Airmen reminded of off-limits locations

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Abigail Klein
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  When Airmen unwind after the duty day, the last thing they want to worry about is whether or not their after hour's destination is safe.

The McConnell Disciplinary Control Board is tasked with this duty, and while McConnell is still in the midst of the Critical Days of Summer, they want to help Airmen avoid local businesses they have deemed dangerous.

"The board ensures that Airmen are not exposed to anything contrary to good order and discipline, as best we can," said Bob Sanderson, 22nd Security Forces Squadron plans and programs chief. "Obviously we can't do that all the time, so we rely on the public. The cliché being in the wrong place at the wrong time, we're trying to help our Airmen and family members avoid that."

The MDCB operates by analyzing reports from McConnell Airmen, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Kansas Intelligence Association, which partners McConnell with law enforcement agencies within the five counties surrounding it.
Mr. Sanderson is also district coordinator for the Kansas Intelligence Association, and meets with the group monthly to exchange information.

"This is important because the public sees more things than we do," Mr. Sanderson said. "They know what looks normal and what doesn't."

After receiving these reports, the 22nd SFS investigates the establishments or locations in question to determine if they support good order and discipline to the Airmen in accordance with Air Force Instruction 31-213, Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Boards and Off-Installation Liaison and Operations.

If the MDCB considers the location dangerous to Airmen and their families or contradictory to good order and discipline of the Airmen, the location's address is placed on a list of off-limits establishments available to the public.

For Team McConnell Airmen, a current list of off limits establishments includes:
Cien-X Club - 4916 E. Lincoln Street
Harry & Ollie's - 4805 E. Harry Street
The Bedz - 2600 S. Oliver Street
Vegas Video - 8323 W. Kellogg Street

The clubs listed have been placed off limits due to a variety of factors including gang violence, drugs, robbery and assaults.

The MCBD shares this information with other local area commands including the Guard, Reserve, transient personnel, First Term Airman's Center, Right Start and other various professional forums.

"It's important for Airmen to remember that it's not just the business that's off limits, it's the address," Mr. Sanderson said. "The reason is that the owner, as we've seen in the past, can simply change the name of the business while retaining the same problems the location had before."

To be taken off the list, the owner of the establishment or location has to petition and be reviewed by the board.

"It's all that sharing of information that really benefits everyone, and solves crimes," said Mr. Sanderson. "If [Airmen] report it, they can remain anonymous, and we'll investigate the claim to see if it meets the criteria outlined in AFI 31-213. This program is a proactive approach to protect and keep people out of trouble, but we need everyone's help to protect Airmen."

Airmen who do not avoid these establishments, will be subject to disciplinary action by the Uniform Code of Military Justice under Article 92 and they risk their own safety and the safety of their family members.

"The safety and well-being of our Airmen and their families is very important," said Col. Jamie Crowhurst, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "Whenever one of our teammates is harmed it affects our mission so we're purposeful about using the MDCB to protect them."

Airmen who wish to report a dangerous location can contact their first sergeant or 22nd SFS Investigations at (316) 759-3963.