"Central Park" no-drinking policy is effective Nov. 1

  • Published
  • By Dan Hawkins
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  By order of the 82nd Training Wing commander, the consumption of any alcoholic beverages by Sheppard personnel at Central Park has been banned effective Nov. 1.

The general order, given by Brig. Gen. Scott Kindsvater after consultation with senior leaders across the base, applies to all military members assigned or attached to Sheppard, including those assigned to tenant units on the base.

The rationale behind instituting the ban has everything to do with promoting a safe and professional environment for everyone.

"This policy is not about one particular incident involving alcohol; in fact, alcohol-related incidents are down right now," said Chief Master Sgt. Eric Johnson, 82nd TRW command chief. "It is about helping Airmen make responsible choices in an appropriate environment."

The order was distributed through a policy letter to all base personnel and remains in effect until superseded or rescinded.  Military personnel caught violating the no-alcohol policy may be subject to disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

According to the policy letter, the order was put in place "based on the risks to the health, welfare and good order and discipline of the force, and the associated impact to accomplishment of the training mission."

Central Park, located between Avenues "G" and "H" and intersecting with "6th" and "7th" Avenues, has long been a gathering destination for Airmen-in Training in the evenings after the conclusion of the duty day and on weekends. 

Although drinking alcohol is no longer permitted in Central Park, Airmen-in-Training who are 21 years of age or older and in the advanced transition phase can still consume alcohol on base and a couple of prime locations have been working to ensure a positive alternative to drinking in Central Park is available to the training population. 

At the Community Activities Center, the hours of "The Loft" have been extended.  On Tuesday and Wednesdays, they are open from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; and Sunday hours are 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. 

The Airmen's Club is also adding more activities for Airmen as well. 
 
For those interested in the services offered on base, visit the 82 FSS Services website.

Johnson reiterated the need for everyone to be involved as leaders.

"It takes everyone's effort to present the right example as leaders," the command chief said. "We have to set up our students for success."

Individuals with questions about the policy should contact their immediate chain of command.