CC suggestion box responses for July Published Sept. 9, 2016 Here are the comments/suggestions and the commander’s responses: a. Base Appearance Comment: The appearance of the base is poor- so much so I would be embarrassed to have visitors on this base. Why isn’t mowing, weeding, and tree-trimming occurring on a regular basis? Response: The 796th CES (Eglin grounds maintenance) has had issues the last couple of months both with manning and with their equipment. They are working on purchasing additional mowers and equipment and hiring new replacement personnel. In the last couple of weeks, it seems like they have gotten a handle on the problem and the overall appearance is better. However, CES is not responsible for maintaining grounds right up against the buildings. Any shrubs, flower beds, or decorative trees have to be maintained by the building custodian and usually falls to the building occupants. Recently, the ARTs had a Friday afternoon GI party to work on this issue, and we will continue to address it that way. Commanders are also encouraged to find small periods of time for their unit to take care of their areas. b. LRS Comment: I came to LRS during the month of June and it looked like a daycare. Your work place, especially in the command section, is not for kids. Response: Roger all, agreed! This happened to be a day where two LRS members ran into childcare issues and had their children in the front office. Their commander reminded them both that child care needs to be addressed prior to coming into work! c. Toxic Leadership Comment: You say you’re getting rid of toxic leadership. Why are some still here, mainly in your Top 3 for Es? When/how will this be fixed? Response: First, let’s define toxic leadership. According to AFSOC, “Toxic leadership is a combination of self-centered attitudes, motivations, and behaviors that can have deep and long term adverse effects on subordinates, the organization, and mission effectiveness. A toxic leader lacks genuine concern for others and the climate of the organization. A toxic leader operates with an inflated sense of self-worth and pursues results from an acute self-interest. They deceive, intimidate, coerce, or unfairly punish others to get what they want for themselves. They are adept at distorting the truth for their own gain and advancement; and are unconcerned with or oblivious to unit morale and/or climate. They are seen by the majority of subordinates as arrogant, self-serving, inflexible, and petty.” There are currently 317 members in the 919 SOW in the top three enlisted ranks. Believe it or not, I do not know what is going on in each and every section. If there is in fact a case of toxic leadership among these SNCOs, a generic card in a suggestion box is not going to solve it. I need you or somebody to come forward to EO, IG, squadron leadership, the command chief or me to give us enough actionable details to look into it. This is not my wing, it is OUR wing, and we all have to work to take care of it whether it is the physical appearance as discussed above or the command climate and health. d. NCOADL Study Groups Comment: NCOADL study groups. Would you allow this on base during/after UTA hours ran by Top 3 or First Sergeants? Active Duty have this option since now AD has to do the DL PME. Even SNCODL and ALSDL? There would be better promotion rates and moral with support of our peers and Top 3 and First Sergeant. Response: This is a great idea and I support this fully! I passed this suggestion over to Chief Bischoff and he will engage with the Top 3 and the Chiefs Group to see if either of them will champion this. If you have more specific ideas on how to make this work, please contact him directly to help put this together. 2. As always, thank you for your comments and suggestions. If possible, provide your name and contact information in case we have follow-up questions for you or to let you know directly what is being done about the issue you bring up.