Reservists must dial in for reservations Published Jan. 17, 2008 By SrA Omar Delacruz 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- Grissom Lodging is switching to an automatic reservation system which is scheduled to be fully operational by March. Angelique Griebenow, 434th Services Flight lodging manager, said the new system is a stream line solution to extended call waiting times and confusion. "At first, I was very apprehensive about the new system," said SrA. Eileen Smith, 434th Aerospace Medicine Squadron medical administrative technician, "but after using it to make multiple reservations, I found it very user friendly." All Reservists who are eligible for lodging should start using the system before the February unit training assembly. Grissom Airmen are now solely responsible for making, changing and cancelling their own reservations. Reservation deadlines are noon on Wednesdays prior to UTAs. After the deadline the member will be placed on a space-available basis and may be responsible for the costs of their own lodging. Upon making the reservation, members will know details regarding their reservation, to include where they are staying and its contact information. With this information, the member will be able to go there and check in. The lodging facility should be contacted if the member plans to arrive after 7 p.m. the day of the reservation. The system will also provide information regarding check-out times. The use of additional phone lines helps the system manage call volume. With the exception of the initial registration, phone calls can take less then two minutes. There are also new guidelines associated with the implementation of the new system which will help reduce costs to the base associated with member's reservation no-shows. Members will now be personally accountable for failing to show for their reservations. "The base has to pay for all reservations made to all lodging facilities," said Mrs. Griebenow. "Members will be placed on a 30-day suspension of lodging privileges, regardless of the orders they're on, if they fail to show up to their reservation." A lodging facility schedule will also rotate units through lodging facilities. This rotation will help prevent the misconception of favoritism, she said. Reservation changes or special situations that arise will be addressed at the request of the individual's supervisors. "Mistakes and special situations are expected, as we are all human," Mrs. Griebenow said. "We are always willing to work with our customers to better serve and address any problem that might arise." To make lodging reservations prior to the next UTA, please call Ext. 4741 or (800)-635-0961 Ext. 2-4741. For other questions regarding lodging contact Grissom lodging at Ext. 2844 or (765) 689-8865.
