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Action Line
The Action Line is a direct link to the 21st Space Wing commander. It should be used when other avenues have failed. Concerns should be addressed at the lowest possible level in the chain of command and elevated as necessary. If satisfactory results have not been attained by addressing the chain of command, submit an Action Line by sending an email to: action.line@peterson.af.mil .
Though not required, Action Line users should leave point-of contact information when submitting an Action Line. This will allow those who are addressing the concern to clarify the information and respond, if necessary. Not all responses are published on the Web page; however, if information allows, a response will be rendered in another format.
Offensive bumper sticker (April 25, 2011)
Q: On April 4, I was leaving Peterson AFB through the west gate at 4 p.m., and noticed the car in front of me had a sticker in the rear window. A white male in uniform was the driver. I found this sticker vulgar, offensive, demoralizing and totally inappropriate for a vehicle on a military installation. Although the Air Force no longer registers vehicles on base, I am sure security forces and the Colorado Springs Police Department have an agreement to investigate Colorado license plates. I realize there is a "freedom of speech" issue. However, on federal property there are guidelines enforced to prevent comments like this from demoralizing troops. With mandatory sexual harassment training for all personnel, I was surprised this person even had such a sticker on his vehicle. Trained to be part of the commander's eyes and ears, I expect to keep the bar raised and train the next generation that this is totally inappropriate. Does Peterson AFB want to be known for tolerating an environment that allows sexual harassment in public view?
A: Our military members are held to a higher standard regarding matters of harassment and equal opportunity, as well as other standards of conduct sometimes accepted in other working environments.
In accordance with Air Force regulations, the 21st Space Wing has a zero tolerance policy on sexual harassment of any form. In its day-to-day operations, the 21st SW seeks to ensure an environment free from sexual harassment of all kinds. It is the responsibility of all wing personnel to enforce this policy by maintaining a non-hostile and non-offensive work environment. Due to the blatant sexist overtones in the statement, the wing does not condone this individual's behavior.
In balance, it is also the responsibility of the 21st SW commander to protect constitutional rights, including the freedom of speech. Air Force commanders at all levels must preserve a service member's right of expression, to the maximum extent possible, consistent with good order and discipline. Air Force Instruction 51-903, paragraph 1.1, states the Supreme Court of the United States has stated, "[i]f there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the Government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable." (Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397, 414 [1989])
While the message does not meet the AFI and equal opportunity definitions of sexual harassment, the wing's leadership finds the bumper sticker in question to be offensive and inappropriate. The message is clearly a violation of the standards of conduct applicable to all active duty Air Force members. Base security forces attempted to identify the owner of the vehicle by running the license plate number you gave to us. However, the plate did not match the description of the car, so no further action could be taken. Please be aware, due to the First Amendment, the 21st Space Wing can exert little control over bumper stickers on the vehicles of retirees, civilians and contractors. This particular issue provides an opportunity for communication within work sections between supervisors and subordinates about the importance of perception and its role as military members. Supervisors at all levels should remain vigilant of negative behaviors, and correct those behaviors on the spot.
Vending machines at fitness center (March 30, 2011)
Q: I am an Active Guard/Reserve servicemember with the 302nd Civil Engineer Squadron stationed at Peterson AFB. I spent 10 years on active duty in the Army as an EOD technician before crossing over to the Air Force into the same career field. I have had the privilege of experiencing both the Army and Air Force way of life. There are good things and bad things that I take away from both services and it is interesting to see the Air Force reaffirming the warrior spirit in our Airmen. The determined drive for excellence, professionalism and a fighting spirit are attributes I thought I had left with the Army. Don't get me wrong. There are most certainly bad apples in the Army, but the overall ethical environment I experienced were those that constantly challenged me towards excellence. In the Army there is a lot of joking and poking fun at the Air Force about how we are not very military and more of a corporate entity versus a fighting military force. We are taking steps to change that perception by ramping up our standards and proving ourselves formidable assets on the battlefield both air and ground. One of the areas which we have taken leaps and bounds in is our emphasis on physical fitness and being "fit to fight". The entire Air Force EOD program learned shortly after 9/11 that we needed to step up to the plate and do our fair share in the fight both with OIF and OEF. Huge lessons were learned early in these campaigns that drastically reformed the way we trained and operated. One of the lessons we learned was that the current Air Force physical fitness program was not acceptable. Not only EOD, but the entire Air Force has now embraced this realization. Still, some of the "old" Air Force lingers and it is a challenge leading them to new waters.
