Active Issues
(As of 2nd Quarter FY 09)
These issues were submitted by the community through
Community FIRST/AFAP and are
currently in an “Active” status. Issues
are being worked by the responsible organizations or directorates on
ARMY AND AIR
FORCE EXCHANGE SERVICES (AAFES)
CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ADVISORY CENTER (CPAC)
DEFENSE
MILITARY PAY OFFICE (DMPO)
DIRECTORATE
OF FAMILY MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION
DIRECTORATE OF PLANS, TRAINING,
MOBILIZATION,
DIRECTORATE
OF PUBLIC WORKS (DPW)
INSTALLATION HOUSING OFFICE /
PRIVATIZED HOUSING
INSTALLATION SAFETY OFFICE (ISO)
MONCRIEF ARMY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
(MACH)
Issue
1: AAFES Automotive Services
AAFES does not currently have a
dedicated building for automotive services located near the Post Exchange
(PX). The current location is small and
does not allow for a lot of items to be in stock, which causes customers to
“special order” tires and other items.
Having a dedicated building for AAFES Automotive Services near the PX
would lead to greater usage of the facility, better service to its customers,
and potentially making the service more profitable.
Recommendation: Construct an AAFES automotive services
building near the main PX; to include: tire services/sales and quick lube, oil
change services.
Response (Dec
08): AAFES has conducted a business study on the feasibility of a
new
Update (Feb
09): AAFES is not constructing new Car Care Centers at this time and
is going with third party companies, such as Firestone, instead. Firestone conducted a site survey of
Status: Active (4th Qtr FY 08)
Issue 1: FERS Retirement
System
FERS retirement system does not
allow federal employees to add their accumulated sick leave to their number of
years of service upon retirement. Both
the CSRS retirement system and the NAF system do. It is not fair that individuals holding the
same position in the different retirement systems do not have a comparable
benefit. In addition, not allowing
employees to add their accumulated sick leave to their years of service at
retirement encourages abuse of sick leave by employees and does not encourage
accumulation of sick leave. This impacts
on mission as employees see no real benefit from not using all the sick leave
that they accumulate and consequently use their earned leave increasing
absenteeism.
Recommendation: Change the FERS retirement system to allow accumulated sick
leave to be added to years of service at retirement.
Response: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the authority for making changes to the Federal retirement system, upon Congressional approval.
Update: This
issue was voted by the IAC to forward beyond
Update: This
issue has been forwarded to the Commanding General for approval to forward
beyond
Update (May 08):
This issue was prioritized at the TRADOC Level AFAP Conference
and is currently being staffed for forwarding to HQDA.
TRADOC Disposition: This issue was prioritized and forwarded to HQDA.
Update (Feb 09): This issue was not prioritized at the HQDA AFAP Conference, awaiting disposition from HQDA.
Status: Active
(1st Qtr FY08)
Issue 1: Benefits for Military
Technicians
When Reserve Component
Soldiers become dual status, they lose benefits. Student loan payment program
is not available to Military Technicians.
With the loss of benefits, morale decreases and attrition rates
increase.
Recommendation: Authorize Soldiers that are dual status the
same benefits as Reserve Component Soldiers.
Response: This issue is HQDA AFAP Issue #483, which is
currently active. It was resurfaced
during the annual
Update (Aug 08): This issue is still active with HQDA (Issue #483).
Status: Active (AFAP – 2nd
Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Dental Coverage
Currently there is not
enough coverage for major dental procedures.
Several Family Members are denied coverage based on the high cost of
treatment which exceeds the dental cap of $1500. This causes emotional and physical issues for
those who cannot receive the care needed.
Recommendation:
·
Provide
more coverage for Family Members on a case by case basis
·
Allow
families to choose their own coverage plans
·
Raise
the percentage cap that United Concordia covers.
Response: We (
South East Regional Dental Command (SERDC) which in turn is one of 6
Regional
Commands in the
(Currently United Concordia) for OTAD (other than active duty) family
Members is a DOD program. The contract between the DOD and the insurance
provider is determined at the TRICARE Management Activity (TMS)
http://www.tricare.mil/ and not the local DENTAC Command. This issue should
be forwarded to that activity.
