CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Action Line Message:
We just made a PCS to Charleston AFB and are temporarily staying in base lodging. I have some concerns with the mold I have seen growing out of the ceiling as well as the room being dirty. My daughters are waking up coughing and have puffy eyes. My oldest daughter has been diagnosed with asthma. I have asked the front desk about this but they told me they can't do anything about it.
Answer:
In December 2004, our bioenvironmental flight evaluated the presence of mold in B0uilding 330. We will be re-evaluating the presence of mold again this month.
When duty travelers check in and convey a concern for the conditions of the building, the staff offers a full refund and authorization for off-base lodging if other quarters are not available on base.
The Inns of Charleston staff work very hard to keep our temporary lodging facilities presentable and functional for our guests. Building 330, where you stayed, is more than 50 years old and in need of renovation. In order to meet this need, we are programmed for a $300K renovation in September to upgrade all furnishings, carpets, window treatments and wall coverings.
We recognize the need for new temporary lodging facilities for our families and have scheduled an assessment by our Air Force-level experts to review the possibility of constructing new units. Thanks again for bringing this to my attention; we will do all we can to resolve this issue and our lodging staff is standing by to assist you.
Action Line Message:
As an active-duty Airman, I enjoy taking advantage of the opportunities outdoor recreation has had to offer at each of the locations where I have been stationed. I have a question about the possible effects of the new joint basing plan. I ran this question by the folks at the Outdoor Recreation Center and they did not know the answer.
I enjoy hunting and fishing and take the opportunity to do so at North Field and the Naval Weapons Station Charleston when I am able. To my knowledge, any active duty or retired military member is afforded the same hunting and fishing privileges at North Field, and this has been the case on every military installation I have ever hunted. This is not so at the NWSC.
As an active-duty Airman, I am only permitted a class "B" license to hunt and fish in the same area that is open to civilians and the general public for hiking and bike riding. A U.S. Navy or Coast Guard member is permitted a class "A" license, allowing them to hunt anywhere on the installation. This class "A" license allows them access to the more coveted hunting and fishing areas. I thought maybe this was due to security clearance issues, but having talked to other hunters, game wardens and the natural resources manager at the NWS, it is simply a benefit withheld from other active-duty services.
My question is this, will all services be afforded equal privileges with this new joint basing plan and will Air Force and Army members be allowed a class "A" license? Thank You.
Answer: Thanks for the great question; this is one that has caused many people frustration throughout the years. The policy in place was established years ago by the commanding officer of the Naval Weapons Station Charleston as a benefit for the residents and assignees of NWSC. These members have been able to apply for and receive a Category A hunting or fishing permit, allowing them access to all areas of the NWSC grounds.
The good news is that after discussing with NWSC leadership, their commanding officer, Capt. Brennan, has directed his staff to rewrite the policy so that all Team Charleston members will be identified as Category A, including Department of Defense civilian employees and reservists at both locations. Everyone will need to complete the hunter education program, purchase a station hunting license and hold a valid state license. The hunter education classes will begin before the end of June and we will work out some way of getting the schedule published.
We'll be advertising this change in the very near future for the entire base, most likely in time for deer season!
Great question, and it looks like we have a happy ending! As we stand up Joint Base Charleston, we are facing many challenges, and there are bound to be situations like these that will arise as we blend together.