I recently confronted Peterson AFB Fitness Center management about the presence of a junk food vending machine in main hall of our base gym. At first it didn't bother me and was actually pretty funny. A vending machine full of candy bars, assorted chips and pastries right in the middle of our gym. As time passed, giving me time to really think about this, I became bothered by the image it presented and the message it was sending to all of our Airmen and sister services that utilize this gym. Amidst the new drive towards physical fitness and heightened consequences for falling below the standards we allow a symbol of sabotage to be displayed in this refuge of fitness and health on our base. Ironic and almost a joke in my opinion. To my surprise the fitness center staff along with SNCOs charged with the operation and management of the fitness center not only disagreed with my outlook, but protectively defended the vending machines saying that it was a key profit center for the fitness center. I was told that without this vending machine vital functions of the fitness center would be in jeopardy due to lack of funding. They saw no problem with it in the fitness center and likened its presence in the gym to the presents of a McDonalds or Burger King on base. One SNCO said that servicemembers were all adults and able to make choice, healthy or otherwise, for themselves. I agreed with that, but said that the fitness center was not the proper venue to affirm their freedom of choice. I told him that to solicit junk food in the gym is akin to the HAWC having a cigarette vending machine available for those who choose to smoke during a smoking cessation class. He found little humor or truth to that. I told him that if patrons really needed a bag of chips and pastries after their workouts they could walk a couple hundred feet to the bowling alley. This SNCO then opened a filing cabinet in his office and pulled out a box of full size candy bars. He proudly displayed them and stated that it was his choice to eat candy bars and that when he visits the gym to do his "rounds" he likes the fact that he can also pick up a candy bar without having to walk to the bowling alley. I knew then that the discussion was going absolutely nowhere.
This really isn't about a vending machine or the fitness center. It's about the difference between management and leadership. A fitness center manager does what's best for the fitness center. A leader does what's best for the mission and their people. Whether or not this vending machine is really a vital source of funds for the fitness center doesn't matter. It does not promote fitness and health as a fitness center should. We need to start being leaders rather than managers and lead from the front doing the hard right versus the easy wrong. Inspire excellence in our Airmen and create a sense of pride to be in the most elite Air Force in the world.
A: Thank you for taking the time to contact the action line regarding the fitness center's vending machines. Although the machines contain soft drinks, chips and candy bars, it is also stocked with healthy options, such as nuts, fruit snacks, beef jerky, vegetable juice or water. In addition, our juice bar offers smoothies, fruits, wraps and more. We believe it's important to give our patrons choices, and we strive to offer choices that tip the scale toward good health and nutrition. But, with options, comes responsibility, which is also advocated in many nutrition programs: Enjoy in moderation.
In addition to providing customers variety, the vending machines help increase revenue for the fitness center. Last year, our customers witnessed more than $1 million in renovations, including new flooring, resurfacing the courts and a new 30-piece cardio equipment room, just to name a few. In any given year, fitness center staff members organize and man more than 300 programs. From health fairs to personal training; programs are offered throughout the day to provide adequate physical fitness training programs to meet schedules and demands. The fitness center and its professionals strive to promote fitness in every way. There is a lot of pride in the facility and programs offered to members of Team Pete. We will continue to offer excellent programs to enhance morale, improve fitness and provide esprit de corps.
Delayed Snow Call reporting (Feb. 8, 2011)
Q: I am a civilian on base and I was just wondering if the delay - the 2 hour delay notice could be put out prior to 5:45. There are many of us that come to work at that time and it would be nice to have this delay notice out by 5:00 a.m. if that was possible?
A: Thank you for your comments regarding the snow-call line. The 21st Space Wing leadership meets with numerous agencies between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. during hazardous weather to discuss the option of base closure and late reporting. Various agencies such as weather, civil engineering, security forces and the command post, advise 21 SW leadership on the circumstances for that particular day. Public affairs disseminates the data immediately after the decision is made, and per the Installation Inclement Weather policy memo, the information will be posted by, "0530 hours or within 30 minutes of notification."
On the day in question, when the original snow call took place, no significant weather was occurring at Peterson AFB at 4:15 a.m. and 21 SW leadership made a conscious decision to delay making the snow call for one hour. Once snow bands started to directly impact Peterson AFB and road conditions at 5:20 a.m., 21 SW leadership convened the snow call and a decision was made to delay the base. Timing was later than usual due to the fact the weather moved in at a later time in the morning.
Additionally, when snow operations are conducted on Peterson AFB, a team of 79 engineers on two shifts work to make Peterson roadways as safe as possible. Their efforts are focused on keeping all roadways clear and accessible for emergency vehicles and the general traffic. However, the airfield parking ramp is the highest priority, so our engineering team may not get to some secondary roadways as quickly as others. We appreciate your patience during abnormal circumstances, but rest assured Team Pete is working diligently to keep you safe, as fast and carefully as we can.
East gate merge sign (March 1, 2011)
Q: Monday upon exiting the east gate, I saw (a merge) sign erected and have a few comments:
1) If I just saw it Jan. 31, my question is how long has it been installed?
2) If I have been missing the sign, I wonder how many other drivers have missed it also.