By way of explanation, in response to the challenge of maintaining
medical combat readiness while providing the best health care for all
eligible personnel, the Department of Defense introduced TRICARE. TRICARE
is a regionally managed health care program for active duty and retired members of the uniformed services, their families, and survivors. TRICARE
brings together the health care resources of the Army, Navy and Air Force
and supplements them with networks of civilian health care professionals to
provide better access and high quality service while maintaining the capability to support military operations. Further information regarding
TRICARE medical benefits, including the phone numbers of local benefits
counselors is available at www.tricare.osd.mil. Additional information is available from UCCI at 1-800-866-8499 for CONUS inquiries.
Update: Moncrief Army Community Hospital reviewed this issue and responded: Currently the dental coverage for Active Duty Family Members, Reserve Component Members, and their families has an annual maximum benefit limit of $1,200 per enrollee per TRICARE Dental Program contract year (Feb 1 – Jan 31 each year) for non-orthodontic treatment. Increase in benefits is a Congressional Issue.
Update: This issue is HQDA AFAP Issue #509, which is currently active. It was resurfaced during the Family Members Focus Group.
Status: Active (Family Members Focus Group) (1st
Qtr FY08)
Issue 1: Reserve Soldiers Ineligibility for Army
Community Services (ACS) Exceptional Family Member Program
Reserve Soldiers that are on
active duty status for more than thirty days are currently able to enroll in
TRICARE, but are not eligible to enroll in the ACS Exceptional Family Member
Program (EFMP). This causes undue stress
and worry of finding adequate medical attention and care for an exceptional
family member. Not allowing active duty
Reserve Soldiers to enroll dependents in ACS EFMP decreases the morale and
effectiveness of these soldiers in their everyday mission.
Recommendation: Reserve soldiers, who are eligible for TRICARE enrollment,
also be eligible to enroll in the ACS Exceptional Family Member Program to
ensure the proper care for their dependents while on active duty.
Response (May 08): In accordance with AR 608-75, Exceptional Family Member Program, U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) Soldiers in the USAR Active Guard and Reserve Program, Mobilized and deployed Soldiers are not eligible for enrollment in EFMP. This issue should be considered for forwarding as an AFAP issue that can’t be resolved at the local level.
Update
(June 08): The Installation
Action Council voted to forward this issue to the Commanding General for
approval to forward beyond
Update (Feb 09): This issue has been forwarded through the southeast region to the TRADOC AFAP Conference.
Status: Active
(3rd Qtr FY08)
Issue 2: Off-post Access
to On-post Schools
Dependent
children living off-post are not allowed to attend on-post schools. On-post schools are more convenient and close
to the working parent; such as in the case of illness and special events. Allowing these children to attend school
on-post will decrease the number of “latch key kids” and maintain mission
readiness.
Recommendation: Change section 2164 of title 10 US
Code and DDESS Financing Systems to allow children living off-post access to on-post
schools. The change would include implementing a “lottery” system to allow
these children the opportunity to fill vacancies at DDESS schools.
Response (Feb 09): Resolution of this
issue would require as state above a change to section 2164 of title 10 US Code
and DDESS financing systems to allow children living off-post access to on-post
schools. This issue cannot be resolved
at the local level and should be forwarded for resolution at a higher level.
Voted as such by the IAC and forwarded to the AFAP Program Manager.
Status: Active (Soldier Focus Group) (1st
Qtr FY09)
Issue 3: ACS Contracts
Army Community Services
(ACS) has recently lost at least two key government contracts. More
specifically, the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) will lose at least
two support personnel; and Deployment Readiness will lose its sole personnel.
Special events that were once planned and carried out by support personnel will
no longer take place. This will also have a negative impact upon those
utilizing ACS because these programs will no longer be fully staffed and
functional.
Recommendation: Re-staff EFMP, Deployment Readiness and other key positions
in line with the Army Family Covenant in order for the services now being
provided to continue.
