JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
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. Hi there. In this crazy world we are all living in right now, I wanted to take a moment to share a positive comment about a gate guard.
Mr. Jarvis Rodgers, a security forces officer who was posted at the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Schofield gate Oct. 8, is an absolute “breath of fresh air.”
I first met him last week at the Winans Road gate and he literally made the day for me and my daughters. We came home talking about him that night. He is definitely spreading a positive energy that is lacking in the world.
Today, he did the same as I passed through the gate with a friend. If there is any way to let his superiors know how much his spirit is helping those just passing through the gate, I personally would appreciate it. He should be acknowledged for his job well done. Thank you.
A. Thank you so much for your positive feedback! Our Security Forces work hard every day to keep JBSA safe and secure. They perform duties which are not always pleasant or easy, but are critical to installation security and safety. For this, they deserve thanks for their continued dedication.
It is great to hear about positive attitudes and the impact that it has on those they serve.
Q. My unit has recently changed our mask usage orders to only be mandated if the person is closer than six feet for 15 minutes or more.
This has led to the reduced usage of masks in hallways and other public areas. Does the inclusion of a 15-minute rule meet the intent of the commander's guidance on face mask usage?
A. Thank you for your important question. Everyone should wear a mask in work and public settings, and when around people who don't live in their household. When alone in an office, the individual may remove their mask. When moving about the work space (hallways, restrooms, other common areas) when others are present, all individuals must wear their mask. However, exceptions to mask requirements may be approved by local commanders or supervisors, and then submitted up the chain of command for situational awareness.
We encourage commanders and supervisors at all levels to enforce the mask policies and follow CDC recommendations while balancing their mission requirements.
In general, Department of Defense and Department of the Air Force guidance is to follow CDC guidance. Here are some reminders:
- Wash your hands often.
- Avoid close contact
- Allow 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don't live in your household.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others.
- The mask is not a substitute for social distancing.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
- Monitor your health daily.
- Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.
Current CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html.
Q. What are the on-installation hours for trick-or-treating?
A. JBSA’s trick-or-treating hours are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Security Force’s Pumpkin Patrol will be dispatched during that time. Please adhere to all JBSA’s Halloween COVID-19 guidance.
The full guidance can be read here: https://go.usa.gov/x7xjs
Have a happy, safe Halloween!