Straight Talk: Preparing for the ORI

  • Published
  • By Col. Stacy L. Yike
  • 66th Air Base Group commander
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  We are heading into our first exercise practice to prepare for the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI). I am fielding lots of questions this week from "Why do I have to bother with this?" to "What time will the clinic be closed?"

ORIs are as much a part of Air Force life as fitness tests and leave forms. The fact that the Air Force inspects all Airmen -- military, civilian and contractors -- on our readiness only underscores the importance of this Air Force mission. We will have multiple exercises involving all of Hanscom as we prepare for the ORI this fall. The exercise timeline and areas of impact will be well publicized so you can plan accordingly and participate where needed. Preparedness for any sort of crisis is an essential part of our training.

Question: My husband, retired Air Force, and I are patients of Brighton Marine. We both work on base, so we are fortunate enough to be able to walk to our appointments.

Today, while I was waiting for an appointment, I saw three people that parked in the few reserved spaces allowed only for Brighton Marine patients. These three people were not Brighton Marine patients. They were using the parking spaces to park in for work at other surrounding buildings.

I understand parking is a problem on base, but feel that many of the older, sick, retired military people that use the Brighton Marine facility should not have the additional burden of finding a parking spot so they can get to their appointments.

I hope you are able to help in this situation. Thank you for your time.

Response: Thank you for taking the time to make me aware of this situation. I hope that publishing your note will allow more people to appreciate the difficulty they create for others when they park inappropriately.

Security forces will continue to enforce proper parking at Brighton Marine, as well as around the rest of base. The snow has caused an increase in parking problems this year, but that is no excuse for others parking in restricted parking lots or spaces. I will also follow up with Brighton Marine to ensure they have sufficient reserved and handicapped spots identified to serve their clientele. We will continue to make Hanscom a great place to work with input like yours.