Wing participates in Air Force wide Health and Welfare Inspection Published March 19, 2013 By Senior Airman Christina Bozeman 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- What if you're at work and you overhear an ill-mannered joke or an off-colorful conversation? What if there is a distasteful poster or photo posted near your work area? At work where you spend the majority of your day, it should be a place that is pleasant and not feared. On November 28th, 2012, Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Air Force chief of staff, called on all wing commanders to examine their work settings to make certain that every single Airman applies standards of professionalism and respect. This Air Force-wide examination was called the Health and Welfare Inspection. "What was visibly out and around was looked at," said Brande Newsome, wing sexual assault response and behavioral health support coordinator. "They didn't go into people's desks or bags." As Welsh states, the purpose of this implementation was to inspect and reinforce expectations for the workplace environment and to correct deficiencies and deter conditions that might not be favorable to good order and discipline. Commanders were to look for and remove unprofessional or inappropriate items that keep a work environment from being professional. These inspections couldn't have been more on track. In early November of 2012, Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Smith, after being told by her supervisor to keep quiet, decided she could no longer be silent about graphic material on members of her unit's computers. She also endured repeated sexual assaults and harassment. "The majority of our Airmen do not commit these offenses," said Newsome. "The few that do commit them are making it difficult for the masses. We've been given the opportunity to improve our actions. We need to seize these opportunities." In early December 2012, Dobbins Air Reserve Base went through this new inspection. "I'm proud to announce that no significant incidents were found after the Health and Welfare Inspection was performed here on Dobbins," said Col. Timothy E. Tarchick, 94th Airlift Wing commander. "We will continue to provide a safe and favorable environment in which our Airmen can thrive and succeed." By implementing this inspection, the Air Force attempts to make sure that these kinds of unfortunate circumstances do not happen to its members. Nevertheless, with the restrictions and stated repercussions, there will be the few that do break the rules and that unfortunately, for Airmen like Smith, won't be thwarted. Whether the deplorable behavior being performed consists of lewd materials, verbal abuse or sexual harassment, all items or actions should be brought to the attention of your supervisor. Affected members should also seek help from their base sexual assault response coordinator. "The report will be taken up with the member's leadership, and we will be their voice, "Newsome said. " Each SARC has a case multi-disciplinary management group that will review the report." The Air Force believes that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and that anything less is unacceptable. A positive and comfortable environment is an essential asset. If integrity, service and excellence is aimed for, then cleaning up the work place must be accomplished and maintained. "If Airmen witness or experience any kind of questionable activity, they should step forward," said Tarchick. "It is their duty to come forward and make known negative behavior and to aid fellow Airmen."
