Officials at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., say major changes are on the way to address the local community’s military housing crisis, according to a WTOC11 report.
The biggest change on the way, according to base officials, will be DOD’s new tenant’s bill of rights for service members and their families living in privatized military housing on an installation. These rights will give military families new leverage to hold privatized housing firms accountable.
“It’ll be issued to everybody, so you get a chance to see it in black and white – these are my rights,” said Col. Jason Wolter, Fort Stewart garrison commander. “We have a common goal – to take care of our soldiers and families at the corporate level, but ultimately, that responsibility falls on the Army to make sure that that is happening.”
“If I’m not satisfied with what I’m getting from our partner, the U.S. Army, we as leaders have a responsibility to make sure they’re getting everything they need,” Col. Wolter said.
Other major privatized housing changes at Fort Stewart and other installations will involve increased installation oversight of firms that own and maintain on-base housing. Fort Stewart’s leadership says it remains their responsibility to hold companies accountable.
“We have a common goal – to take care of our soldiers and families at the corporate level, but ultimately, that responsibility falls on the Army to make sure that that is happening,” Wolter said.
Army photo by Chris Rich