Straight Talk with Col. Smith

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ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, SD --  Vehiclular Frostbite

Question: Col. Smith, I’ve been told I can’t keep my vehicle running when I run in to the Child Development Center to pick up my child.

With these low South Dakota temperatures, why can’t we leave the engine running? It’s just a few minutes. 

Col. Smith: I thank you for asking the question because it bears reminding of the exact rules. 

The reason we ask you to shut off your vehicle while at the CDC specifically is for the safety and security of our smallest children, as well as the fact that vehicle exhaust floats into that particular facility putting our precious kids at risk. Bundle up your lamb chops to keep them warm, and help me keep this a safe and secure base.

This policy is restricted only to the CDC. In fact, here’s the direct reference: Air Force Instruction 31-204, Ellsworth Supplement 1, “A3.10.2….When the ambient temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, no person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle may permit it to stand running unattended without effectively setting the brake thereon and, if standing upon any grade, turning the front wheel to the curb or side of the roadway. At no time will a motor vehicle be left to stand running unattended when the ambient temperature is 33 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Vehicles will not be permitted to stand running unattended at the Child Development Center.”

So if it’s 32 degrees or colder and you want to stop for a minute to pick up some coffee at the shoppette, that’s perfectly OK by me.

Cell Phone Sadness

Question: Col. Smith, when I was coming onto base the other day, I was told by the gate guard cell phone usage is no longer authorized while driving on the installation. 

I’ve never heard of this rule before. As my spouse tells our friends, my car and my cell phone are connected — the car won’t run without my cell phone tied to my ear. Please tell me this isn’t true!

Col. Smith: No and yes.

A restricted cell phone use policy for vehicles on this base has not yet been implemented, but it will very likely be policy soon.

Without boring you with all the regulations, the Department of Defense has already instituted the policy of not allowing hand-held cell phone use while driving.

The bottom line?

Either we’ll have to stop the car while we talk or have a hands-free device for use. The Air Force has yet to make it formal (via our “regs”), but it’s coming.

When? I don’t know, but we’ll ensure a wing-wide advertising plan (with generous grace period) so all understand the new policy.

Coffe Hut Kaput

Question: Col. Smith, I’ve noticed that the coffee shop on base in the AAFES parking lot really hasn’t been open since before the holidays. What’s going on? I need my daily caffeine fix!

Col. Smith: I’m not responsible for the coffee hut, but I know who is! I spoke at length with our AAFES manager about your question.

Unfortunately, AAFES has made the unpopular but necessary decision to permanently close the hut.

Due to multiple equipment problems out of their control, AAFES has been unable to maintain regular operation of the facility, and in the coffee business, it’s critical to maintain repeat customers.

They’ve tried to make this business a success, but unfortunately it’s been a money-losing operation since it opened approximately two years ago.

Don’t forget the Shoppette is open 24 hours with six blends of regular coffee and six blends of cappuccino.

The AAFES mission is to operate businesses and generate reasonable earnings to support services programs. In 2005 alone, the Ellsworth community received $334,663 from the AAFES facilities at Ellsworth!

Fitness Injuries

Question: Col. Smith, I had my son with me at the fitness center, and he was injured in the Family Fitness Room.

I thought this was supposed to be a safe environment for kids when parents want to work out.

Col. Smith: The intent of the Family Fitness Room at our gym is to allow parents the opportunity to work out and have their child with them in the room.

For safety reasons there are rules though, which are posted at the entrance.

Family Fitness Room Rule Number 2: All children must be in stroller, car seat or playpen regardless of age.

This rule was made to ensure the safety of children while in that room, and there are no exceptions.

To help, we spent some money to buy playpens. The fitness center staff has created a safe environment, but parents still have the responsibility for watching their children.

After all, it’s a gym, not a child care facility.