Semper Fit:

Issue: Marines have gone to Outdoor Rec to pick up items and the shop was closed before 1700.
Response: Outdoor Rec closing before 1700 is not standard operating procedure, this will be corrected.

Issue: WiFi at the Brig & Brew
Response: There is WiFi as well as broadband internet currently at the Brig & Brew.

Issue: Bring more bands in the Brig & Brew
Response: Brett Westerfield, SMP Coordinator is working on having more bands:
-Souls Harbor
-Matt Bruenholer plays on a regular basis at the Brig and No Rockers Down

Issue: Unit specific golf clinics with Andy based on unit’s availability
Response: This issue is currently being addressed.

Issue: Request a change in rules to prohibit pets (especially dogs) from coming to Youth Sports games/practices.
Response: We have changed the policy regarding dogs coming to youth games and practices. They are no longer allowed.

Issue: Is it possible for the Theater to show a late movie on Saturday nights?
Response: We are now offering late movies on the 2nd Friday of the month at MCAS

Issue: Better selection of movies at the Theater
Response: The 8mm program that we have will give us more movie selections

Issue: Why is there a charge for admission at the Theater—should be free?
Response: While MCCS strives to bring events and activities to authorized patrons at little or now cost, the Theater is a revenue generator there will be a fee. Please remember all money spent at an MCCS location is used to further enhance programs and quality of life.

Issue: Offer massages on regular basis for permanent personnel. Somewhere a DI can go for a 10 minute shoulder massage at a reasonable price, perhaps at the Gym.
Response: Working through contracting to get massages available

Issue: Request to expand the outdoor pool season; it is warm here for much longer than the pools are open.
Response: The pool season is May 23-end of September 28, weather permitting possibility of extending season. The pool hours are going to be expanded in the evenings at all pools.

Issue: Community Center is not welcoming, needs some curb appeal and updating. It would be great to install a playground—great location for outpost parties.
Response: There is a funding issue prohibiting playgrounds, etc. at this time

Marine and Family Services:

Issue: Is it possible for civilians working as contractors on base to have access to our childcare facilities?
Response: YES, if space is available, active duty always has priority.

Issue: CDC waiting list for infants too long. Company Commander added unborn child to list 2 months prior to birth, spot did not come available until 7 months later, need more infant workers?
Response: This is not due to a shortage of staff, it is the infant spaces. Family Child Care as a viable component of the Children, Youth and Teen Program, and most providers offer infant/pretoddler care. We also are examining how and where we might open more infant spaces – possibly by subsidizing Providers at a higher rate, and possibly by altering an existing older-age classroom so it can be changed to a developmentally appropriate room for infants.

Issue: Can CDC hours be expanded to meet the need of Drill Instructors to include open earlier, close later and Saturday hours?
Response:  Yes!  The CDC and Youth Center hours are now 0500-1800.  The CDCs are also open on Saturdays from 0800-2000.  Please contact the individual center to make childcare arrangements. Family Child Care is available to those whose work hours dictate early drop-off, late pick-up, and weekend care.

Issue: New Parent Support Program needs more visibility; no one knows who they are or what they do.
Response: We currently advertise in the Happenings Newletter, The Boot/Jet Stream,
Electronic Marquee at the MCAS Exchange Complex, Signs for Mom's Basic Training/Daddy's Baby Boot Camp at the OB/Gyn and Family Practice Clinics at BNH with dates of class, every clinic has NPSP program brochures, we distribute various program flyers at different location on both bases we have brochures at Beaufort Memorial Labor and Delivery Unit (I understand that most of the time a military family is discharged our brochure is also in a discharge packet) and we have a link and brochures on the MCCS-SC website.

Food and Hospitality:

Issue: Prices being charged for catering are too high, especially for the quality and quantity of the food items you get.
Response: Food and Hospitality is currently working on improving the catering menu to assure proper pricing and increased quality of food. We should have this updated soon.

Issue: Request a relaxing of requirements to only purchase food/beverage from Traditions for functions at the Lyceum (would like to have the option to bring in their own food/set up and clean up on their own as well). Or another option, charge a small fee for MCCS to come in and clean the facility after the event.
Response: The Lyceum is a wonderful and elegant facility for any military or private event; however the facility is not currently overseen by MCCS. If you would like to utilize the facility and have outside catering or your own food, you may do so, please procure a waiver that will allow you accomplish this. If outside catering is utilized, it will be the responsibility of the catering company or the person (POC) that reserved the facility to set up, break down, and clean up. If you utilize MCCS for your catering needs, we offer the full package of set up (including table cloth/napkins color choices, setup/breakdown and clean up) Staffing is included for catering manager, cook, and service staff.

Issue: Is it possible for Drill Instructors to have priority on Thursdays when lines are insane, they do not have time to stand in that line?
Response: All of our food and beverage facilities on Parris Island are on a first come first served basis on Thursday Family Day. This issue has arisen due to the January 2008 change in the hours of recruit release during family day. We have been attempting to lower waiting time by offering more venues for families to enjoy during their visit. However, in the meantime, we must continue the first come first served policy.

