Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Houston Chronicle
May 3, 2008 $777 million renovation at post began in 2006
By Jim Vertuno, Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO — Recent inspections of barracks at Fort Sam Houston turned up only minor problems at one of the Army's oldest installations, and the garrison commander said Friday she's proud of the soldiers' living quarters there.
The Army was embarrassed last month by revelations of poor conditions at Korean War-era barracks at Fort Bragg, N.C. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said commanders must ensure troops have decent living conditions.
At Fort Sam, which is becoming the heart of the military's medical training programs under base realignment plans, officials inspected all the barracks within the past week. Reported were only minor problems such as light mold in latrine and shower areas, a broken railing, a leak dripping through a ceiling, chipped paint and a broken soap dish in a bathroom. None of the situations found in the recent inspections were considered life-threatening or a safety hazard, said Col. Wendy Martinson, garrison commander.
"None of this was new," she said. "We go to the barracks all the time."
Martinson led a media tour of several barracks, ranging from the newest, finished in 2001, to the oldest, which dates to 1930. The older building is set to be closed for renovations next year. The post started what will be a $777 million renovation and new construction project in 2006.
Spc. Jonathan Ramirez allowed reporters to come into his room at the newest barrack and agreed to be interviewed away from the officers.
"It's nice," he said of the two-room suite he shares with another soldier. "They keep up with everything here. It's good."
Ramirez recently returned from more than a year in Iraq and has been living in the barrack since March.
The oldest barrack at Fort Sam is one that was long ago converted from an open-room style to individual rooms that can fit up to four soldiers. It has dormitory-style bathrooms down the hall.
The tour of that building exposed little more than cracked plastic on a bulletin board case and some chipped paint on some of the older windows.
"Is it the most aesthetically pleasing? Absolutely not," said Lt. Col. William LaChance. "Is it safe? Yes."
LaChance said the post regularly holds town-hall style meetings with troops where they can address barracks issues if needed. One soldier, who did not identify himself, told a group of reporters passing by "It's better than Fort Bragg."
Martinson said she's proud of the living conditions at Fort Sam.
"Last fall, everybody in the Army signed a commitment to take care of (the soldiers) commensurate with their service to their country," Martinson said. "We've done a decent job keeping them safe and sound."
May 3, 2008 $777 million renovation at post began in 2006
By Jim Vertuno, Associated Press
SAN ANTONIO — Recent inspections of barracks at Fort Sam Houston turned up only minor problems at one of the Army's oldest installations, and the garrison commander said Friday she's proud of the soldiers' living quarters there.
The Army was embarrassed last month by revelations of poor conditions at Korean War-era barracks at Fort Bragg, N.C. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said commanders must ensure troops have decent living conditions.
At Fort Sam, which is becoming the heart of the military's medical training programs under base realignment plans, officials inspected all the barracks within the past week. Reported were only minor problems such as light mold in latrine and shower areas, a broken railing, a leak dripping through a ceiling, chipped paint and a broken soap dish in a bathroom. None of the situations found in the recent inspections were considered life-threatening or a safety hazard, said Col. Wendy Martinson, garrison commander.
"None of this was new," she said. "We go to the barracks all the time."
Martinson led a media tour of several barracks, ranging from the newest, finished in 2001, to the oldest, which dates to 1930. The older building is set to be closed for renovations next year. The post started what will be a $777 million renovation and new construction project in 2006.
Spc. Jonathan Ramirez allowed reporters to come into his room at the newest barrack and agreed to be interviewed away from the officers.
"It's nice," he said of the two-room suite he shares with another soldier. "They keep up with everything here. It's good."
Ramirez recently returned from more than a year in Iraq and has been living in the barrack since March.
The oldest barrack at Fort Sam is one that was long ago converted from an open-room style to individual rooms that can fit up to four soldiers. It has dormitory-style bathrooms down the hall.
The tour of that building exposed little more than cracked plastic on a bulletin board case and some chipped paint on some of the older windows.
"Is it the most aesthetically pleasing? Absolutely not," said Lt. Col. William LaChance. "Is it safe? Yes."
LaChance said the post regularly holds town-hall style meetings with troops where they can address barracks issues if needed. One soldier, who did not identify himself, told a group of reporters passing by "It's better than Fort Bragg."
Martinson said she's proud of the living conditions at Fort Sam.
"Last fall, everybody in the Army signed a commitment to take care of (the soldiers) commensurate with their service to their country," Martinson said. "We've done a decent job keeping them safe and sound."