE Prime Beneficiaries with a valid military ID card (including active-duty, except initial entry training Soldiers).
Q: Will they have patient guides at the open house?
A: Yes, patient guides will be available.
Q: My neighbor deployed to help on the Ebola front. What is Fort Benning, specifically MACH, going to do to ensure the safety of not only personnel on post but also the community? Will these Soldiers be quarantined for the minimum 21 days? Are any doctors there qualified to treat Ebola in case any Soldiers or civilians get Ebola due to this deployment? Will Fort Benning let the community know their plans?
A: As part of the standard reintegration process, Soldiers will be quarantined for 21 days, while simultaneously completing all other reintegration requirements at a redeployment location to be determined shortly. All of our providers are qualified to treat Ebola Viral Disease to include up-to-date, specialized Ebola identification and treatment protocols. We will keep the community informed of our plans to screen for potential Ebola exposure, and treat as needed.
Q: Is the leak of medical information from the suspected Ebola case being looked into? There is a concern that your medical workers are discussing patients private medical issues with their spouses or friends. It seemed that the Internet erupted before any news station or release from the post, stating they heard from their friend that works at the hospital or their spouses that work there. I know that my trust with privacy at the hospital is now lacking.
A: Yes, this matter is being looked into. The patient's identity was never compromised. Much of this information and misinformation originated outside of the hospital.
Q: The lack of available appointments at the hospital for routine care is outrageous. What is the cause of this, and what is being done to fix this?
A: Our access to care rivals any system of health nationwide. We continually strive to obtain better access to care. We fully understand as you navigate the health care system, that it may not feel that you are being serviced satisfactorily. We would love to help you navigate our health care systems. Please contact a patient advocate at 706-544-1817.
Q: Is there going to be any type of literature or flyers sent out about the layout of the new hospital?
A: At the beginning of our new venture, we have concierge services available to assist in helping our patients find their way. There is also a new patient guide coming out soon, which will be available at the new hospital, as well as a tri-fold brochure. For more information, please call 706-544-2041 or 706-544-2042.
CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ADVISORY CENTER:
Q: I would like to voice my disappointment in the spouse preference program and the job availability for spouses. I am a registered nurse and have applied multiple times for posted positions and taken all recommended steps in the job application process. After all this effort, I have not had one call for even an interview for a job on post. I think the post should do a better job facilitating an easier transition for spouses.
A: The PPP program has been very effective at placing our military spouses. In the last year, we have placed approximately 200 spouses. Spouses must apply through a vacancy announcement on www.usajobs.gov to receive consideration. The process itself is competitive. We are currently hiring for MACH and we need nurses with experience such as yours. Please contact our CPAC office so that we can ensure you are applying correctly and uploading the required documents.
Q: Where can I find information on the PPP program?
A: You can get information by visiting the CPAC Job Information Center located in Building 6, Room 134, on Main Post or by calling 706-544-3374. The office is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
TRANSPORTATION OFFICE:
Q: Is having a government credit card now mandatory for PCS moves, and does it take the place of DLA?
A: Yes. The new policy, dated July 25, 2014, states the Individually Billed Account also known as the Government Travel Charge Card will be used for all official relocation expenses. The exception would be for personnel who are exempt. Please contact the transportation office for information on exempt personnel. However, if an individual is exempt from mandatory use of the IBA/GTCC, he or she may elect to apply for and use the travel card on a voluntary basis. This does not replace DLA. The purpose of DLA is to partially reimburse a member, with or without a dependent, for the expenses incurred in relocating the member's household, and is not connected with the mandatory use of the government credit card for PCS.
DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC WORKS:
Q: Is there anything to be done about the intersection of Vibbert and Ingersoll? There really should be a light put in or someone to direct traffic during the busy hours. Most people aren't courteous. There should at least be a four-way stop put in so people turning get the chance to turn without having to almost run people over to get out of McDonald's.
A: Thank you for your comment. We will refer this to the Fort Benning traffic committee to see what changes can be made to this intersection to make it safer.
Q: I would like to address the issue at the intersection of Custer Road and Sand Hill. Coming off of Sand Hill onto Custer there are many accidents. I was hit just this month. I have lived on this post for many years and see many accidents each month here. Can this area be reviewed to see if something better can be done to lessen the accident rate?
