Unfair, unreasonable and ridiculous

No homesteading!...

With exceptions.. during extended PCS, ICW deployment.. large center like Key West designed for long term & not blocking out a traveler..

But.. never turn the famcamp into a junk yard..

Have seen too much junk!

Just my opinion, I could be wrong...

I might suggest starting your crusade to move out homesteaders with the base command chief. He/she can get a lot more done, more quickly, with fewer problems than the base commander.

On the other hand, if you go in with DEMANDS I can assure you that a place to park your rig will be strongly suggested in short order.

Keep in mind that use of MWR facilities is a priveledge, not a right, and the base commander can revoke the use at the stroke of a pen.

I concur that homesteaders are frustrating, but demanding, screaming, yelling, and generally bitching about it won't fix the problem and will definately not make friends with ones who can fix it. And by the way, our troops are in the middle of a war and I doubt the Famcamp parking policy ranks up there with keeping our troops supplied and alive.

I was just wondering, has anyone considered setting aside a few sites for long term stays, like over 3 months and put in an application process so that the homesteaders can be sorted out for the really needy, PCS, TDY etc..... That way, long termers could stay without fear of eviction, and yet folks who travel would have more sites available for short terms. There is always going to be circumstances that arise the would dictate a long term stay, but with an application process and designated long term sites, and short term sites, it might organize it a bit....Also, those identified as long term could not occupy designated short term sites, and visa-versa. Seems too simple, but I personally could see a revenue stream to support that..... Just a thought......

To: Big John
They have a pretty nice system at Mayport just as you mentioned. The main RV park has a 28 day max stay. If you have a need (or if space permits) a want, you can move to Osprey Park. It is a real blessing for those rcv'ing med treatment at Mayo clinic.

To address the other subject. I would like to think and I really hope!!!!!!!!! that my congressman/woman has better stuff to do than to worry about homesteaders. I really think a letter with your observations to the Base CC, Senior Enlisted advisor, or Chief of MWR will do as much good.
As far as demanding,,, I found out a long time ago that I did a lot better with a cup a sugar rather than a big ol bag a s**t. It could be that someone just isn't aware.
There was a time at Sigsbee in Key West that things werent on the up and up. Chief of MWR was playing favorites and had some real funky rules. Letters were written, meetings were met and the result Chief of MWR is gone (all withing the confines of NAS Key West).
I'm sorry I have better stuff to worry about, 1 leaving for Afganistan, (after 2 tours in ICRAP) 1 leaving for ICRAP, and one waiting word on deployment too either or. I did my time no one owes me anything. If there's room I'll stay, if not I'll move on. Me I guess I'll save the ire for the s**t weeds that are holding me hostage for $3.20 diesel (today).

As I read some of the comments written on this post I am reminded of some of the grumpy old people I have had the displeasure to camp beside over the years. You know the ones ... the ones who come outdoors in their slippers and PJs at 2000 hrs and complain that your kids are making too much noise around the campfire while making smores. I say - GET A LIFE! If you're hot happy, then go somewhere else.

I disagree with homesteaders - meaning those with refrigerators sitting beside their trailers or 30 different signs or windmills strung all over their campsite. But I do think the military is making concessions to those active duty personnel who are significantly growing in numbers. They are the geographic bachelors. With call-up reservists having to leave lucrative jobs and finding it hard to make ends meet, putting their RV to use is a way to get by. Or, the active duty person whose spouse has a career of their own and decides to stay put. In todays problems with school systems, we're seeing more and more families staying put while the military person moves around. Camping in a economical way to live. Putting them on prime lots during the busy season is probably not the best thing, but they should be accommodated just the same. They have just the same right to use the campground as a retired person does.

So, retiree, if you're not happy ... there should be a KOA just down the road. But don't come back on base and act like you own the place. Plan your trip, call and make reservations (most will even allow you to pick your sight and see if it's avail), and come and enjoy. But don't be PO'd if someone beat you to the site.

Terry
2001 Georgie Boy 34'

Terry,
It don't sound like you are retired or maybe not even military. You sound bitter to the retired military folks. I don't like to see some of the things you noted either but I don't make a big deal of it. It sounds like you may need to get a life also. Maybe the KOA is right for you. I think the retiree has some rights also. Also most of the RV parks that are military don't take reservations.