Wing commander implements no smoking policy in dormitories

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte Brantley
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Effective immediately, Airmen are no longer allowed to smoke inside their dormitories.

The 23rd Wing commander made the decision to implement a new policy that bans smoking once it became clear that both the safety and health of dormitory occupants was at risk.

"We considered the benefits of adopting such a policy ban and found they clearly outweighed any inconveniences it might cause," said Col. William DeMaso, 23rd Wing vice commander. "As part of the base's in-processing Right Start briefing, I like to state that each individual has the right to smoke until it impedes the Moody mission. With smoking being allowed in the dormitories, more people than just the smoker were affected and that is not compatible with our goal of being ready for combat operations."

With the common room-style of the new Airmen's dormitories currently under construction here, cross-contamination between rooms would be a real hazard. In addition to second-hand smoke from a smoker's quarters seeping into their neighbors' rooms via the bathroom and kitchen vents, there are also concerns for individual safety.

"By making smoking prohibited in the dormitory rooms, it enhances safety by eliminating the possibility of a lit cigarette starting a fire," said John Eunice III, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron deputy commander. "Although this has not happened at Moody, it has happened at other installations."

In addition to preventing dorm fires, the decision to ban smoking will also save time and money for the dormitory management office, and ensure rooms are kept clean for the next occupant who moves in.

"The dormitory management office found that it was more expensive to clean and prepare a room where a smoker resided as opposed to a room where a non-smoker lived," Mr. Eunice said. "Often times a smoker's room had to be completely renovated. In each room, the walls had to be repainted, the carpet had to be professionally cleaned and treated, and the mattress had to be replaced due to the amount of smoke that had permeated through the material."

Airmen are still authorized to smoke in designated pavilions located in the dormitory campus areas. These areas are labeled as designated tobacco areas. Cigarette butts should be properly disposed of in a designated cigarette disposal receptacle.

Individuals who are found in violation of the new policy will be reported to their first sergeant.