Issue: Bring a “roach coach” to battalions so DI’s can have more time to eat meals instead of going and standing in lines.
Response: This food venue is certainly an option that we can explore. We will fully research this excellent idea.

Issue: New music in the Jukebox at Traditions
Response: There are many genres of music. There is new music that comes out daily. We can certainly make changes in the music in the Traditions Juke Box. Please inform the Club Manager, Ms. Kathleen Eckard, of any artists and titles and we will update the music as requested. Or email the Food and Hospitality Director at westerr@usmc-mccs.org .

Retail:

Issue: Will the new Exchange offer more/better selection for patrons? (Especially in the areas of electronics and clothing.)
Response: All merchandise selections are yet to be made but will be in the coming months. We hope to offer expanded selections in several areas, especially electronics.

Issue: Is it possible to have the 7-Day Triangle open 24/7 and gas pumps on? Drill Instructors are up and moving at all hours but have do not always have access to coffee, food or gas.
Response: The Gas Pumps can not be 24/7 as to do so would require an Emergency Cut-Off Switch located at the pumps. The cost of installing at the current location is prohibitive but when we move to the new location, the pumps will be 24/7 operation. As for a 24 hr. operation of the store, it is economically not feasible.

Issue: Barber Shop: For permanent personnel—terrible quality, takes too long, barbers are more interested in talking that cutting hair.
For recruits: hire new barbers—the attention to detail is poor, too many recruits getting bad hair cuts that they are having to pay for.
Response: Anytime a recruit receives what a DI feels is a substandard haircut, they should bring it to the attention of the duty manager or contact Mike Dilley at 812-1227. The problems with some of the barbers was addressed and they were terminated by the contractor. As for the Main Shop, the Barbers were just recently visited by the president of the company and this issue was discussed.

Issue: Cobbler Shop: A Marine tried to have something engraved; no one knew how to use the engraving machine.
Response: Request specifics. The operator is not always on duty, but anyone should be able to take orders.

Issue: Dry Cleaners: Is it possible to have 1 day turn around? Drill Instructors need their items back quickly.
Response: This is being looked at by the new contractor. At this time we have no solution.

Issue: Would like a children’s book section at the MCX.
Response: Will pass along to HQ buying staff.
Is it possible to have later hours at the 7 Day Store on Laurel Bay, possibly to midnight on the weekends?
Laurel Bay has the lowest sales of the 3 stores and therefore the shortest hours of operation.  Experimenting with the hours has been done several times but never enough sales to justify the expense.  Marine Mart is open until 2300.

Issue: Is it possible to carry more “emergency/staple” type items at the Laurel Bay store: like diapers, milk, bread, etc. 
Response: The store currently carries all items listed.

Issue: Is it possible to open the MCX earlier on Sundays?  Drill Instructors have a pocket of time to utilize the store while recruits are at church but it isn’t open.
Response: Once again, sales do not justify opening earlier.

Issue: Will Cash Sales move with the new Exchange?  Also, if possible, advise staff of shipment dates instead of them guessing when shipments come in.
Response: Cash Sales will move with the new exchange. Shipment dates vary according to item and we never know what is coming nor when. Some items are as much as 6 months out, others within a week.
Is it possible to keep Military Clothing open later, ideally to 2130 to better accommodate Drill Instructors and other permanent personnel aboard MCRD?
Cash Sales is open until 2100 on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Will the Barber Shop be moving with the MCX as well?
Response: Yes

Issue: Are there any plans to sell diesel gas on base?
Response: No

Issue: Can the limit of $75 be waived/removed from the gas tanks, this does not fill most cars up any longer.
Response: The limit was moved to $125 on July 18.

Issue: Request for computers and computer items to be sold at the MCX
Response: Unfortunately, this exchange does not do enough volume to warrant an assortment of computers. Hopefully the new exchange will at least have a few notebooks.

Issue: Possible to have a better selection of food items at the Weapons Exchange?
Response: If they will leave suggestions with the sales person, we will try to put a few in the assortment.

Issue: Is it possible to have cash sales, barber shop, MCX, Triangle Store open earlier?  Suggestion to try opening earlier for a period of time, with proper marketing to ensure word gets out about new hours.
Response: Each activity has hours based on usage. With the opening of the new store in Nov., many of these questions will be resolved.

Events/Programs Marines would like to see

-Operation Wheels of Freedom
This is currently being worked on. Look for more information in the near future if they are able to secure funding for a tour.

-Deep Sea Fishing Trips
This request has been submitted to ITT to determine pricing. Once it is the season for Deep Sea Fishing, a trip will be coordinated.

-Purchase tickets for concerts in the local area and give them to Marines/families.
May 9, Sara Evans gave MCCS 6 free tickets and 6 free meet-and-greet tickets for this concert!

-Bring UFC fighters to base
Single Marine Program is looking into bring Mixed Martial Arts to Beaufort, SC.

-Concerts: Carrie Underwood, Brett Michaels, Chevelle, Lt Dan Band, Jay-Z, Hinder, Three Days Grace, Snoop Dog, Green Day, Taylor Swift, Hannah Montana
Requests have gone to all of these artists’ publicists.

-Group cost for family trips to various fun parks:
ITT has great rates for families to visit themed parks! For more information,
contact at 843/228-1540