Officials urge Airmen to review parking, busing plan, security guidelines for open house

  • Published
  • By Steven J. Merrill
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  With the open house and base picnic only a few days away, officials are encouraging Ellsworth personnel and their families to review the traffic and parking plan, security guidelines and similar event details.
Ellsworth's Black Hills Community Appreciation Day, slated for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 16, coincides with the base picnic for Airmen and their families, setting the stage for increased interaction between military members and the community.
"Airmen will receive meal tickets for the event from their first sergeants or supervisors that will allow them and their families to go through the food line for their meals," said Lorie Vega, 28th Force Support Squadron deputy commander and open house committee chair. "Our guests from downtown will be able to purchase food at the event."
Patriot Gate and Parking
Base residents and DoD cardholders are asked to access the base using the Patriot Gate until 5 p.m. the day of the event for ease of use.
Non-DoD cardholders will be required to use the base's Bismarck (commercial) gate and Liberty (main) gate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. No inbound traffic will be allowed through the Liberty and Bismarck gates after 1 p.m.
Vega added there will be designated parking for base residents and DoD cardholders, and that shuttle buses will be operating during the event to transport them to and from the housing area and parking areas. Click here for a map of the shuttle bus stops.
"We are expecting a high volume of traffic coming in from the main gate and commercial gate, so the designated parking area will help reduce congestion and make it easier for people to get to and from the event," she said.
Security
In addition to being familiar with the meal and transportation plan, security personnel are reminding everyone to understand what items are and aren't allowed at the event.
"As a way of ensuring everyone's safety and to prevent prohibited items on the flightline, all bags will be inspected and individuals will be required to pass through a security checkpoint at the entrance to the event," said Master Sgt. Gregory Pendleton, 28th Security Forces Squadron installation security section chief.
Pendleton said people should plan ahead and leave prohibited items at home. People who bring prohibited items to the event will be asked to take the items back to their cars or the items will be confiscated. The list of prohibited items includes:
Prohibited Items
- Backpacks, ice chests and coolers are not allowed.
- Bags larger than a small purse or fanny pack are not allowed, including duffle bags, briefcases and large camera bags.
- No weapons of any type are allowed - regardless if a person possesses a concealed weapons permit - to include: firearms, knives (i.e. pocket knives and multi-tools), walking sticks (except for handicap use) and any other item 28th SFS personnel deem dangerous. Confiscated items will not be returned.
- Alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Individuals 21 or older will be able to purchase items at the event.
- No pets (other than service animals) will be allowed.
- Glass containers of any type are not allowed.
- Bicycles, roller skates, roller blades and skateboards are not allowed.
- Illegal drugs of any type are not allowed.
Information and updates will be posted on the 28th Force Support Squadron website (http://www.ellsworthfss.com/base-info/ellsworth-open-house) and the 28th Bomb Wing official facebook page.