Photo By Melissa Wenger | Col. John Farnam, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, held a...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- The station commanding officer held a town hall meeting at the Bob Hope Theatre, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., March 7.
Col. John P. Farnam, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, addressed topics ranging from current construction projects to wait times at the base gates through a brief presentation followed by an open floor for questions and comments.
Many expressed concerns about the financial transformations the military is currently undertaking.
The commanding officer began by accounting for the fluctuation in gas prices and proposed his intent to the Miramar community.
Farnam assured that he would work to keep gas prices as low as possible.
“We’re trying to keep the gas price at something reasonable and give you a place on base to get the best-priced gas you can get.” Farnam explained.
Also, he explained why customers have seen reduced hours at the Barn Fitness Center, fewer group exercise classes and a nominal fee charged to dependents and retirees for various fitness services.
“Last fiscal year, we had to make some changes in the Semper Fit program,” he said.
The money was re-allocated from the Semper Fit program, to family wellness and behavioral programs, so it wasn’t lost within the Marine Corps Community Services.
On a positive note, Farnam introduced a child supervision option available to eligible families and offered through MCCS.
“The Marine Corps saw a gap there, and now we have a child care subsidy,” said Farnam. “Basically, the Marine Corps is giving you money every month to put your kids in a child care facility out in town and it hopes to offset your cost.”
For those who live on station, Farnam introduced the Resident Energy Conservation Program, which is a new facet in military housing costs that will affect family housing units.
“By 2014, Lincoln Military Housing is going to start charging electric bills to people who surpass certain parameters,” said Farnam.
They will look to regulate prices based off the averages found on consumer’s electric bills.
Farnam also addressed new electronic hand-held scanners used by station gate guards.
The scanners are new tools that improve the security of gate entry procedures onto the installation, he explained.
The commanding officer closed his presentation with an open floor for audience inquiries. Before leaving the Bob Hope Theatre, community members asked questions and offered comments and suggestions where appropriate.
“Just because we’re ending this, doesn’t mean you should stop asking questions,” said Farnam.
He ensured that he will continue to address the station’s concerns and will stay focused on finding solutions to keep Miramar ready to carry out its mission at all times.
| Date Taken: | 03.07.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 03.08.2013 18:53 |
| Story ID: | 103198 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, US |
| Hometown: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 114 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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