A: Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. The Directorate of Public Works concurs that Custer Road needs to be upgraded in order to make it safer. This year, our engineers are developing a plan to improve Custer Road. That plan will include improvement of intersections (to include turn lanes where needed) and bike paths to make the road more pedestrian friendly. However, funding for these types of improvements is extremely limited. We will make improvements as funding allows.
Q: We live in Custer Village and cannot walk anywhere or run. I wish there was a sidewalk down Custer Road so I could take my kids for a walk to the gas station or go for a run and not worry about traffic. I saw two girls almost get hit Monday.
A: Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. The Directorate of Public Works concurs that Custer Road needs to be upgraded in order to make it safer. This year our engineers are developing a plan to improve Custer Road. That plan will include a bike path to make the road more pedestrian friendly. However, funding for these types of improvements is extremely limited. We will make improvements as funding allows. The section of Custer Road that you have identified is one of our top priorities for creating a bike path.
Q: Do you plan on repaving the parking lots at the post exchange? You can't see where the line is to park and it's the same way at the minimart by the Burger King.
A: The Directorate of Public Works has an annual program for re-striping parking lots and roads. We agree that the roads around the main PX are in need of re-striping and we plan on doing that this coming year. We will also take a look at the parking spaces in the areas you mentioned in and prioritize them accordingly.
Q: The yellow and white lines need to be redone on 101st Airborne Road heading to Fort Mitchell. With zero street lights and barely visible road markings it's a death trap. It's really bad around that big curve about one mile in from Highway 165, and right before you get to the bridge that takes you to the gate.
A: Thank you for bring this issue to our attention. The Directorate of Public Works has an annual program to re-stripe roads when needed. We will re-check this road and prioritize accordingly. We would like to add that we are in the process of making a major improvement to the intersection of 101st Airborne Road and Highway 165. This should improve the safety for motorists entering and exiting the installation.
DIRECTORATE OF FAMILY AND MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION:
Q: I was wondering why there are no tennis courts on post and is there a way to get them?
A: There is a tennis court located behind Carey pool on Main Post.
Q: I have noticed since moving here that the on post child development centers are not equipped to take on children with severe special needs. As an example: my son is 6, nonverbal, and has severe autism and he could easily run out the front doors if I put him in the school age center. Because of this I always have to find sitters on post. I would really like my son to have the option of being in a center. Are there any plans to set up a part of the school age center for kids that are runners?
A: Please contact Parent Central at 706-545-2079, and we can arrange for a Special Accommodations Evaluation.
Q: At the last town hall meeting several people asked about having an hourly daycare at Smith Gym instead of at the child development centers. Whatever happened with that? I would be more than willing to pay for child care at a gym or as part of my gym membership.
A: We are thrilled to announce that we have been given permission to construct a child care facility next to Smith for our guests. We don't have a date for you yet. But we'll keep you posted on the Fort Benning MWR page. We are opening a new hourly care center beside MACH Nov. 3. That will help temporarily until we complete the one at Smith.
Q: Can we look forward to more "date nights" with child care in the future?
A: You bet! Look for information coming soon on Lobster Night for Valentines, Monte Carlo Night, the Mother-Son Ball and the Father-Daughter Ball.
Q: When will MWR start passing out free tickets to the WWE Tribute to the Troops Dec. 9?
A: We will send an email as soon as we have them. Stay tuned to our Facebook page and be sure to register for our email updates at www.benningmwr.com.
Q: How about increasing visibility of recycling containers at large events on post (Oktoberfest, 4th of July, Wetherby Field, etc.) and at the various fields across Post (i.e., Smith track, French/Blue Fields, etc.). I see way too many plastic bottles and aluminum cans on the sides of fields or in overflowing trash cans next to food vendors. It could be a funds-generating option.
A: We agree that it is a great idea to promote recycling at large events such as Oktoberfest. We will bring recycling trailers to Oktoberfest and we will consider doing the same for other major events.
Q: Why are the classrooms in most of the child care centers so outdated? We still use books with cassettes, there are no interactive whiteboards for preschoolers and generally there is a lack of technology use.
