Shifting Sands: shifting policy

  • Published
  • By Airman Sondra M. Wieseler
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  On the morning of July 14, a new policy took effect at the Shifting Sands Dining Facility here that changed the guidelines concerning who was allowed to use the dining facility.

"The whole idea of the policy letter is based off of the AFI 34-239, Food Service Management Program," said 2nd Lt. Ronald Miller, the sustainment services flight commander. "The AFI is already layed out who should be eating there and on what occasions."

The new policy states that only the following military personnel are authorized to use the dining facility: enlisted personnel on a meal card or receiving basic allowance of subsistence; foreign government military members (German air force); enlisted personnel on temporary duty; officers and Department of Defense civilians on temporary duty (must present orders upon purchasing meal); officer candidate, cadet or Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) students on temporary duty; Commanders (periodic meal inspection); and officers and DoD civilians filling first responder roles (fire department or security forces).

The new Dining Facility Patronage Policy took effect in order to come in line with Air Combat Command standards, reduce cost per plate, improve preparation efficiency and to better serve meal card holders.

Previously, there was a need to provide meals to patrons other than meal card holders, however, improvements in base facilities increased the availability of eating establishments and prompted a review of that policy.

"At one time, it was determined there weren't sufficient eateries elsewhere on base so the DFAC was open to anyone without limitations or restrictions," said Lieutenant Miller. "Since that time we've revisited this addendum to the policy letter that said everyone can eat there and decided that's no longer applicable."

As a subsidized facility, whose funds are allotted by Congress, DFAC personnel are especially cognizant that every dollar spent is done so prudently.

According to Master Sgt. Derrick Wells, the Shifting Sands superintendant, the more accurate the head count, the more accurate amount of food they can order. They will then prepare the right amount of food and less will be wasted. This allows for a fresher product throughout the meals and also brings the cost of each plate down.

Although some long-time DFAC customers may not like the new guidelines, it's important to remember the reasons behind the change, said Lieutenant Miller.

"The DFAC is happy to invite that population back for our special events but we want them to understand that the goal of what we're doing is to best serve our current active-duty enlisted meal card holders," said Lieutenant Miller. "It's not to discount the importance of or the commitment that the retirees have had but it is to take care of our Airmen."

The new policy also states that retirees and dependant family members may are authorized to use the dining facility on federal holidays, Easter and Air Force birthdays. Dependants of deployed members participating in sponsored programs may also utilize it.

"Our goal is to get the Airmen to come in and enjoy and have a great eating experience and then resume their war-time duty - whatever that may be," said Sergeant Wells.

Any Airman with suggestions on how to make their dining experience better are encouraged to contact Shifting Sands management and for further questions regarding the new policy, please contact Capt. Brett Dorey at 572-5538.