Ask Away, JBSA!

ASK AWAY, JBSA! is a forum that aims to connect the 502nd Air Base Wing with members of the Joint Base San Antonio community. Numerous organizations work in tandem to answer the questions and provide the community with vital information.

Once a submission is received, they will be further researched and published as information becomes available.

Once we receive a submission, your question will be forwarded to the 502 Air Base Wing Commander and team. They will then conduct further research, and develop a direct response.

Selected questions will be disseminated to all 502ABW personnel via official email, as an article on JBSA.mil and on the 502nd Air Base Wing Facebook page.

Please keep in mind, due to the influx of questions and effort to obtain the most updated and correct information to better answer your questions and or concerns, your response may not be included in the latest installment of 502nd ABW CC Q&A's. Please be patient as the leadership team will ensure each question gets answered.

Brig. Gen. Russell D. Driggers:
JBSA, this is Brig. Gen. Driggers, the Commander of JBSA and the 502nd Air Base Wing. Once again, here with you for an episode of “Ask Away, JBSA.”

Jason Wilkinson:
I'm Jason Wilkinson from the 502nd Public Affairs office. Sir, our first question today is from a single member of our community. He's looking for things to do and was asking about the BOSS program. Is there a BOSS program for Airmen so that he could get out, find things to do, and meet people?

Driggers:
That's a super question! The Army has long had the Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers program. I'm an Army brat, so I know a lot about it.

We've taken that program and grown it into the Better Opportunities for Single Service Members. The program is alive and well here at JBSA.

If you go to the Facebook page and search "JBSA BOSS," you'll find access to resources, cooking classes, trips, and other great things for our single service members.

Also, check out the JBSA.mil website for more MWR activities and opportunities.

Wilkinson:
Awesome, thank you so much, sir. Our next question is about electric vehicles and charging stations. What plans do we have, if any, for charging stations here on JBSA?

Driggers:
Right now, JBSA is a pilot site for EV vehicles on the government side. However, the charging stations won't be available to the public, as they are for government use.

Some housing areas on our installation are considering installing charging stations, but it's a financial and economic decision. CES is evaluating the option, considering factors like the proportion of EV vehicles in Texas.

Wilkinson:
Thank you so much, sir. Our final question today is about retention, a big buzzword in the military community. What is JBSA doing to address this issue?

Driggers:
Retention is a huge challenge, and we focus on taking care of our service members and their families.

We have a Five and Thrive JBSA program, part of the Air Force's Five and Thrive initiative. It advocates for the five main things families and service members need when moving: housing, healthcare, childcare, schools, and employment opportunities for spouses.

The program helps the community access these resources. We also have a strong partnership with the local community, and our Force Support Squadron can provide information on accessing these resources.

It's essential to let the community know we care and value everyone's service.

Wilkinson:
Thank you so much, sir. I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with us today.

Driggers:
Absolutely, thank you. Take care, JBSA.