A: Technology has been available in our child development programs for several years. Technology is present with classroom computers workstations, digital cameras and printers. The presence of technology enhances investigation, social involvement and builds self-confidence. Our School-Age and Middle School/Teen programs have the advantage of having an instructor/Program Associate Technologist to facilitate the learning experience.
DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES:
Q: Has anyone addressed speeding in housing?
A: Please provide us with specific times and locations for suspected incidents of speeding. We can conduct targeted enforcement campaigns.
Q: I think certain ACPs should be restricted again to visitors. Sand Hill should be for employees and residents only. If you pushed basic training Family traffic through the Main ACP it would help there a lot.
A: As we implement increased vetting requirements, visitors will become restricted to I-185 and Harmony Church.
Q: Today I saw a vehicle drive through my neighborhood, the driver speeding and on their phone. An MP passed them and did nothing.
A: If you ever see a military police vehicle doing something that you note as incorrect, you should contact the Military Police Station and submit a statement so that we can document the situation and take corrective action.
Q: Is something going to be done about the speeding in Bouton? Despite the fact there are multiple speed limit signs people still blow through over 15 mph.
A: If you can tell us the specific locations and times you see this the most, we will conduct a targeted enforcement campaign.
Q: Will Fort Benning continue to be an open post or are there plans to make it a closed post, using decals again, military I.D., etc.?
A: Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 mandates that we begin conducting National Criminal Information Center checks of all personnel entering post that do not possess a Military I.D. or CAC card. We will soon begin notifying the public on how this program will be integrated at Benning. No decals are required but expect much more detailed vetting of all personnel entering the post.
Q: At the back gate, the I.D. check isn't consistent. They don't check to see who is in the vehicle and if the face matches the I.D.
A: When this occurs, please take down the name of the individual and call the Military Police Station at 706-545-5222. All of our security guards are trained annually on the physical security requirements. To assist us, it would be helpful to provide us with the individual's name to correct the situation.
Q: Could consideration be made in installing speed bumps in residential communities on post? I can only speak of my village, McGraw, but cannot fathom that ours is the only one with this ongoing problem.
A: National Fire Protection Association 1710 stipulates that fire response must be accomplished in 7 minutes from call for service. Speed bumps slow fire response and damage fire trucks. Please provide the location, time and date and we will conduct a targeted enforcement campaign.
Q: Is there anything that can be done about barking dogs before quiet hours? My son's bedroom is right next to my neighbor's back yard and the dogs bark for hours and wake him up
A: If this occurs before quiet hours, please notify your local village management team. If it is during quiet hours, please notify DES. The Garrison Regulation 210-5, Paragraph 3-3, Quiet Hours, states that quiet hours will be observed from 10 p.m.- 8 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from midnight-8 a.m. on Saturdays. If the dog is barking during this time period, you may call the military police or your housing office.
Q: Could we also have more patrols or a flashing speed limit sign on Kessler Road right past the Wisteria Lane corner? Cars turning onto Kessler from Craig are known to speed in both directions to and from Merrill Drive.
A: Thanks for the information. Our Police will conduct a digital survey of this area to effectively target speeders better.
HOUSING:
Q: Why are workers allowed to paint windows closed? I live in a historic home and getting my windows open is a pain. I'd gladly endure a week of dust to have windows that work.
A: Prior to move-in, all windows are checked to ensure proper functioning. However, due to humidity and additional environmental factors, windows can stick shut. If you are experiencing this or are having difficulty, please contact maintenance at 706-685-3929.
Q: Is there a way to come up with an exception to policy so sergeants with 3-plus kids can apply for housing at McGraw, Patton or any of the big enlisted houses? The Indianhead houses are very nice but with a big Family comes the need for more room.
A: Residents are welcome to submit exceptions to policy; however, all villages are designated a specific rank band in conjunction with Garrison policy.
Q: We recently had meters installed on main post historic housing. Are you going to make repairs to leaky doors, gaping holes, broken fireplace dampeners and other energy wasters before you start charging residents for utilities? Also, how will you factor in some families having more members than others in the same area?
A: The Villages of Benning plans to install meters in all homes as part of the DoD "Live Army Green Program" to increase awareness and conserve energy. However, at this time, there are no plans to bill for utility consumption in historic homes.
Q: Are units allowed to do "health and welfare" inspections in privatized housing? At other installations there's a policy letter stating they can't but I can't seem to find anything for Fort Benning.
