Amnesty Day ensures vehicles are in tip-top shape

Published June 9, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
23rd Wing Public Affairs

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron recently hosted an Amnesty Day in an effort to ensure the base's other government motor vehicle conveyances are safe and serviceable.

The goal of the day-long event was to have all OGMVCs, such as off-road utility vehicles and golf carts, properly maintained and inventoried to comply with Air Force and Department of Defense requirements.

The Air Force-wide change in the requirements for buying OGMVCs is what sparked Lt. Col. Anthony Cotto, 23rd LRS commander, and Joe Mitchell, Moody's vehicle fleet manager, to hold the amnesty event.

"Prior to the new regulations, organizations were allowed to buy these assets on their own," said Staff Sgt. Dawn-Marie Young, 23rd LRS vehicle management and analysis journeyman. "The process is much more detailed now because all organizations must submit documentation before the purchase can be made."

The base logistics squadron has to track and ensure all previous purchases also fall within Air Force guidelines.

"This will help ensure all assets are properly recorded on each unit's equipment listing," said Maj. Robert Henderson, 23rd LRS operations officer. "It will also help create an accurate annual maintenance plan to keep the assets safe and serviceable for wing use.

"We can also get an accurate picture of all OGMVC assets assigned to Moody," he added. "From this event, both commanders of the 23rd LRS and 23rd Mission Support Group can properly set a ceiling for future purchases of the assets."

In order to make sure the vehicles complied with all regulations, several organizations including the 23rd Wing Safety Office and 23rd Security Forces Squadron assisted in the effort.

Organizations brought their OGMVCs to the 23rd LRS Vehicle Maintenance Customer Service building inspection site, where there were several stations.

As each conveyance pulled up to the stations, a vehicle maintenance expert was ready to begin the inspection process.

The inspectors' checklist included vital areas such as the tires, brakes, exhaust system and batteries.

"We would check for things such as proper engine oil levels and if the brakes were functioning properly," said Anita Johnson, 23rd LRS vehicle maintenance specialist. "We're basically doing the same procedures as we would for government-owned vehicles."

After the inspections, a safety representative would ensure the utility vehicle followed Air Force safety standards.

"In a case where the utility vehicles did not meet regulations, the organizations were alerted of the problem," said Sergeant Young. "They have the responsibility for fixing the damages or even purchasing another conveyance based on their unit's funds."

A representative from the 23rd Contracting Squadron was also present to address questions or concerns regarding purchases.

In addition, if the OGMVCs did not have a regulation number assigned, another form was filled along with the checklist.

"After I accumulate all the paperwork, those without a regulation number in our system would be reported to the main headquarters," said Sergeant Young. "They will then create a number so that we have accountability for these assets."

Though the event was only two and a half hours long, the team inspected 114 OGMVCs.

Overall, the event was a success since it allowed the base to check many vehicles in a short period of time, said Sergeant Young.

"Only a few had problems while most were ready to go and safe to use," she said.