New Visitor Center improves security, service Published March 22, 2006 By Tech. Sgt. Ken Sloat 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- A newly constructed Visitor Center opened its doors to customers here March 20 as part of nearly $2 million worth of headquarters funded improvements to base security. The Visitor Center, which cost about $630,000, was funded by Air Force Reserve Command as part of a $1.8 million redesign of the main gate area. One of the measures that improves security is a traffic plan that immediately directs unregistered vehicles to the Visitor Center rather than allowing them to enter the base prior to registration, said Darlene Hewitt, a Security Assistant with the 910th Security Forces Squadron here. “If they’re forced to come over here first, it’s better security,” she said. The 1,400 square-foot facility, which took about five months to construct, will not only increase security measures for the base, but should also make customers more comfortable if they have to wait for assistance, she said. Although, according to Ms. Hewitt long waits are rare, during heavy customer traffic periods – such as Unit Training Assemblies - the wait could be as much as 30 to 40 minutes. The old facility didn’t do much to make people comfortable while they waited, she said. The new one has a customer waiting area with chairs and should eventually have a cable ready television and vending machines, she said. Both customers and employees should notice an improvement. Pointing to a ceiling mounted camera and electronically retractable photo background as examples, Ms. Hewitt said the new facility was designed to improve their ability to assist customers. Visitor Center personnel are responsible for issuing temporary passes, long term passes, permanent decals as well as restricted area badges and Geneva Convention Cards for personnel at Youngstown ARS. “It’s not just reservists,” Ms. Hewitt said to point out that they support retirees, contractors as well as other branches of service. “They have to see me,” she said with a smile.