A: Units are not permitted to conduct "health and welfare" inspections in privatized housing. The Villages of Benning policy requires that residents are given 24 hours notice prior to any inspection and inspections are only conducted by property management.
Q: What is being done about the upkeep of the parks in the villages? Some slides are cracked and broken, some others are missing parts. The gates are broken or bent.
A: Maintenance supervisors and managers conduct weekly safety inspections of the parks and playgrounds. Please contact your village management office with specific issues and concerns so that they can be addressed.
Q: My question would be about a possible overhaul on the parks located in Patton Village. I created a proposal for part of my master's degree and I have already turned it into the Patton Housing Office. Is there anything in the works for the parks in Patton?
A: Housing strives to constantly improve resident amenities, such as playgrounds and tot lots. Housing has received your feedback and will take it into consideration for future plans.
Q: My question is about housing. Why must we be treated like children and have inspections? I understand doing the furnace and dryer vent inspection but the flyer says to check for housekeeping also. If my house was stinky and nasty and my neighbors turned me in I could understand but that's not the case.
A: The Villages of Benning conducts preventive maintenance inspections and inspections to check life safety equipment. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents. Inspections for any other reason are only conducted when an issue has been brought to management's attention. Our goal is to ensure our residents are living in a safe and comfortable environment. Without having specific details we are unable to provide you any additional information at this time. However, please contact the Community Director, Kathy Barry at 706- 685-3939 to resolve this concern.
Q: Why are there not fire extinguishers placed in each home? This is the first installation we have been at that does not equip the homes with fire extinguishers for safety purposes.
A: In some cities and states this is a requirement. However, our local code does not require fire extinguishers in each home. For the safety of our residents, we prefer that rather than having our residents fight fires on their own, that they vacate the home immediately and call 911.
Q: I live in the historical homes on main post. We have a fire suppression system that doesn't work. What's the point of having it in the home if it's never serviced? Mine hasn't been serviced since 2003.
A: The systems are inspected twice annually through preventative maintenance inspections, and once more through life safety inspections. If you are experiencing issues with your system, please call maintenance at 706-685-3929.
Q: What's the status of the recycling program in housing?
A: All materials, to include the cans, have been ordered. Upon receipt and distribution of the cans, housing will commence the recycling program. The expected date is no later than Dec. 1.
Q: Are work release prisoners still going to be the ones to collect the recyclables from homes?
A: Yes, work release prisoners will be used to collect the recyclables from homes. However, they will be accompanied by a correctional officer, and an escort will be provided by the MPs.
Q: Why is it the housing list so long for E-6 and above that need a 5 bedroom?
A: Unfortunately, the Villages of Benning has a limited number of 5 bedroom homes and they are in very high demand. Therefore, the wait time for 5 bedroom homes in all rank bands is considerably longer than that of other size homes. This issue has been identified and considered for future renovation plans.
Q: I would like to know if the driveways and designated parking spots for the lower Baltzell Avenue houses could be extended for two cars. I have seen a few long enough except for us at the end toward Lumpkin Road. We don't have the option of front parking like Sigerfoos and we have to kind of block our own concrete slab so the neighbor across the narrow road can get out of their drive way without hitting our vehicle.
A: At this time, there are no plans to extend parking spaces in that area. However, your comments will be taken into consideration.
Q: Will we be able to pick up paint again at the Self-Help Center? It would be nice to touch up our quarters each spring.
A: The Self-Help Center currently only provides paint within 30 days of move-in for touch-up to address any blemishes that occur as furniture is moved in and around the home. If residents wish to conduct touch ups in the home after that time, the Villages of Benning can provide residents with the color codes for Sherwin Williams, so residents can purchase paint locally. However, please keep in mind that even with the color codes, each batch of paint is slightly different and may not be a perfect match.
Q: Will there be updated parks and or parks added to other housing areas? I noticed Custer had all these pocket parks and a new park that even has a soccer field while the other housing areas have maybe one or two parks if that.
A: Yes, the Villages of Benning has a goal for all residents to have playgrounds within a 2-minute walk from their home. This is a long-term goal and typically playgrounds are added during the renovation/construction phase in each neighborhood.
