Feedback Fridays

Feedback Fridays is a weekly forum that aims to connect the 502d Air Base Wing with members of the Joint Base San Antonio community. Questions are collected during commander’s calls, town hall meetings and throughout the week.

If you have a question or concern, please send an email to jbsapublicaffairs@gmail.com using the subject line “Feedback Fridays.” Questions will be further researched and published as information becomes available.

Q. I saw a "Come and Take it" flag (one with the cannon) displayed at JBSA-Randolph and I thought all unauthorized banners like this were no longer allowed. Is this one being authorized?

A. Thank you for your question. The Secretary of Defense’s July 16, 2020 memorandum, entitled "Public Display or Depiction of Flags in the Department of Defense" defines which flags are appropriate for public display on military installations. 

We appreciate you alerting the command to the potential presence of a publicly displayed prohibited flag at JBSA-Randolph.  We are working with Hunt Housing Office and the Randolph Executive Agent to ensure all flags displayed publically are flown in accordance with the military imperatives of good order and discipline, support the principle that all people are treated with dignity and respect, and reject divisive symbols.

Q. Why are all the medicine refills only being filled at the main hospital pharmacy at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center now? This seems to just get more people exposed. The lines are all the way down the atrium of the hospital and many do not follow the 6-foot social distancing guidelines, because people like to talk to others etc.

The satellite refill pharmacy was organized and so much easier for the elderly that have trouble walking from the parking lot into the hospital and then standing sometimes for an hour.

I appreciate the fact that we do have the privilege of getting our medicines refilled. The drive-through pickup worked great. Please consider either opening the satellite pharmacy back up, even if it is only on certain days if there is a shortage of personnel or the drive-through.

Thank you for checking to see if we can get improved pharmacy services.

A. We appreciate your feedback. Many things were considered before closing the satellite pharmacy and several process improvements have been implemented to address the feedback from patients.

1. Change in HPCON to Charlie: Limit staff exposure/risk (staggered shifts/split staff)
2. Small Satellite lobby
3. Weather (sun/rain) – exposure to patients standing outside with no air conditioning, no tent, rain flooding the entrance

WHASC clinic patients lining up in the atrium are not exposed to extreme weather elements and are in an air-conditioned building. Additional social distancing guideline placards will also be placed in the area.

While the pick-up line may appear long, it moves very rapidly. Patients should not be waiting for an hour in the pick-up line.

Here is some additional information that may help patients have a better pharmacy experience:

• The pharmacy is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Try to avoid Fridays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, as the pharmacy is minimally manned due to lunch rotation.
• If your doctor has called in your prescription, it will not be ready until you activate it. To activate the prescription call the pharmacy at 210-292-7970 or fill out a drop-off form and place in the box at the pharmacy lobby or at the tent table in front of the building next to entrance A.  

These suggestions will improve the patient experience to the pharmacy and minimize unnecessary wait times. Again, we appreciate your feedback.

Q. Are retirees allowed on base to go to the commissary, Base Exchange, gas station, etc.?

A. Thank you for your service! Right now, the base is in HPCON Charlie and is only open to mission-essential and mission-critical personnel.

Base access is currently limited to military members, civilian employees and other DOD-affiliated personnel such as retirees, dependents and contractors who are conducting official duties or business or have appointments at a medical or a mission support facility including the pharmacy, along with complimentary access to the BX/commissary before or after completing their business.

Access also includes everyone who currently lives in base housing who will continue to be allowed on base.