Response (Feb 09): When the Army Fa
Status: Active (Family
Member Focus Group) (1st Qtr FY09)
The issue was resurfaced during the EFMP Focus Group, 2nd Qtr FY09:
The ACS EFMP staff was
increased with 3 contract positions to assist the EFMP Manager (permanent
position) over a year ago. Since then,
several services were established: four support groups, a respite care program,
an EFMP bi-monthly newsletter, and more monthly EFMP Family activities. Families also have immediate access to
services, and more individualized attention in advocacy. The ACS EFMP staff is very friendly,
welcoming, and motivated and they have increased the morale and participation
of Families with special needs. If the
contract positions are eliminated, the great services now available will go
away and the failed promise of the Army Family Covenant will have a direct
impact on the morale and support of EFMP Families.
Issue 4: Alternate
Locations for Family Day
Facilities
across the installation are overwhelmed on Family Day by the number of
participants in this weekly event. These facilities are not only losing money
because they are unable to meet the needs of patrons, customer service
standards are also not being met. The congestion negatively affects the entire
community- permanent party, graduating Soldiers, and the visiting family
members.
Recommendation:
•
Provide more activities and facilities for graduating
Soldiers and their families to participate in on Family Day.
•
Upgrade the Hilton Field area to provide a “bazaar”
(with vendors and activities) on Family Day.
Response
(Feb 09): Efforts are
on-going to expand opportunities for Soldiers and Families during Family
Days. Attempts to provide fest or bazaar
atmosphere at Hilton Field has not been successful due to weather related
problems and the logistical problems associated with setting up military
attractions such as static displays, MILS lands, training demonstrations, etc.,
those types of events that would draw interest to Soldiers and Families.
Status: Active (Soldier Focus Group) & (Civilian
Employee Focus Group) (2nd Qtr FY09)
Issue 1:
Recommendation: Apply for a State historical marker to be submitted to
highlight the lead that the US Army and
Response: Have initiated the process to
try and get an historical marker to recognize
Update:
Update: Packet was resubmitted to the SC Historical Marker Program. Cost for the marker will range from $300 - $1000.
Update (May 08): Marker is currently being made; completion date is undetermined at this time.
Update (Aug 08): Marker is on the list for fabrication but there is some backlog; completion date still undetermined.
Status: Active
(3rd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Main PX/Commissary Parking Lot
The entrance to the PX parking lot is too
restricted. This leads to increased risk
of accident and unnecessary congestion entering the PX Parking Lot. There is no specified drop off point at the
Commissary for handicapped patrons that does not impose either a hazard or an
inconvenience. I suspect that this will become a larger issue over time as our
wounded warrior population grows. Also,
during graduations, holidays and other peak periods, traffic is congested at
the intersection of Strom Thurmond and
Recommendation:
·
Create
additional entrances into the main PX Parking lot. This should include enhanced rear entrance to
the PX Parking Lot.
·
Create
a marked handicapped drop – off point at the commissary that does not impose a
hazard.
·
Designate
the center lane as a left-turn and forward lane, and mark appropriately.
Response: DES: DES submitted a request to DLE (DPW) to add an additional exit to the PX parking lot late December 06. This exit is intended to be an exit only lane that will alleviate congestion from vehicles entering and exiting the exchange parking lot from one location. DLE (DPW) has the responsibility of working the construction of entrances and exits of parking lots will complete this project.
DLE: Currently have submitted a DA Form 4283 (work order request) on behalf of AAFES for a cost estimate. The cost estimate will be executed in 2ND Quarter funding contracts.
Update: DLE
(DPW) Engineering has reviewed and is in the process of presenting a unified
plan between AAFES and DES to address all parking lot issues at the AAFES Main
PX
Update: The DPW recommends a professional design and will include the involvement of AAFES and DES.
Update: DPW is awaiting the award of an Architect-Engineer contract to prepare the design.
Update: The study of the area will be done (awaiting the award of the contract), this will give us the information needed (design, cost) to place on the Project Priority List for FY 09 funding.
Update (May 08):
The A/E contract has been awarded and a task order will be
issued NLT 15 June to develop a traffic flow study for the entire area,
including the PX, Gate 2,
Update (Aug 08): Task order was issued to A/E firm for traffic study. Study duration will be 120-180 days. FY09 SRM Project List is currently under development and will be briefed during the Real Property Planning Board on 23 Sep 08.
Update (Feb
09): Parking spaces were marked and designated as handicap in rows
E,F, and G within close proximity to the entrance of the commissary. An
additional 8 parking spaces were added, for a total of 39 handicapped spaces.
