Commander's Call addresses housing issues

  • Published
  • By Capt. Dustin Hart
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Base leaders met face-to-face with Moody Airmen and residents of the Quiet Pines Housing Area to address their current housing issues during a Commander's Call April 10 at the Base Theater.

In front of a crowd of approximately 50 Airmen and families, 23rd Wing Commander Col. Kenneth Todorov, joined by 23rd Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Paul Burgess, 23rd Mission Support Group Commander Col. Les Martin and 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Greg Williams, invited the attendees to raise any issues or concerns they may be having.

"I've got my experts here tonight to answer your questions, get to the bottom of your concerns and address any issues you may have," said Colonel Todorov. "If I can't get you an answer tonight, I give you my word we will find you an answer; so let me hear what is on your mind."

The night began with a brief update on the current status of base housing from Colonel Williams. In addition to providing an overview of the privatized housing contract and ongoing sale negotiations pertaining to the new Magnolia Grove housing project, Colonel Williams also corrected several rumors on the status of the houses in Quiet Pines and maintenance concerns.

There are currently no houses in Quiet Pines that are condemned or substandard, said Colonel Williams. However, there are three houses that have remained uninhabited for the past three years due to extensive damage. The colonel added maintenance response times in Quiet Pines remain well within the standards of the housing contract.

While he said he knows there are issues with the aging houses, Colonel Todorov added he is not concerned with the safety of his own on-base residence.

"Everyone on this stage is living in one of the units in base housing," he said. "(They) were all made in the same era and our families share similar frustrations. But I will also tell you that I have a 14-month-old son at home, a five-year-old daughter and a seven-year-old son. I will tell you that I don't lose a wink of sleep over the living conditions in that home.

"I'm not saying that if you have concerns over the safety of your families they aren't valid," he continued. "But we are all in the same boat together."

Following the housing update, the floor was opened for the audience's questions and concerns. Many questions focused on specific maintenance issues residents were having.

In addition to using the standard procedures to get maintenance problems resolved, the leaders encouraged residents to take advantage of the base's Housing Office and Management Review Committee to get answers for more complicated issues.

If a problem remained unresolved after these steps, Colonel Todorov said he and his staff are there to help.

"(Moody has) grown by a thousand Airmen and you are part of that growth," he said. "You deserve the best we can provide for you. If you have a problem, use your chain of command and use the resources available to you to get a solution. If that fails, then contact myself or the command chief."

Chief Burgess echoed the colonel's concerns.

"I know it's not a great answer, but we feel your pain," the chief said. "We are aware of the age of these homes, and we are as committed as you are to getting new housing for our Airmen."

Although specifics on the future of the new housing project remain unclear, Colonel Todorov thanked the crowd for their continued patience as a solution is sought.

"You have all been very patient. I appreciate your attendance and the fact you are concerned," he said. "I am on the phone at least twice a week with congressional staffers and Air Force leadership, trying to find solutions to this problem. I ask for your continued patience and confidence that this will be resolved."

For more information on housing issues, contact the Moody Housing Office at 257-3426/3538 or contact the resident representatives for the Management Review Committee, Tech. Sgt. Andrew Neal at moody_mrc@bellsouth.net, Capt. Scott Brown or Tech. Sgt. James Monigold.