Goodfellow leadership listens Published Sept. 9, 2013 By 1st Lt. Leanne Hedgepeth 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Part two Part one of "Goodfellow Leadership Listens" covered solutions to communication problems in the areas of marketing, commander flow of information to civilians, follow through of information, computer access for students and reaching out to spouses. These concerns covered issues one and two of the list of 10 improvement areas. In addition to communication, the Caring for People forum discussed issues concerning the dining facility, commissary and the base exchange, basic housing allowance, food and entertainment on base at the Taylor Chapel. Team Goodfellow suggested creating separate lines for permanent party and students at the DFAC. Instead of establishing different lines, which would prove costly and difficult to maintain, the base worked on staggering the times students are released for lunch to reduce the congestion. Following discussion on DFAC lines, the forum transitioned to discussing DFAC meal options. Air Force meal standards rotate on a 14-day schedule, which is the same for all Air Force installations. Members can request menu changes. If enough requests are made, a change can happen. Opening the commissary and the base exchange on Mondays, building a larger facility, expanding hours of operation and healthier dining selections on base were also on the agenda for consideration. Department of Defense wide most commissaries are closed on Mondays; size and traffic does not warrant a change at Goodfellow. "The commissary is closed on Mondays for restocking items," said David Sullins, 17th Training Wing community support coordinator. He expressed the difficulty of keeping the commissary open on Mondays. Wing leadership also hosted leaders from the base exchange to advocate for a new facility that caters to a large, young student population, resulting in a priority to try and fund a facility in the next seven years. Healthy food options was another concern. The commissary does offer healthy food options. The facility size and cost of items for sale may not warrant additional options at this time. Another topic of discussion was BAH. The wing submitted an official out of cycle BAH study request to higher headquarters based on the current economic situation and availability of housing in San Angelo. Sullins said the important take away is that wing leadership did look at the issue and made a request. Lastly food, entertainment and more sit-down choices on base were next on the list. Recent changes to the bowling and event centers were made to include meal planning. The 17th FSS will review menus to provide healthier options as well. A new frozen yogurt shop located in the event center contains seating and Wi-Fi availability. In actively discussing these issues in a forum setting, leadership connected with the opinions of the people in attempt to make Goodfellow a better place. (This article is the second in a series on the caring for people forum)
