MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The Depot Quality of Life board was reestablished this month by Brig. Gen. Paul E. Lefebvre, commanding general, Marine Corps Recruiting Depot Parris Island/Eastern Recruiting Region. General Lefebvre called the first meeting to order August 11, in the Commanding General's conference room.
"The last QOL meeting was held in November of 2002," said Col. Eddie Ray, special assistant to the commanding general. "Previous commanders focused on the Eastern Recruiting Region. General Lefebvre really wants to focus on the Marines, sailors and civilians here on the Depot."
Key representatives at the board meeting included personnel from Tri-Command Housing, Marine Corps Community Service-South Carolina, Family Services, Recruit Training Regiment, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Weapons and Field Training Battalion and the commissary.
The board was headed by Ray, who gave a presentation outlining the objectives and goals of the QOL board.
The board's mission is to work together to enhance the total enrichment and morale of all assigned to Parris Island. It will make recommendations to the commanding general, concerning the conditions aboard the Depot and how to improve the health, safety, morale and welfare of service members, their families and civilian personnel.
Several key issues were addressed in the meeting.
One topic brought up was the inability to contact MCCS-SC to leave positive or negative feedback on MCCS-SC provided services.
To resolve that issue, MCCS-SC recently hired a webmaster who has been assigned the task of creating a survey available on the MCCS website. Also, an awareness E-mail line has been established so concerns can be presented and addressed within 72 hours, remarked Bob Mullen, director, Family Services.
Multiple issues were brought to the attention of Tri-Command Housing.
Several accounts of unwelcome wildlife on the Depot, such as rodents and an alligator, were presented to the board.
"Since the meeting, a permit was obtained to dispose of the alligator and it is no longer a concern to the Depot," said Peter Ross, project director, Tri-Command Military Housing, LLC.
"Ever since the stray cats were removed from the base, rats and mice have increased.
However, once the older housing units are demolished hopefully the rodents will be taken care of as well," continued Ross. "Until then, traps have been set to control the situation."
Lawn maintenance is another issue that was addressed. Several complaints of lawn crews starting one day and completing the job another day have been received. An outside civilian contractor provides lawn maintenance, but the issue will be discussed in an attempt to resolve it, replied Ross.
Vehicles speeding on the Depot was also brought up during the meeting. "The two areas of concern are by Marsh Landing housing and Weapons Sound housing," said Master Sgt. Timothy Jenkins, staff non-commissioned officer in charge, Depot Provost Marshal's Office. "Aside from our patrol units watching the area, we place speed bumps out during high traffic days such as Thursdays and Fridays, and we have a speed trailer that monitors the speed of vehicles."
Ray concluded the meeting after the issues were discussed. The board is currently being broken down into several sub-committees to better manage concerns brought to QOL board meetings.
The board committees will continue to meet at least once a month so Depot personnel can address concerns on a lower level.
The next meeting is scheduled to take place Sept. 15.