Sequestration Questions Addressed at Virtual Town Hall Meeting

Fort Bragg's garrison commander, Col. Jeffrey Sanborn hosted Tuesday's Virtual Town Hall Meeting on the post's Facebook page.

Participants sent in their questions ahead of time and they were anwered on the same thread. Here are some of the topics addressed:

Q:How can WE as a military community help to lessen the impact of the sequester on the base? Is there any way to save the 4th of July activities? What can WE do to help? thank you!

A: Canceling the 4th of July celebration was a difficult decision and one that we know impacts not only the Fort Bragg community, but the surrounding communities, as well. We're encouraging everyone to celebrate the holiday outside Fort Bragg. Here's a list of local celebrations.

Q: What will this mean for CYS? Will sports and summer programs continue? Will we have to start paying a yearly fee?

A: Sport and summer programs will continue. Fees are set and not anticipated to change at this time. The sports opening ceremony for spring and summer sports is Saturday, April 20, at 9 a.m., at the NCO Academy Parade Field off of Butner Road, across from the Butner Shoppette.

Q: Is there an employee-union agreement already in place if (or when) a furlough does occur? Fort Huachacha has posted theirs on their web page.

A: No, it is still being negotiated.

Q: Is there any organization that is going to be in need of more volunteers when the cut backs start?

A: There are organizations that are always looking for volunteers. Please contact the installation volunteer coordinator at 396-8160, the American Red Cross at 907-7124, or the individual schools for opportunities to volunteer as a school crossing guard. We expect all these organizations requirements to increase if/when furloughs occur.

Q: Is there a deadline for when all of the decisions will be made about the number of cuts and furlough days, etc? I know it was pushed back a couple weeks in order to make sure the right decisions were being made, I just didn't know if a new deadline was set.

A: I wish we knew. We will continue to be as open as we can, but these are decisions are still being wrestled with at the Department of Army-level. Please continue to only pay heed to official releases from Department of Defense and Department of Army when it comes to furlough information. We continue to see a lot of misinformation.

Q: We have become our "own" cleaning team now, was Fort Bragg that broke that the contract could not continue?

A: Yes