Straight Scoop -- Who can use the BX gas station? Published Jan. 28, 2009 By Straight Scoop action line 71st Flying Training Wing VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Straight Scoop action line is your direct link to Col. Chris Nowland, 71st Flying Training Wing commander, for comments or suggestions to improve Vance AFB. Although the Straight Scoop is available, you should always try to resolve problems at the lowest level possible, then follow the chain of command. The Straight Scoop action line can be accessed by calling 213-7777, or e-mailing 71ftw.pa@vance.af.mil. People requesting a personal response should leave their name and phone number. Comments appear on the Vance Web site and in the Scoop newspaper without names. Issue: I noticed a civilian gassing up at the BX gas station this morning. He seemed to be under the misconception that he could use it as long as it was a credit card purchase. I'm under the impression that this is not an isolated case. Perhaps a warning could be communicated to all base personnel. Thanks. Response: Thank you for bringing this issue to my attention. Although the service station is not scrutinized in the same way as the Base Exchange, the same rules of patronage apply. In order to buy gas on base, you must hold a valid military ID; meaning active duty and Reserve military and their dependants and retirees and their dependants are the only ones eligible to use the station, no matter the means of payment. This also means that military members should not buy gas for their civilian and contractor counterparts. Civilian employees and contractors, while invaluable to the Vance mission, are not bound by the same set of guidelines and are therefore not entitled to the same benefits as military members. I appreciate your cooperation in this matter and ask that you would continue to support Vance Airmen with your vigilance and encourage others to do the right thing.