Working toward a better base

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Callahan
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  To combat a recent increase in alcohol-related incidents involving Grand Forks AFB Airmen, the Integrated Delivery System team here hosted a brainstorming session June 7.

The IDS is comprised of several base agencies working together to find solutions for issues in the base community, from drinking to policy matters, according to Chaplain (Maj.) Kevin Lockett, IDS member.

"The helping agencies; life skills, the chapel, etc... - organizations that are here to help - come together to find united ways to help the Airmen and their families," he said.

About 110 members of the base community showed up to express their ideas and give feedback on the current drinking problems and how to change the drinking culture on base. The personnel in attendance ranged from airmen first class to colonels.

"Above all, one of the things I sensed in this room Thursday was excitement from young Airmen," said Chaplain Lockett. "They were excited to know that people were listening to them."

The ideas varied as much as the ages in the room. The Prairie Rose Chapel annex walls were covered in sheets of paper with ideas hand-written in different colored markers.
The IDS had the chore of organizing and analyzing the ideas, finding the most common and most feasible, and giving recommendations to wing leadership.

As they sorted through the notes on the walls, several ideas were discussed.

Ideas ranged from alternate programs that promote responsible drinking (or alcohol free events) to severe, high-visibility punishments.

Although many of these ideas can't come to fruition due to legal restrictions, according to several IDS members, punishment ideas are a sign that base members are tired of the irresponsible decisions of a few other Airmen.

In addition to ideas for punishing DUI offenders, several other education programs, leadership involvement and safe transportation ideas were brought to the IDS for consideration.

Ideas to increase the visibility of the current 0-0-1-3 program were also brought up.

"It's important to look at an education component driven by lower level supervisors," said Master Sgt. Rickey King, 319th Medical Operations Squadron. Getting first rung supervisors involved in their troops' activities is very important, as a mentorship element and as a leadership element, he maintained.

Keeping with the idea of taking care of the troops, several ideas to provide better incentives for Airmen Against Drunk Driving volunteers will be submitted to wing leaders for their consideration as well.

Other ideas that are being researched by the IDS for deliberation are weekend shuttle buses to Grand Forks, late night programs on base, such as movies or dancing, wing sponsored recreational events, such as barbecues and local tours, and increased use of checkpoints.

"The critical next step is to let the Airmen know their ideas were heard," explained Chaplain Lockett. The plan is to push the ideas to the First Term Airman's Center, Airmen Leadership School and the Airman's Activity Council for buy-in and suggestions, he added. "We need to leave the option open for their input."