CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Comment: I witnessed a military member almost getting hit at the crosswalk on Hill Boulevard at the stop sign by the gym this morning. This area is not lit up enough to see people who come flying out in front of traffic. And then when you make a left on Arthur Drive, the first crosswalk toward the chapel by the hospital is not properly lit. I have almost hit a hospital employee on three occasions due to poor lighting at that first crosswalk. I think both of these crosswalks need to have better lighting. I also feel that members running or walking at dark be required to wear reflective belts. Thank you for looking into this important matter.
Response: Thank you for taking the time to call in and report what you witnessed as a safety issue. Our base civil engineers and safety office visited the area in question during the hours of darkness to determine whether or not any lights were out and, if not, was there adequate lighting for the area. All street lights in the area are functioning properly as designed when originally installed. After looking at the intersection from several angles, we determined the crosswalk area is sufficiently lighted for drivers to see pedestrians in or approaching the crosswalk.
It is important to remember that both pedestrians and vehicle operators have the responsibility to look for each other. It is base policy that Airmen running or walking at dark should wear reflective material. We will make sure to remind all base members of this requirement and hopefully minimize this issue in the future.
Comment: I recently returned from a long temporary duty assignment and was surprised to find we can no longer take food out of the dining facility, e.g., food from the main line. I think this is a big morale issue for Airmen who live in the dorms, members who don't have time to sit down and eat, and those who work-out during lunch and want to get a healthy meal to take back to work. Is there any way this policy can be rescinded?
Response: Thank you for your inquiry into the hot food carryout service at the Dining Facility. Unfortunately, we discontinued this service Feb. 14, 2008. We want every Airman to have time to sit down and enjoy their meal. However, where the mission demands, we offer a "grab and go" alternative for those who are unable to sit and dine in the facility.
We are researching ways to bring back the carryout service to better service our Airmen and their mission. Thank you for taking time to provide valuable feedback on our service and if you have any other questions, please contact the 437th Force Support Squadron food service superintendent, Master Sgt. Melissa Self, at 963-6256.