Different view helps focus on mission

Over the past several weeks, I have been sitting in for Deputy Garrison Commander JoAnn Blanks while she has been off at school. From this lofty perch, I have been afforded the opportunity to gain a different perspective of the impact the Directorate of Logistics has on this installation.

While I have been aware of the interest in the Dining Facility almost from the first day I arrived on post, while working in the headquarters I have seen and heard first hand just how much the DFAC patrons enjoy dining in this facility. For example, in February the DFAC held the annual “Black History Month” meal featuring ribs and fried catfish.

Today, Installation Command Sgt. Maj. Tracey Anbiya walked into my temporary office with a smile from ear to ear and asked if it was possible to have a regularly scheduled “Soul Food” day each month in the DFAC. She said she had been receiving phone call after phone call about how great the “Black History” meal was in February and that every one of the callers asked for the menu to be repeated throughout the year. Thanks to that feedback, it is our intent to have a “Soul Food” Friday once each month and to possibly introduce other ethnic meals on a regular schedule also.

Another function of the DOL that has been the topic of several phone calls is the use of GSA vehicles for TDY trips or trips outside the 100-mile radius from the motor pool. According to the DoD regulation, GSA vehicles are not to be used for TDY trips of any duration or for trips outside the 100-mile radius. If an activity has a specific need to use a government vehicle for a mission that is in violation of these restrictions, a request in writing must be submitted to the DOL explaining the special circumstances that may warrant the use of the GSA vehicle. A recently approved exception was to transport a military member to the confinement facility on Fort Bragg. Use of a GSA vehicle for unauthorized trips may result in increased liability for the driver should an incident occur during the mission. If you feel you have a compelling reason for using a GSA vehicle for your mission, request the exception and make sure you provide as much substantiating detail as possible for us to evaluate when making our decision.

Shortly after publication of this article, I will be back in my office, sitting in my chair, enjoying a fresh-brewed cup of coffee in my oversized Mickey Mouse mug, staring at the mountainous stack of paperwork in my in-box, all the while thinking, “It’s great to be back in my office.”