Airman Dorm Leaders keep dorms running

Published May 12, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Denise Nevins
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- For most first-term Airmen, in-processing to their first duty station can be a hassle. There are multiple checklists, briefings and people to become familiar with.

The Airman Dorm Leaders at Ellsworth AFB ensure these Airmen are taken care of as far as lodging - one less thing they have to worry about before arriving on a base.

"Our main priority as Airman Dorm Leaders is to ensure the quality of the dormitories is adequate," said Staff Sgt. Marcos Campos, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron ADL. "We perform room inspections to check if residents' dorms are being kept orderly and clean, mentor and assist them in their adjustment to military life, and advise the dormitory council members."

In addition to the ADL's room inspection duties, they also perform routine foot patrols to ensure there are no safety concerns and the equipment inside the dorms are in working condition, such as kitchen appliances and washers and dryers. If maintenance issues arise that an ADL may not be aware of, Airmen are encouraged to put in a work order with the ADL office.

"For most of these Airmen, it's their first time out of their home, so we want to make it as comfortable as possible for them," Campos said.

During the whirlwind of in-processing appointments, Airmen may glance over important documents regarding rules and regulations they must follow during their dorm in-processing brief. Some of the most important rules to follow include not having alcohol of any kind in the dorms if you are under the age of 21, and ensuring all smoking or utilization of tobacco products, to include e-cigarettes, is done in designated smoking areas. Also, residents may only have one authorized pet in their dorm rooms and cannot reside elsewhere if provided a dorm room, known as ghosting.

"Although it is not a lesser known rule, the one we see Airmen disregarding the most is smoking right outside their dorm," Campos added. "We constantly have to use our cameras to track individuals who fail to use the two smoke pits, located outside each dorm."

Additionally, visitors under the age of 18 are not permitted in the dorms without written permission from a commander or first sergeant, and visitors are not allowed in the dormitories between 1 and 6 a.m.

"Our current team of ADLs is top notch," said Chief Master Sgt. Richard Parsons, 28th CES superintendent. "They have a desire to make things better for those Airmen that in-processes into their dorm room, their home away from home. My goal has been and will continue to be to not just fill the ADL positions, but get the right non-commissioned officers that I feel confident are best suited for the duties and responsibilities, and will do what is best for our Airmen."

For questions concerning the dormitories, contact the Airman Dorm Leaders at (605) 385-2567.