It seems to me the sign is too close to the exit gate and the drivers have other distractions and are not seeing the sign. This was evident on Tuesday as I was exiting the East Gate and I was in the right hand lane, the one that remains active when the lane merge occurs. There was a car to my immediate left (opposite lane), and one in front of that vehicle. As the three vehicles approached the merge point, neither of the vehicles in the left lane merged or attempted to merge into the right lane. If I had assumed I had the right of way, which I did, and proceeded on, there would have been a collision of possibly three vehicles. There may be a traffic or CE restriction, but I would suggest the sign be moved further down the lane, away from the gate, and closer to the merge point. This may provide more of the opportunity for drivers to see the sign as opposed to be preoccupied as they exit the gate. As an added suggestion, maybe a picture and article could be posted in the base paper to make drivers more aware of the change.
A: Thank you for your question and concern. The new sign was installed Jan. 11. The merge sign is required to be placed well in advance of the point where the lane ends to allow vehicles to modify their speed and yield to the through lane traffic. The sign was placed on the left side of the outbound lanes since it is this lane that ends and these drivers who must merge into the right lane. The right lane is the through lane and requires no lane change by motorists. Additionally, an article will be submitted to the base paper to inform motorist of the conditions at the east gate. We feel your safety while on our installation is paramount and appreciate your concern for the safety of Peterson AFB personnel. Everyone is a safety sensor and we welcome all inputs that will help identify and correct hazardous situations to make Peterson AFB a safer place.
Why isn't there a policeman around when you need one? (Feb. 15, 2011)
Q: Several days ago at about 6 a.m., in the parking lot of Building 2025, I nearly missed being struck by a car observing no speed limit. I say no speed limit because there are no signs identifying the speed limit in the parking lot and the road leading to it. To be sure there are speed limit signs posted along Stewart Avenue beginning in the housing area and up to the Dental Clinic. Beyond that nothing.
My understanding is that the speed limit leading up to and inside the parking lot of Building 2025 is 5 mph. That being the case, there should be a sign identifying that fact. Am I wrong in this assertion? Because of my situation, is it not possible to place signs such as those used at the Air Force Academy that do two things: Light up the speed limit and in addition, notify the driver when he is exceeding that speed limit. I think of a lighted sign because so many of the 2025 employees arrive in the parking lot during morning darkness.
Another issue that concerns me and I assume concerns our Air Force personnel and the guards manning the entrances to our base is a matter of blinding glare caused by headlights. In my opinion it is a matter of courtesy to our guards and to other drivers, that signs be displayed advising motorists to use only their parking lights on approaching gate areas. This action in my opinion would ensure easier and safer entrance to the base.
A: Thank you for your comments regarding the safety of Peterson AFB personnel. Safety is a top priority, even in low-speed areas such as parking lots. For this reason, Wing Safety educates and emphasizes safe driving practices and traffic regulatory guidance at Newcomers Briefings, First Term Airman's Center training, and Supervisor Safety Training. Traffic safety briefings are also regularly provided to our unit safety representatives for dissemination to all unit personnel.
Education and awareness is only one part of what is required to prevent mishaps in the traffic environment. We urge everyone to take personal responsibility for their own safety. Being a good Wingman requires vigilance and adherence to speed limits, especially in parking lots or densely populated areas.
The Peterson Traffic Safety Coordinating Group met on Feb. 10 to address traffic hazards on Peterson AFB. The Building 2025 parking lot was discussed during this meeting. To resolve this issue, work orders have been submitted to install 5 mph speed limit signs in the parking lot and yield signs for cross traffic.
To address your other concern, the 21st Security Forces Squadron has submitted a work order to install a sign to remind all vehicle operators to dim their lights, if possible, during the hours of darkness when approaching the installation gates. Some cars are equipped with a setting that does not allow the driver to turn off the headlights, so these cars may not be able to comply.
We feel your safety while on our installation is paramount and appreciate your concern for the safety of Peterson AFB personnel. Everyone is a safety sensor and we welcome all inputs that will help identify and correct hazardous situations to make Peterson AFB a safer place.
Number of Airmen at north gate (Feb. 9, 2011)
Q: This morning the number of Airmen to check identification at the North Gate was severely lacking. Normally, there are 11 to 12 (two or three on each lane), this morning there were only seven. I was in the center thru lane and there was only one Airman. It took me 19 minutes to get through the gate (at 7:25 a.m. I was stopped on Galley west of the intersection with Peterson and didn't clear the gate until 7:44 a.m.). This long delay certainly was a demoralizing start to the day for hundreds of personnel.
A: At Peterson Air Force Base, we strive to facilitate entry onto the installation in a safe and timely manner each day. The heaviest traffic times are from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., when the majority of personnel are coming to work.
As you are aware, the 21st Security Forces Squadron relies heavily on augmentees in order to service the heavy flow of traffic during the morning commute. On the morning of Jan. 25, 10 personnel were assigned augmentee duty at the north installation entry control point. Due to short-notice illnesses, only eight personnel reported for duty. This shortage of personnel caused additional wait time at the north gate.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We appreciate your patience and understanding during these types of unforeseen circumstances. We will continue to strive to provide the best service possible while maintaining a safe and secure installation.
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