Nearly 60 percent of the more than 16,000 military families nationwide described difficulties with maintenance issues while living in private military housing. That’s according to a new report by the Military Family Advisory Network, which represents military families.
Elizabeth Roberson lived at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, along with her husband, then an active-duty service member. She said their home, built in the 1950s, had asbestos shingles. When they asked the private management company to fix the issue, "they immediately denied us and said 'no, it’s fine, don’t worry about it, it’s not harmful, it’s no big deal,'" she said.
It took several months before the Robersons could move into a new home.
The report found other concerns included mold, filth and structural instability. Ninety-nine percent of housing for military families living on base is owned and operated by private companies.
Christopher Roberson, who was on active duty, said he knew he could be harmed by enlisting,
"But when it affects your family at your home station, that’s completely different and that’s not something you’re signing up for," he said.
Nearly 16,000 military families were surveyed. More than 100 came from Arizona.
