Professionalism, fiscal environment, main topics of town hall

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander, hosted a town hall meeting at the base theater Jan. 27, to discuss a variety of issues ranging from professionalism in work areas and base housing privatization to the Air Force's fiscal environment.

Kennedy, who was joined by other base and community leaders, opened the meeting by addressing his three main priorities - winning the fight, strengthening the team and preparing for the future.

"The Air Force has been in the press a lot for sexual assault prevention and response," Kennedy said. "There are two lines of attack with that issue. One is making sure we have the right environment in our wing. That means making sure we all behave respectfully and appropriately with each other. The other is for the victims of sexual assault. We need to make sure we are taking care of them and taking each report seriously."

Kennedy also explained that even though congress approved a budget, the Air Force's financial problems aren't solved. He added that a lot of work still needs to be done to ensure the future of the Air Force.

"I'm sure many of you are already seeing changes in policy and services around the wing," Kennedy said. "These changes are necessary. We need to do our part in adapting so that we can remain a ready and capable Air Force."

Kennedy also touched upon why transportation to and from school is no longer being provided for children and teenagers living on base - a change that impacts a great deal of Ellsworth families.

"Changes in regulatory guides regarding base housing have resulted in bus services no longer being available," Kennedy noted. "We have established a reverse flow to provide for the safest travel for both the kids and our drivers."

A few questions were raised by several attendees about the new base housing developments being built in the former Black Hills Estates area this spring and what the process will be to become a resident.

"Anyone is allowed to get on the waiting list as long as they have a dependent," said Deanna Fulton, Balfour Beatty community manager. "As of now, we are not building any three bedroom houses, but we are allowing some of those three bedroom applicants to become qualified in two bedroom houses."

Kennedy concluded the evening with a promise to disseminate any information about these and other changes as quickly as possible.

For more information about housing, call the BBC management team at (605) 923-9000 or the base Housing Office at (605) 385-2570.