MAFB town hall meetings addresses resident concerns

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  A panel of base leadership and subject matter experts hosted a "town hall" meeting at the base theater here Dec. 16.

"With the changes and improvements in base housing, we hold these meetings to address any concerns residents may have," said Col. James Gallagher, 5th Mission Support Group commander.

Col. Joel Westa, 5th Bomb Wing commander, also addressed base residents.

"We are working very hard to ensure people get the best answer we have to their questions," Colonel Westa said. "Now, the answers may not always be to our liking but it's our goal to give people the best we can give them. We're here today to find out what your concerns are and address those."

One of the primary concerns brought up by base residents was the shuffling of residents from one location on the base to another, given the demolition of old housing and construction of new housing.

According to Lt. Col. Monte Harner, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, the issue is a complex one, but the housing office is working diligently to give people the best possible options.

"There is a lot of hard work and effort being put into this," Colonel Harner said. "We are exploring every possible option to prevent people from being displaced. Right now, we are at a shortage in housing, but we're working hard to determine the best options we can give people."

Colonel Harner also said people being moved on the base are welcome to stop by the housing office and see floor plans for new housing being built.

Another concern brought up by base residents was whether or not children can still go to the on-base school they currently attend if required to move since the base is divided into different school zones.

According to base school officials in attendance, children will be allowed to go to their previous school, but if they move into a different bus route zone parents will be responsible for transporting them to school.

For individual concerns, Colonel Harner encouraged people to stop by the housing office, or call at 723-4660.