FORT BENNING, Ga., (Dec. 2, 2015) -- The Fort Benning Garrison hosted the Facebook Virtual Town Hall Oct. 22 for residents and employees of Fort Benning. Topics included bugle calls, speed bumps, housing, Fort Benning's role in Operation United Assistance and topics related to living and working on Fort Benning.
GARRISON:
Q: Can we get speed bumps in New Custer?
A: Please provide the street names that are of concern. We can conduct a speed assessment and make the best determination on the appropriate actions to take. We have conducted a speed assessment in Davis Hills and are currently coordinating for corrective actions to be taken.
Q: What should we do if we encounter a security officer at the gate that's really not doing their job (i.e. Pretending to scan the ID)?
A: There are times when the guards cannot scan all IDs. We have also encountered issues with the system not reading IDs, which is why we are upgrading the equipment. We take safety and security seriously and change procedures and requirements periodically to ensure this. Not knowing the specifics of your situation, I feel confident in the actions of our guards.
Q: I've heard some talk that the back gate of Benning may start closing at night. Any truth to this?
A: If you are referring to Eddy Bridge, there are currently are no plans to close that Access Control Point.
Q: Are there any plans in the works for glass to start being recycled on post? I had been separating into a container and bringing to a recycling bin near the library, but I was told that those were just going into the regular trash. With how much glass every household produces, it would be wonderful to know that it's not being thrown into a landfill.
A: We appreciate your comment. Unfortunately, in the region we are in, there is no market and no demand for recycled glass. However, we have launched a pilot program to look at ways to minimize materials going to landfills, and we will certainly be looking at other options for glass, too.
Q: Did I hear correctly that the bugle calls will come through the speakers several times a day? If so, what times?
A: Fort Benning will sound the following bugle calls at the times indicated. Weekdays: 0555-First Call; 0600-Reveille; 0800-Mess Call; 1700-Retreat and To The Colors; 2045-Tattoo; 2100-Taps. Weekend: 1700-Retreat and To The Colors. Bugle calls are part of history that honors our nation while continuing a tradition as old as the U.S. Army and builds on the pride and sense of community.
Q: What is the plan to finish the new sidewalks along Blue Field, Green Field, etc.? Seems like activity stopped about 20 feet from each road surface.
A: We are currently waiting on the electronic sensors for the crosswalk warning lights before pouring the final section of concrete. This project should be completed by early January.
Q: What is garrison's viewpoint on the Ft. Benning Pet Rescue media controversy regarding the surrendered dog, Spot?
A: This issue is potentially under litigation and it would be inappropriate for us to comment; however, Fort Benning has an established policy that covers pet ownership.
Q: I was wondering why we have such an issue with people not getting their packages in the mail or mail not being delivered to the correct person.
A: We have been made aware of this issue and are currently working with the Post Office to resolve it.
Q: I just have a safety request that I have noticed. When leaving the Sand Hill gate to head to Columbus, in the cold months it tends to ice over. Last year I almost lost control of my car and hit the wall. Could we please make sure these cold months it is salted or sanded for safety? Thanks.
A: Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We will notify our roads crew to pay special attention to this area this winter. Furthermore, you can also call the DPW work order line at 706-545-2135 to report the problem whenever it occurs. Regards, Directorate of Public Works
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATION:
Q: When will we know what school Loyd Elementary School students will attend next year? Also, what is the reason for school closing?
A: The decision was made to close Loyd School due to the declining enrollment within the Fort Benning Schools. A reorganization plan is being developed based on parent responses at the school open house meetings. The Fort Benning Superintendent has been involved in discussions with the base command in making the reorganization decisions. Each school webpage has a link that parents can use to submit questions. These questions will be answered and posted on the school webpage. A decision will be made on the school assignments based on all stakeholders input. The New McBride School has a capacity of 650 students. A definite decision has not been made at this time for the students living in Custer Terrace to attend Stowers School. We are continually monitoring enrollment of all schools. A decision will be made in late January or early February. Time spent on a school bus is certainly a factor and will be reviewed. Additional busses will be considered if necessary to assure a reasonable transport time from home to school.
MWR:
Q: Fort Jackson runs a 24-hour child care for IET cadre based on extended hours that drill sergeants and AIT platoon sergeants work. Is there any consideration being given to establishing a similar capability at Benning or potentially running a pilot program to determine the cost-benefit of doing so?
A: Yes, we offer Family child care for folks like you, who need child care outside traditional hours. Give us a call at 706-545-2079 for more information.
Q: Will it be possible to get a Froots on Main Post outside of MCoE?
A: A review of all restaurant operations are conducted annually for customer patronage, and at this time, the expansion of the Froots brand to additional locations is not planned. We are currently in the process of adding a Boston Market in the food court, Feb 2016; an Arby's with the new Airborne Express, May 2016 and a new Domino's, Jan 2016.
Q: Other posts have amazing USO centers on post (Riley and Bliss as examples). Why is there not a center here? They offer so much to our military community.
A: We do not have a USO representative on Fort Benning to answer that question, but I'm sure they have a Facebook page. It may have to do with our proximity to Atlanta, but I cannot say for certain.
Q: Just an AAR comment from this past summer. Mondays are rough during the summer here - neighborhood pools and the Family Entertainment Center are closed on Mondays during the summer. Any way to stagger the two?
