Homesteading

NAF functions MUST be self sustaining or they will be shut down

That is correct. In 2012, USAF decided that all NAF function had to pay their way, or be shut down; to date several NAF functions on many AF bases are in fact gone - example: Auto Hobby shops. Have you noticed any clubs being shut down; of course not because although few clubs are profitable, the commanders need them for a place to hold their functions. So the rule only applies when it’s convenient. MCGs, even the smaller CGs, generate a lot of money for the base commander to use as he/she sees fit

Ok, off my soap box :evil:
John

I believe what most have an issue with regarding homestead -- when a MCG is full, or in a very good 'visiting area' ... the homesteaders - or the friends of the host' ... take spots that travelers should get when visiting an area.

AND, in a lot of cases we've seen -- porches, decks, and a general mess surrounding long-termers.
Regardless of cost and function, the MCGgs are for all military - not just a few that 'find a way', and the other issue - regardless of what any CO believes, using BHA funds, paying MCG fees, and pocketing the rest is fraudulent. That costs the government (that us, you and I, all of us) additional tax revenue.

Interesting -- we were at the AF Academy MCG last week, in the post Office ... and we overheard (no, we're not turning anyone in, not our job) two women in uniform talking about sharing housing -- and one said, "How many" ... the other said "Four of us, and we pocket the extra". We've heard several times about BHA and "per diem" using MCG and pockets balance. We're in a tight budget period at the moment (maybe always now) and that is one area that is consistently abused, when that funding could help in areas of benefits we're now losing.

Another hit recently on TFL pharmacy. Soon, limited local pharmacy benefits, will all require mail-out ... might be a good thing for some, even most, but not everyone. Anyone want to bet on the stability of medication in a steel mailbox for eight hours or so ... or two days, if you happen to go out of town.

We've only be Full Time RVing for the past 18 months and have seen the same as others in the MCGs we have visited.

At Patrick AFB, there were 2 Lt Colonels and 1 Colonel LIVING in the MCG. I brought this up to the MWR leadership, but when one of the Lt Colonels was the Force Support Squadron Commander, what do they do?

At Joint Base Charleston, Heath, a retiree and MCG Host, has been in the MCG for 5+ years…really! If EVERYONE who visits a MCG would send the Installation Commander and SEL an email about the failure to follow regulations, maybe they would do something.

Is it going to take a IG Complaint about fraud and abuse of power, an AF/Army/Navy Times article regarding the Fleecing of the US Military or some courageous leader in the MWR/NAF program to standup and take action. OR maybe if we would take a united stand and request assistance from our Military Organizations (TROA, MOA, Sgts Assoc, DAV, etc.) or the Military Coalition to take up this cause.

You would think that with all of the "news" about Leadership Failures across the services that the local leaders would Take Action! But there's "no joy" in the foreseeable future since it's just "RETIREES" who see this as a problem. Once you get the Blue ID Card, you are a 2nd class citizen…

I would love to see something done about MCG homesteading,

:woohoo:

Homesteading in mil Fam Camps should be banned. At all Fam Camps.

Especially for active duty mil people who are receiving BAQ, VHA, what ever the money is called now.

Some bases have told homesteaders to move on. i.e. Grassy Pond told the homesteaders to move on about a year ago.

Other bases look the other way or simply don't care.

Worse homesteader is the one who thinks since they have been there forever they run the place. They start playing host, base police, base commander and head rule maker. Sure most of you have seen this type. I tell them "jack you are nothing don't tell me what to do. Before I call the real base police or real base commander."

When I was at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio the homesteaders occupied the entire back row by the trees. Prime spots for shade in the summer. They worked, or were stationed, on base. Few are contractors!

These people make more than most of us mil retirees.

The only thing I can say that is good about homesteaders is they keep the money flow coming into MWR during the slow months.

IMHO all FamCamps should have a rule, and enforce it, stay 60 days and move out for 60 or 30 days.
Or no more than 90 day stay in a 12 month period.

Speaking of that, JAX NAS is another joke on homesteading. Seems everyone there can get a medical statement to stay. I saw a guy in the office merely wave a hand written note to the guy at the desk to get a medical long term stay. The guy the desk (we all know his name) didnt even look at this so called statement.

Medical stays should be typed and signed by their doctor. A written request submitted through the chain of command for approval on a case by case basis.

The worse one at JAX NAS was the active duty dental officer and his wife. Both working at the dental clinic. They walked down the street to work. Had a multi million dollar rig. Stayed full time homesteading at JAX NAS for ever!

No one told them to move on. go figure.

Fam Camps should be exactly that ... a camp ground . Not a mobile home homesteading park.

Senior Boarder, read my comments about homesteaders. I mentioned WP.

At least the homesteaders at WP don't come off like they run the place. Unlike some bases I have stayed at where the homesteaders seem to own the famcamp.

Set a time limit on length of stay and ENFORCE it.

Perhaps "Homesteading" is becoming an obsolete concept with regard to FAMCAMPs. Since these "camps" seem to be becoming an extension of base lodging, no longer recreational facilities, perhaps we'll see changes in many aspects of their management. Unfortunately, if this trend continues, the changes will probably not be welcome to those of us looking for traditional FAMCAMPs.