Town Hall tackles residents’ questions

Cathy Scheirman, 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Directorate chief and base civil engineer, talks about current major ongoing projects on base, including storm shelter installations, new hangars, the new 552nd Air Control Wing security system ramp and entry control point, as well as discussing upcoming plans for construction around the installation during the Jan. 21 Town Hall Meeting at the Tinker Club. (Air Force photo by Kelly White/Released)

Town Hall tackles residents’ questions

Robert Whittington, community manager for Balfour Beatty Communities, gives updates to attendees at the Jan. 21 Town Hall Meeting about base housing, including a self-help program that all housing residents can participate in to help beautify the base and their neighborhoods. (Air Force photo by Kelly White/Released)

Town Hall tackles residents’ questions

Published Jan. 29, 2016
By John Parker
Staff Writer

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- More than 100 Team Tinker members talked about issues ranging from concealed carry to a future dog park at a Town Hall Meeting and General Information Fair Jan. 21.

About a dozen base organizations set up information tables at the Tinker Club with an array of brochures, giveaway goodies and knowledgeable people to answer questions. The organizations included the School Liaison Office, Tinker Chapel staff and the 72nd Medical Group, among others.

Rachelle Hodges brought along her sons Ayden, 11, and Camden, 8, who took advantage of candy and other free swag. At the Town Hall session, she wanted to know if the base is considering changes to the ban on concealed firearms on base.

Maj. Steven Ohlmeyer, 72nd Security Forces Squadron commander, said the Air Force is reviewing its policies in light of active shooter type incidents across the country and giving commanders more flexibility to defend their personnel and resources.

He noted that Dyess AFB, Texas, recently changed its policy to allow authorized personnel with concealed handgun licenses to bring their firearms on base and leave them in their vehicles for up to 24 hours.

"There is a lot of new guidance coming out from the Air Force, and it's a moving target," Major Ohlmeyer said. "The Air Force and the DOD are looking at changing the policies and a lot of it comes down to the installation commander's decision.

"When that information comes out we'll push it up to Colonel (Stephanie) Wilson (72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander) to make decisions about how we want to posture here at Tinker."

Cathy Scheirman, 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Directorate chief and the base civil engineer, fielded several questions about construction, renovations and possible new base amenities, including a dog park.

"We are working on that, but where it is currently sited is in the flood plain, and we're required to complete an environmental assessment," Ms. Scheirman said. "It would be located in the area back behind the Youth Center area. We were trying to find an area that's close to housing and where there are some trees for shade."

Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Williams and his wife Alicia attended because they needed a lot of information about the base.

"We just moved here Friday and this came right on time," Mrs. Williams said. "We picked up some helpful information from TRICARE. I also received information from the chapel so we can enjoy services there."

Colonel Wilson thanked all the organizations and guests that participated in the event.
"I'm going to label this as a success. I hope that we have provided both timely and useful information about what is happening across Tinker AFB," the colonel said.