New Capehart gate nears completion

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tonnette Thompson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Several Capehart residents expressed their concern March 7 during a town hall meeting about the decision to remove the gate guard at the entrance to their housing area..

Less than a month later, the response to those concerns is near completion. GMH Military Housing, the base housing privatization contractor, has erected steel fencing around the entrance and exit roads, enclosing the complex and creating a truly "gated" community for its residents.

"I'm hopeful that this gate, coupled with increased vigilance of our Capehart residents, will actually enhance the security of the Capehart Housing area," said 82nd Training Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, a Capehart Housing resident.

With the complete enclosure of the housing area, the possible option of someone "strolling" onto the premises while the gate guard is occupied with another entrant has been severely restricted.

The new entry and exit system will also feature an electronic keypad with Personal Identification Number access, similar to security systems used in other gated housing communities and apartment complexes.

"I believe this new system is as good as, if not better, than the security systems used in other communities in Wichita Falls," said Ric Richter, GMH community manager. "It will even allow people to access the base faster at high-peak hours; all you'll have to do is punch in your PIN."

While the Wichita Falls Police Department has been tasked with providing primary security to the housing residents, those who'd still prefer a military presence can take heart in the fact that 82nd SFS will still respond to calls from Capehart as well. General Devereaux also ensured that a military policeman would continue to guard the gate until the new system was fully operational, revising the original plan to relieve the 82nd SFS of that duty March 9.

This new security system will replace the procedure of producing a military ID card before the guard will grant access to the housing area - a procedure that will still be utilized to gain access to the base.