Straight Talk connects workforce, residents to installation leadership

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The Straight Talk Line here is a communication tool used by base leadership to facilitate communication for those who have questions and may not know where to find the answers.

Officials encourage members of the workforce, base housing residents or family members to submit ideas, questions, kudos or concerns by calling 781-225-1380 or emailing hanscom.straighttalk@us.af.mil.

“Clear two-way communication is vital for those who live, work or visit Hanscom Air Force Base,” said Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander. “Straight Talk is a great tool to enable discussion on a variety of topics anonymously or otherwise.”

While Straight Talk isn’t new for installation leaders, Enriquez is focused on using it to connect with members of the Hanscom community.

“We have to think differently, take risk and explore new ideas,” she said. “When two-way communication is encouraged, our CEOs [civilians, enlisted, officers] and their families will start coming to you with suggestions or concerns about how we could do things better.”

The 66th Air Base Group Commander’s Action Group oversees the Straight Talk Line.

“If it’s not a direct question for leadership, it gets tasked to the appropriate organization in the 66th Air Base Group for a response,” said Gretchen Myers, 66 ABG CAG chief. “Responses are provided back as quickly as we are able coordinate with subject matter experts.”

Officials note that while the Straight Talk Line encourages communication, it’s not used for inclement weather updates.

For the most up-to-date weather information at Hanscom, base personnel should contact the COLD Line at 781-225-2653. AtHoc notification options are also available for inclement weather information. Visit the Hanscom public website to learn how to sign up for AtHoc