Status: Active (Retiree/Veteran Focus Group) (1st
Qtr FY 07) & (3rd Qtr FY 08)
Issue 2: Air Conditioning in
Installation Gyms
The overheating
and high humidity in the gyms cause condensation to accumulate on the floor and
machines. The lack of climate control
causes the internal temperature to exceed external temperatures causing
potential heat injuries. The intense
heat in the gyms discourages Soldiers from using the gym.
Recommendation: Install air conditioning in gyms.
Response:
DLE (DOL,DPW) and the Command are concerned about high temperatures but are
unable to fund any changes at this time. DLE(DPW) will assist in monitoring the
temperature and will ensure wall fans are operational to provide some relief
for the safety and well being of patrons.
DLE(DPW) will forward the cost estimate for air conditioning to the
Garrison Commander and the Commanding General for review after which time this
issue will be prioritized within the Public Works Council process (PWC) which
maintains a Project Priority List (PPL) for funding.
Update: Project is placed on the PPL for FY 08 funding.
Update: Design only, has been funded for execution in FY08.
Update: Decision was made to defer for future execution.
Update (May 08): Development of the FY09 SRM Projects List will begin mid-summer 2008. Gym A/C projects must compete with all other requirements for SRM funding.
Update (Aug 08): FY09 SRM Project List is currently under development and will be briefed during the Real Property Planning Board on 23 Sep 08.
Status: Active (AFAP – 2nd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 3: Street Lights at
There are
currently no street lights in the Hagen Dental Clinic parking lot. This affects the patients and dental
personnel at the clinic in the evening hours or in Winter when it gets dark
earlier.
Recommendation:
Place
streetlights in the parking area at Hagen Dental Clinic.
Response:
Update: Project was not approved for FY08 and will compete for FY09 funding.
Update (May 08): Development of the FY09 SRM Projects List will begin mid-summer 2008. Street lighting projects must compete with all other requirements for SRM funding.
Update (Aug 08): FY09 SRM Project List is currently under development and will be briefed during the Real Property Planning Board on 23 Sep 08.
Status: Active
(4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 4: Turn Signal at
There is no
left turn signal at
Recommendation: Install a left turn signal at the
intersection of
Response: Funds have been requested for the installation of a turn signal. Awaiting installation.
Update: Project will need to compete for funding. New traffic loops are required.
Update: Project was not approved for FY08 and will compete for FY09 funding.
Update (May 08): Development of the FY09 SRM Projects List will begin mid-summer 2008. Turn signal projects must compete with all other requirements for SRM funding.
Update (Aug 08): FY09 SRM Project List is currently under development and will be briefed during the Real Property Planning Board on 23 Sep 08.
Update (Sep 08): Per DES, a separate turn arrow would back traffic up on Strom Thurmond. Traffic would not be allowed to proceed down Strom Thurmond while the turn lane is activated. The flow of traffic turning down the street does not warrant spending at least $10,000-$15,000 dollars. On numerous occasions, traffic has been monitored at these intersections to get the best possible timing sequence, and turning traffic has to wait about 10-15 seconds before Strom Thurmond traffic can execute a left turn.
Status: Active
(4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 5: Parking at Scales CDC and Main Post Chapel
Lack of parking
at Scales CDC and Main Post Chapel is not safe for children. The parking lot is so small with cars driving
in and out, buses, trash/delivery trucks.
Adequate parking is needed for the safety of the children and
staff.
Recommendation: Provide additional or a larger parking
lot. Could use the area directly behind
the MED Hold quarters on the lot of Moncrief.
Response: DLE(DPW) talked to the CDC
director and they suggested that the CDC employees park directly behind the
building in the
Update: This issue was sent to DES 30 November 2007
for response.
Update
DES: The issue of safety of the children is a result of vehicles illegally
proceeding beyond the posted “No POVs Beyond This Point”. The illegally parked vehicles are interfering
with the safe operation, loading and unloading of the buses. There is adequate parking available at the
rear of the CDC/Chapel where parents can park and safely walk their children to
the CDC. The DES will more closely
monitor this location during peak hours and enforce parking regulations.
