Ellsworth AFB, S.D. -- The Commander's Action Line is a forum for the Ellsworth community to make suggestions or voice concerns about Ellsworth directly to Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander. 

QUESTION 

Good morning Sir,

I was driving on my way to the Patriot gate yesterday afternoon when the Douglas school was being dismissed for the end of the day and saw children walking back to base. As I approached the gate I saw a security forces individual walking towards the smoke pit to smoke. I noticed the sidewalk was right next to the smoke pit and children would have to pass through the area while walking home. I am concerned that they will be susceptible to second hand smoke and was wondering if there was a plan in place to move the Patriot gate's smoke pit to a different location so these children will not be in direct contact with the smoke?

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Col. Mark Weatherington

RESPONSE Great question--and we've already moved the smoking area next to the Patriot Gate. You should also know the Air Force issued new tobacco use guidance. Each installation will be required to identify Designated Tobacco Areas (DTAs) no closer than 50 feet from pedestrian walkways, to include parking lots, to prevent secondhand smoke exposure. I intend to implement these new policies by March 2013.