A: MWR actually staggers our MWR pool closures to ensure all pools are thoroughly cleaned and there's always at least two outdoor pools open on any given days, barring problems of course. When the Breezeway Pool is closed, join us at Carey Pool or on Kelley Hill. We will address the Family Entertainment Center opening on Mondays, but every time we've tried that, it was not used.
Q: Wondering if there's any plan to put nets at the end of the driving range, near the new running trail on 1st Division Rd?
A: We're looking at the possibility, but cannot move forward until construction is complete. I wish I had a solid answer for you, but thank you for bringing it to our attention.
Q: Can you tell me if we're ever going to get a Zaxbys on Fort Benning?
A: Yes, we will have a Zaxbys soon on Main Post. Thanks for asking.
Q: When is Sayers Library moving?
A: Sayers will close up shop in early December and relocate to Building 2784 on Sightseeing Road until the new library opens next year with twice as much space.
MACH:
Q: How come the bathrooms at the hospital do not have handicap buttons on the doors?
A: The new hospital was built to all the latest standards and codes, but unfortunately automatic door openers are not required by those codes.
However, the American Red Cross has volunteers stationed at the main entrance of the hospital and we understand that they would be glad to assist personnel with access to public restrooms, the parking garages, or any other areas where accessibility is an issue. If you have a specific area of concern, please send us a private message and the hospital command will address the issue.
Q: Just wondering why I can't get any response for my ICE complaints at the hospital? The patient advocate won't even call back.
A: I apologize on behalf of the hospital. Please message us your telephone number and we will look into this matter.
HOUSING:
Q: I live in Custer and I have no real backyard for my kids to play. I can't even put a small trampoline in it but I have this big side yard but I can't even use it because it is not fenced in. Can't always go take them to the park. It's not really fair to my kids when some backyards are big enough to put a trampoline or a swing set in it and my kids have to go without and I know I'm not the only one with this issue.
A: The Villages of Benning understands that the layout and landscaping in some yards may pose a challenge for residents wishing to have trampolines and/or play sets. Exceptions have been made to allow trampolines on side yards in these instances. Please contact your management office so they can look at the yard and make an assessment.
Q: Would it possible to look into acquiring covered benches for the school bus stops around the Custer neighborhood?
A: This topic has been discussed during the mayors meetings and at this time there are no plans for covered bus stops.
Q: The residents who moved into brand new homes in Custer did not have their walls primed prior to them painting the walls with flat based paint so if anything gets on the walls and you try to clean it no matter what the paint comes right off, so now most are beginning to PCS and have been told the walls need to be paint ready, so how do we do this? Just rub all the paint off? They cannot be cleaned!
A: The only time a resident is expected to prime their walls is if they have painted the walls a different color. In addition, The Villages of Benning is currently offering an "As Is" move out incentive, which would require the walls to be painted as one of the conditions of the incentive.
Q: My input missed the last mayors meeting, so this is new. Can we have at least one infant swing installed at the swing set in Upatoi?
A: This is something the Villages of Benning will look into. The request has been brought to our attention and follow up information will be presented at the next the mayors meeting.
Q: Has there been any discussion as to when Davis housing will get a community center? I have a friend who says that housing has been saying they were going to build one for five years now. Just wondering if it will ever happen.
A: At this time there are no plans for a Community Center in Davis/Bouton Village.
Q: I would also like to know if we could get some "real" playgrounds. There is a swing set, and two play areas that look more like modern art exhibits, and one very small toddler play area. A couple of benches at the swing set would be nice. They were requested a year ago and still nothing.
A: At this time there are no plans for additional playgrounds. During the last mayors meeting benches were discussed and The Villages of Benning is currently working on this request.
PX/COMMISARY:
Q: Are there any plans to establish a nursing mothers area within the PX and/or commissary?
A: Within the Post Exchange the Dressing Rooms are designated as the Nursing Mothers area. If additional space is needed please contact the store management team for assistance.
We are working on providing a space in the ladies restroom for nursing mothers. POC is Ms. Arrie F. Carson, Store Director, Ft. Benning Commissary. Ms. Carson's phone number is 706-544-3965 x351.
Q: There is an excessive amount of spoiled food in the commissary. I've spent a lot on vegetables only to find them spoiled the next day. Is there anything being done to correct this problem?
A: We apologize for your inconvenience. Please bring the product back and we will give you a full refund. Once the product is returned back to the store, Management is made aware of the problem and it will be addressed to our distributor on the quality of the product.
Always feel free to contact the Store Director, Ms. Arrie F. Carson at 706-544-3965 x351 to discuss any issues you have at any time, or contact our Assistant Commissary director, Mr. Samuel Somerville, at 706-544-3965 x307 to discuss this question.
Q: Have you looked at the Fort Bliss on-post shopping complex called Freedom Crossing which is connected to the PX and provides great shopping and restaurant choices all convenient on post for here?
A: In 2016 a Branding Upgrade will be completed on the existing Main Post Exchange complex forecasted for March - October. The addition of Boston Market is expected to be completed by February 2016. Master Planning has a Town Mall complex forecasted for the Main Post in the process.
Q: How are we doing with acquiring toddler shopping carts at the commissary? The ones with the steering wheels?
A: The toddler shopping carts have been ordered but no shipping date at this time. POC Is Ms. Arrie F. Carson, Store Director. Carson's phone number is 706-544-3965.
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