Update: CYS stated that the parking problem occurs when there is an activity at
the Chapel. The participants at the chapel use the
Update (May 08): Development of the FY09 SRM Projects List will begin mid-summer 2008. Parking projects must compete with all other requirements for SRM funding.
Update (Aug 08): FY09 SRM Project List is currently under
development and will be briefed during the Real Property Planning Board on 23
Sep 08.
Status: Active (Family Members Focus Group) (1st
Qtr FY08)
Issue
6: Handicap
Accessibility
Patrons with disabilities on
Recommendations:
·
Improve accessibility for patrons with disabilities
·
Add more spaces marked for handicap
·
Ensure all buildings are
Response: We are in the process of providing limited
Update: Per GC: Do an assessment of our
requirements.
Update: DPW stated that upgrading all of our
facilities will be costly, and will compete for funding each year like every
other project on post.
Update (May
08): All
Update (Aug 08): FY09 SRM Project List is currently under
development and will be briefed during the Real Property Planning Board on 23
Sep 08.
Status: Active (Civilian Employees Focus Group) (1st
Qtr FY08)
Issue 7: Inadequate Street Lighting on
There needs to
be more lighting available on
Recommendation: Install adequate lighting fixtures so individuals can be
seen crossing the street.
Response: A
project manager will be assigned to identify the requirement, develop and
estimate and execute a solution. Trees
may be pruned to allow for more efficient coverage. We can add lights as needed as well.
Update: DPW is assessing and will develop a solution. Trees will be pruned to allow for more efficient lighting coverage.
Update (May 08): A lighting solution has been developed, but requires SRM funding to execute. Trees have been trimmed and will continue to be trimmed. Development of the FY09 SRM Projects List will begin mid-summer 2008. Lighting projects must compete with all other requirements for SRM funding.
Update (Aug 08): FY09 SRM Project List is currently under
development and will be briefed during the Real Property Planning Board on 23
Sep 08.
Status: Active
(2nd Qtr FY 08)
Issue
8: Weather Shelter
There is no weather shelter in the taxi area in the PX
parking lot. The soldiers that are
waiting for taxis during inclement weather are forced to stand in the weather
under no shelter. This has a negative
impact on the health, welfare and morale of Soldiers.
Recommendation:
Build a weather shelter at the Taxi area of the PX
parking lot.
Response (May 08): A new weather shelter will require SRM funding to construct. Development of the FY09 SRM Projects List will begin mid-summer 2008. Weather shelter projects must compete with all other requirements for SRM funding.
Update (Aug 08): FY09 SRM Project List is currently under
development and will be briefed during the Real Property Planning Board on 23
Sep 08.
Status: Active (2nd Qtr FY 08)
Issue 9: Parking Lot at
The lower
parking lot at the
Recommendation:
Fix
the “craters” in the lower parking lot of the
Response (May 08): DPW will continue to repair potholes as they are identified and created. The permanent, long term solution is to resurface the entire parking lot, which requires SRM funding. Development of the FY09 SRM Projects List will begin mid-summer 2008. Parking projects must compete with all other requirements for SRM funding.
Update (Aug 08): FY09 SRM Project List is currently under
development and will be briefed during the Real Property Planning Board on 23
Sep 08.
Status: Active
(3rd Qtr FY08)
Issue 10: Parking Lot at Physical Exam Section and 120th
Reception Processing Center
The parking lot
at the Physical Exam Section and 120th
Recommendation:
Survey
the area and make necessary repairs to upgrade the current state of the parking
lot.
Response (May 08): DPW will continue to repair potholes as they are identified and created. The permanent, long term solution is to resurface the entire parking lot, which requires SRM funding. Development of the FY09 SRM Projects List will begin mid-summer 2008. Parking projects must compete with all other requirements for SRM funding.
Update (Aug 08): FY09 SRM Project List is currently under
development and will be briefed during the Real Property Planning Board on 23
Sep 08.
Status: Active
(3rd Qtr FY08)
Issue
11: Poor Condition of
From the traffic circle at Gate 1 to the stop sign at Perez
Gym, the road conditions on
Recommendation:
Response (May 08): DPW will continue to repair potholes as they are identified and created. The permanent, long term solution is to resurface the entire street, which requires SRM funding. Development of the FY09 SRM Projects List will begin mid-summer 2008. Paving projects must compete with all other requirements for SRM funding.
