The million dollar question Published Jan. 7, 2013 By Lt. Col. Jonathan Wright 81st Mission Support Group deputy commander KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler's senior leaders have asked, "What would you do if our base won the $1 million prize for the Installation Excellence Award?" Team Keesler has responded enthusiastically and creatively. Using Sharepoint, Tech. Sgt. Vincent Callahan from the 81st Training Support Squadron devised a communication method that exemplifies bottom-to-top communication. For anyone at Keesler with access to a government computer, the site address is https://keesler.eis.aetc.af.mil/81MSG/tmdq/default.aspx. The site, simply referred to as TMDQ for "The Million Dollar Question," features a method for personnel to post their ideas as well as comment on somebody else's ideas. In one month, personnel answered with 85 ideas. More than 110 people have registered an answer of some sort and another 140 personnel have commented on the ideas. The most frequent suggestions have been to expand the gun range for off-duty use, construct a parking garage for the new Back Bay Tower at Keesler Hospital and create an indoor pool. On the pool idea, for example, comments have addressed how swimming offers an alternative workout and provides a great option during inclement weather, as well as requests for extended hours. Keesler people have identified a wide range of ways that a million dollars could improve the quality of life on base by taking a look at fitness, the arts and crafts center, intramural sports, the youth center, the child development center, base housing, Welch Theater, outdoor recreation upgrades, Bay Breeze Golf Course, motorcycle safety, the sexual assault prevention and response program and traffic improvement. Senior leaders are excited about these ideas. Many of the ideas may not have been considered if it had not been for TMDQ. The site will continue, and Keesler personnel are encouraged to comment. While it may appear that 85 answers is a lot, more posts would broaden the ideas and insights for ways to improve life at Keesler. For family members, retirees and others who don't have access to the Sharepoint site, the base's Facebook page is another way to make suggestions. Another 46 ideas have been proposed at https://www.facebook.com/#!/keeslerafb. Whether our base wins the Installation Excellence Award or not, these ideas are rich and thought-provoking. And with the cost-savings initiatives that Keesler continues to generate, some of these ideas may receive the funding. So, Team Keesler, keep asking "The Million Dollar Question" and continue to embrace the cost-conscious culture.