LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
It's a Friday night, and Langley Airmen are kicking back, basking in the end of the work week and the arrival of the weekend. The gazebos are full of laughter and jokes, and the dormitory grounds resonate with life.
Then there's the music. The droning, thumping music.
Music that is simply too loud.
Many of us enjoy the excitement of the weekends, knowing that we can relax for two days and take a load off. I, as much as anyone, love music more than just about anything; however, I don't think I should be able to hear an Airman's stereo from four blocks away, especially when I'm trying to sleep.
It's a matter of balance; having fun and enjoying oneself while respecting fellow wingmen. I play music daily, but not once have I ever been able to walk more than one room away and still hear it. I'm sure my roommate doesn't want to hear my latest favorite metal album through our walls at midnight.
1st Security Forces Squadron Airmen patrol the dormitories regularly, scouting out the "decibel delinquents" and putting a lid on the noise.
"We were getting as many as three calls a night between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. on weekends," said Staff Sgt. Damayra Fletcher, 1st SFS Emergency Control Center Desk sergeant. "Since the patrols started, we're getting only one or two a night, if any at all."
Airmen, adult military professionals, shouldn't need police to tell us when our music is too loud. We need to have a sense of courtesy and respect for those we live with and near, and understand that not everyone wants to "rock out" in the middle of the night.
Try this: If you're going to crank up the volume, listen through headphones. If you don't have headphones, keep your door closed while the music is turned up.
If, however, you insist on hearing your music from your friend's dorm across the way, you can probably expect to see blue pick-up trucks pull up in the parking lot, and the patrolmen headed your way.
To report a noise complaint, call the security forces emergency control center at 764-5091.