Update (Aug 08): FY09 SRM Project List is currently under development and will be briefed during the Real Property Planning Board on 23 Sep 08.
Update (Sep 08): This issue is on the
Garrison’s list for repair when funds become available.
Statue: Active (3rd Qtr FY08)
Issue
12: Turn Arrow at
intersection of
There is not currently a green turn arrow at the
intersection of
Recommendation: Install a green
turn arrow at the intersection of
Response (Aug 08): A project to install a green arrow at this intersection is under consideration for FY09 SRM funding. FY09 SRM Project List is currently under development and will be briefed during the Real Property Planning Board on 23 Sep 08.
Update (Sep 08): Per DES, a separate turn arrow would back traffic up on Strom Thurmond. Traffic would not be allowed to proceed down Strom Thurmond while the turn lane is activated. The flow of traffic turning down the street does not warrant spending at least $10,000-$15,000 dollars. On numerous occasions, traffic has been monitored at these intersections to get the best possible timing sequence, and turning traffic has to wait about 10-15 seconds before Strom Thurmond traffic can execute a left turn.
Status: Active (4th Qtr FY08)
Issue 13: Heat in
Building 3295
The
heat in Bldg 3295 (Preventive Medicine) constantly stops working. Work orders are continuously being put in to
have it repaired. It seems it only stays
that way for about a week or so, and it's time to put a work order in
again. Not having consistent heating
negatively affects all personnel who work in and utilize the facility.
Recommendation:
Install
a new heating system in Building 3295.
Response:
Status: Active (1st Qtr FY09)
Issue 14: Inconsistent
Heating and Cooling of Post Facilities
The heating in on-post facilities turn on and off at certain
times of the year, resulting in varying temperatures inside the
facilities. For example, temperature at
the Chapel was 65 degrees and 85 degrees later on that month (December). This
was in the facility where children were being cared for. The heat in Hood
Street School Annex is still not on (as of December 2008); therefore, patrons
utilizing the building get cold.
Inconsistent heating and cooling can result in illnesses and a
reluctance to continue to use the facilities.
Recommendation:
Provide the means to heat and cool each facility on
site.
Response:
Status:
Active (Family Member Focus Group) (1st Qtr FY09)
Issue 15: Disrepair of
Installation Roads
The roads across the installation are in serious disrepair,
particularly the Burger King parking lot. Uneven roads and potholes cause
injuries to Soldiers and damage to vehicles. Injured Soldiers and damaged
vehicles affect the health, welfare and mission readiness of Soldiers and
reduce their standard of living.
Recommendation:
Repave the roads on the installation that are in poor
condition.
Response:
Status: Active (Soldier Focus Group) (2nd
Qtr FY09)
Issue
16: Marking of No
Parking Zones
Not all “no parking” zones on the installation are clearly
marked; this is particularly true around fire hydrants. Non-marked zones lead
to a safety hazard and lives are at risk when safety vehicles are unable to
reach destinations in a timely manner. Marking will deter illegal parking and
may reduce the amount of contested tickets.
Recommendation: Mark “no
parking” zones throughout the installation, and publicize applicable parking
policies.
Response:
Status: Active (Soldier Focus Group) (2nd
Qtr FY09)
Issue
17: Problems with Work Orders Section
The Work Orders section is not functioning properly. It is
difficult to contact someone by phone to place a work order because the line is
always busy or no one answers. It is also difficult to follow up on work orders
that have been submitted because DPW does not track the progress of the work
once it has been sent to a contractor. These problems prevent the timely
scheduling and follow up of work orders for Soldiers and civilian employees who
utilize the system.
Recommendation: Provide
automated method for callers to place work orders (e.g., add an answering
machine). Implement a
tracking method that allows for follow up of contracted work orders.
Response:
Status: Active (Soldier Focus Group) (2nd
Qtr FY09)
Issue 18: Poor Condition of
Post Dining Facilities
The
dining facilities on the installation are antiquated and unsanitary, and poor
upkeep of the buildings has caused frequent sightings of insects and rodents.