Q: Is there a possibility of adding a small dog park to each neighborhood? The two available are wonderful but terribly inconvenient for those of us not living on main post. I also realize available funding may be limited. However, it would be nice to walk to a dog park instead of loading our beast into the car.
A: Dog Parks are located in McGraw and Indianhead Villages. MWR also hosts two large Dog Parks, one on Carpenter and one on Blue and French Fields off 1st Division Road.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATION ACTIVITY:
Q: What day is Christmas Break and how long will it be for?
A: The Fort Benning Schools holiday break starts on Dec. 20 and students return Jan. 6. The holiday block leave for Soldiers in training is Dec. 19-Jan. 3.
Q: I'm wondering about special education policies for DoDEA schools. I need some assistance and am getting nowhere with the school special education person, and not getting responses from the superintendent here on post. Who can I turn to next?
A: Please contact us at 706-545-7276 for specific assistance and we will be happy to assist you. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Q: I was wondering if there is anything that can be done for before and after care for pre-K students at the elementary schools? Parents that have a job or go to school have no way to get their children to school. Why is there no option for people in this situation other than not allowing their child to go to school.
A: DoDEA schools do not provide before or after school child care. However, School Age Services/CDC offer before and after school care.
Q: CDC only offers before and after care for full-day students, there is nothing offered for the part-day pre-K. Is there anything that can be done?
A: We do not have a before-and-after part day program, but we do have Strong Beginnings, which is a kindergarten readiness program which can be a full day option. Give us a call at 706- 545-2079, and let's see how we can help.
ARMY CAREER AND ALUMNI PROGRAM:
Q: Why is it that Soldiers in B Company, 2-69 Armor on Kelley Hill are not allowed to ACAP until six months before separation?
A: The only answer to the question is that this can only be a possible restriction from the command. All must register at 365 days prior to ETS. Then, within that 12 months, they must complete workshop and all other VOW Act requirements. As long as they register in time, the commander can dictate when they take the other requirements as long as all are done before separation.
EDUCATION CENTER:
Q: My question is regarding scholarships for spouses. I am currently a full time student, and my husband is an E-3. The government thinks that as an E-3 he makes enough money to almost fully support my college tuition. Are there any scholarships/grants that Fort Benning offers to the spouses of their Soldiers for a bachelor's degree?
A: Please call the Education Center at 706-545-1774 or 706-545-3093. If there is any type of scholarship available, they can let you know. There is the Post 9/11 GI Bill transfer for Family members, however your husband must have six years of eligible service and must agree to serve an additional four years from the date the request is submitted. The Michaels Organization (The Villages of Benning) also offers a scholarship for military Families. Please visit www.villagesofbenning.com for additional information. Also, the Community Spouses Club offers scholarships for Family members. http://fortbenningcsc.org/community-outreach/.
COMMISSARY:
Q: Is there any way to enforce a more professional appearance and attitude with the baggers at the commissary? There have been some very rude and very disrespectful people working there.
A: We apologize for any rudeness you have encountered in the commissary from baggers and cashiers. The management staff needs your support to help combat rude behavior you observe during your shopping visit to the commissary. Please contact Mr. Somerville, Assistant Store Director, at 706- 544-3965, ext. 307, and provide the bagger's number (located on your grocery receipt) or the cashier's name when you observe rude behavior or inappropriate conversation from baggers or cashiers. You can also go to the Customer Service Office and ask them to page the manager on duty.
ARMY AND AIR FORCE EXCHANGE SERVICE:
Q: Why is there only one gas station that sells diesel? There is at most times only two pumps that function correctly. It's very frustrating having to wait to pump at the only pump that has diesel, when people 1) Just run into the store for goods or 2) Pump gas, when there are plenty of open gas pumps.
A: Yep, we do only have one diesel pump, which we closely monitor. Unfortunately at this time, the amount of diesel use on post does not warrant the installation of additional diesel pumps. We regret any inconvenience this causes you, but will continue to monitor the demand for diesel. If the demand becomes greater than one pump can handle, we will look closely at our options to install additional pumps. Thank you for your input.
DENTAL:
Q: I would like to address the lack of dental care for the Families on post.
A: Dental service for Family members are provided through dental insurance that your Soldier must buy and most dentists in the Columbus/Phenix City area accept it. Only Soldiers are provided access to dental care on post.
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