JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO – LACKLAND, Texas -- Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of Air Education and Training Command, spent his first full day as commander on the job here examining facilities where mold conditions exist on July 29.
“Taking care of our Airmen who execute the mission everyday will always be my top priority,” Webb said.
Webb was joined by Chief Master Sgt. Juliet Gudgel, AETC command chief; as well as Maj. Gen. John Degoes, 59th Medical Wing commander; Brig. Gen. Laura Lenderman, 502nd Air Base Wing commander; Col. Jason Janaros, 37th Training Wing commander. Additionally, the command chiefs from each wing were represented as well.
The 502nd ABW, as the installation’s host wing, is responsible for all of the facilities and infrastructure at JBSA locations.
“Brig. Gen. Laura Lenderman and her team are actively working solutions including 100% dorm inspections, relocating permanent party and technical training residents as needed, and removing mold from rooms,” Webb said. “I applaud the efforts and actions of the entire 502nd ABW team.”
Residents in facilities at JBSA-Lackland voiced their concerns last week, which led to actions to remediate the buildings most impacted.
Professionals from 502nd Civil Engineer Group are treating rooms with a regimen that includes a bleaching process as well as utilizing dehumidifiers, removing and replacing carpet with vinyl planks, and installing ceiling fans.
Along with 502nd efforts, the new AETC commander is pitching in his support to JBSA to help fix the issues.
“Without exception, our Airmen deserve clean and safe facilities to live and work in,” Webb said.
To date, the 502nd has relocated about 200 permanent party and technical training residents.
“As we advocate to fund the improvement of all living and working conditions for our Airmen it is important to focus on the way ahead,” Gudgel said. “We need to concentrate on the task at hand, which is ensuring all Airmen live, work, train and eat in a pleasant, healthy and safe environment. Now is a time for action.”
In addition to moving Airmen, the 502nd ABW, in conjunction with units across the installation, are developing plans to relocate residents to other on-base facilities and possibly off-base locations. JBSA has the largest dormitory program in the Air Force with 77 dorms and bed space capacity of 27,000.
JBSA-Lackland dormitory residents are asked to raise mold issues to their leadership but if complaints are not satisfactorily addressed, residents are encouraged to go directly to 502nd Air Base Wing Commander Brig, Gen. Lenderman through the “Feedback Fridays” program.
Questions and concerns can be sent to RandolphPublicAffairs@us.af.mil or the 502nd Commander using the subject line “FeedbackFridays.”