The current method of pest control is inadequate and only creates a temporary
solution. The health, welfare and morale of all Soldiers utilizing the
facilities are negatively affected.
Recommendation:
•
Implement higher standards of pest control and cleaning
of the dining facilities and have greater accountability for facility managers
(short-term).
•
Construct new dining facilities (long-term).
Response- DOL (Feb 09): It is a true fact that all but one
garrison dining facility is antiquated and that major renovations and furniture
replacement is needed. There are current
plans to replace the majority of dining facilities on the installation with new
modern facilities. These replacements
have already started and will continue through 2014. The older facilities connected to the
starships will be converted into class rooms as part of renovation plans and
construction of new stand alone dining facilities will start as early as
2010. Roaches are a problem in the
dining facilities and barracks alike.
Response- DPW:
Status: Active (Soldier Focus Group) (2nd
Qtr FY09)
Issue 1: High Rates for On-Post Housing
Soldiers and their families are paying too much for
on-post housing. The housing in its present condition should rent monthly for
about $600 + $150 for utilities + $50 for grounds keeping. The BAH for an E-5
with dependents is $1283. Even after renovations, $1283 is an excessive amount
to pay for rent. Requiring Soldiers to pay their entire BAH for on-post housing
causes a financial burden and decreased morale.
Recommendation:
Research current market value of comparable real estate and set rates
depending upon unit size, condition, etc.
Response (Feb 09): Per Housing: “This is a Department of Defense
Issue. Current legislation requires that
members residing in on post housing pay an amount equal to their Basic
Allowance for Housing (BAH). Additionally,
there should be no financial burden as the rent charged, including utilities,
is the members’ BAH”. The IAC suggested that the issue be re-written for
clarification.
Status: Active (Soldier Focus Group) (2nd
Qtr FY09)
Issue 1: There are some locations
around post that have “blind spots” that are difficult to see around while
driving.
The corners of Kemper and
Moseby and Kemper and Hampton are two spots that are difficult to view.
Recommendation: Place reflective signs/mirrors in key places that would
enable drivers to peek around obstructions that could be potentially hazardous
for these locations.
Response: DES has primary jurisdiction
over roadways and traffic control devices.
Update: Garrison Command asked that DES follow up.
Update: DES asked that DLE follow up. This issue was sent to DLE for response.
Update: GC asked that Safety partner with DPW to resolve.
Update (May
08): DES and ISO conducted
on-site surveys, developed a course of action, and submitted the work order to
DPW.
Update (May 08): DPW response: The work order was submitted on 1 Apr 08. There is a lot of work required, some of which can be done by DPW in-house folks and some which must be done by contract. DPW is prioritizing the in-house portion and will complete it by the end of July. The contract portion must compete for year-end SRM funding (or next year's SRM funding).
Status: Active (2nd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Location of the
Refill Pharmacy
2. Current location of the Refill Pharmacy (at
the Main PX) is not convenient due to heavy traffic on most days, and there is
no formal waiting area. The present
location was to act as an overflow; however it is crowded and congested due to
the vendors and the internet café. This creates an inconvenience for those
utilizing the pharmacy and causes them to use off-post pharmacies. Lack of a
waiting area creates a physical strain for the elderly and disabled. (Soldier’s
Focus Group 1st Qtr FY09)
Recommendation:
1.
(Surviving
Spouse’s recommendation): Move the
refill pharmacy back to the commissary, or provide a second location at the
Commissary for refills. Recommend the
refill pharmacy conduct business one day per week at the commissary.
2. (Soldier’s
Recommendation): Relocate the Refill
Pharmacy to the south end of the mini-mall because there is ample parking,
little or no traffic and sufficient space for a waiting area.
Response:
Update: Per GC: Get the ICE Comment Box up and running at the Refill Pharmacy and look at the feedback to see if this issue is in agreement with the community consensus.
Update (May 08): An ICE Comment Box has been placed at the Refill Pharmacy for evaluation of the location.
Update (Dec 08): We have recently opened the new pharmacy on the ground floor and will be exploring expansion of the Refill Pharmacy in the near future. There is limited space in the PX Refill Pharmacy and we will be conducting a survey to help determine the best location with the planning phase of Refill Pharmacy expansion. At the request of the GC an ICE Comment Box was placed at the Refill Pharmacy to get community feedback. After 6 months of data there has been no recommendation of providing an additional location or to move the pharmacy back to the commissary. There was one recommendation to have refills available for pick-up at the hospital. The vast majority of the comments were customers telling of a positive experience and appreciation for helpful staff.
Update (Feb 09): Moncrief is currently exploring other areas on the installation to relocate the Refill Pharmacy.
Status: Active (Surviving Spouse Focus Group) (1st
Qtr FY08) & (Soldier’s Focus Group) (1st Qtr FY09)
Issue 2: TRICARE Prime Enrollment for College Students
College
students enrolled in TRICARE Prime must dis-enroll with their home provider and
enroll where they are attending school. Upon
returning home for summer break they must dis-enroll from their provider at
school, and re-enroll back at home.
Medical needs that are not acute but would be better for the student to
handle while at home on break (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) are limited to
being treated during the summer when their enrollment has been switched.
Recommendation: Permit students
to be enrolled in two areas, college and home – This would allow students to receive
care during non-critical academic time and allow for family support if recovery
time is required.
Response: TRICARE Prime enrollees should change their
Primary Care Manager (PCM) anytime they are living elsewhere, such as at
college. It is important for everyone to
have one PCM that is able to direct their care.
All care other than “routine” well care can be received while at home,
with a referral from their Primary Care Manager. If a college student had two PCMs (one at
home and one at college) it would extremely difficult to coordinate care and
for both providers to know the status of their patient. If the rules of TRICARE Prime make it
difficult for a particular beneficiary, dis-enrolling from Prime and having
TRICARE Standard is an available option.
TRICARE Standard gives the beneficiary (in this case the college
student) the freedom of selecting the provider of their choice and seeking care
when and where it is convenient to them, eliminating the necessity to change
PCMs. Decisions such as change in
TRICARE Prime Enrollment rules cannot be resolved at Fort Jackson. This is a TRICARE Management Activity and
Congressional issue that would require a contract modification.
Update: Issue has been voted by the IAC to be forwarded beyond
Update: Issue has been forwarded to the Commanding General for approval for
forwarding to beyond
Update
(May 08): Issue has been forwarded to TRADOC
Update
(May 08): Issue was not
prioritized at the TRADOC level AFAP Conference; will re-evaluate pending issue
disposition from TRADOC.
TRADOC
Disposition: Workgroup considered this a non-Issue; a
program is currently in place that addresses this issue.
Update (Feb 09): Currently staffing to re-submit to the TRADOC level AFAP.
Status: Active (Family Members Focus Group) (1st
Qtr FY08)
Issue 3: Retiree and Family Medical / Dental Entitlements
Soldiers, who entered the
Army years ago and have since retired, have experienced a decline in Medical
and Dental benefits. Medical and Dental
benefits have gone from free entitlements to requiring a co-pay. Most Retirees
are on a fixed income and some cases cannot afford the increase in co-pays for
Medical and Dental causing undue hardship to the Retirees and Families.
Recommendation: Eliminate policies, procedures that result in Retirees and
their Family Members having to pay out of pocket expenses for medical and
dental services.
Response (May 08): MACH has stated this is a Congressional Issue. MACH is unable to affect benefits of Retirees at installation level.
Update (June 08):
The Installation Action Council voted to forward this to the
Commanding General for approval to forward beyond
Update (Feb 09): This issue has been forwarded to the TRADOC AFAP Conference.
Status: Active
(AFAP – 3rd Qtr FY08)
Issue 4: Dual Insurance
When TRICARE is a person’s
secondary insurance carrier, it only pays 80% of the remaining balance after
the primary insurance carrier is paid. Those with dual coverage ultimately save
TRICARE money. This causes financial burden on the individual and could
ultimately cost TRICARE more money if the primary insurance carrier is dropped.
Recommendation: Change TRICARE policy to pay remaining
balance after primary insurance pays.
Response (Dec 08): This is a TRICARE Management Activity and Congressional issue that cannot be changed locally.
Update (Feb
09): The IAC voted to forward this issue beyond the installation.
Status: Active
(Retiree/Veteran Focus Group) (3rd Qtr FY08)
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