SFS issue Open House passes early Published July 7, 2011 By Master Sgt. Kelley J. Stewart 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Security Forces Squadron has made getting guests on base for ID card holders a little easier for this year's Open House. The visitor control center will start issuing passes for guests attending this event beginning July 18. The Open House is scheduled for July 30-31. Active-duty service members, U.S. civilians and family members older than 18 years with an issued ID card can sponsor up to four guests for the event. Card holders need to go to the VCC to get the pass. Potential sponsors need to provide security forces with their guests' names and Ausweis or passport numbers to obtain a pass. Up to four people can be put on a single pass, and the passes are good for the duration of the Open House. "Normally sponsors bring their guests to the VCC to get passes on the day of the requested entry; however, because of the number of visitors expected to be sponsored onto the base for the event, sponsors are not required to bring their guests to the VCC," said Master Sgt. Paul Jackson, 52nd SFS Open House representative. Guests must have the identification used to get the pass with them while at the Open House and need to remain with their sponsor while at the event. Guests are asked to carpool with their sponsors due to limited parking on base. Security forces will perform a 100 percent ID check at the gate, and everyone attending the Open House will be searched before entering the venue. According to Jackson, screeners will be looking for the following prohibited items: pyrotechnics, firearms, coolers, glass bottles, knives, blades or sharp objects, weapons, paint, corrosive or explosive chemicals, pets, bicycles, roller blades, skates, in-line skates, bikes and skateboards. "People attending the event are asked not to bring restricted items," Jackson said. "If any restricted items are discovered at the screening areas, our actions can range from asking individuals to return items to their vehicles to detaining or apprehending individuals depending on the item." Security forces are expecting large crowds and ask event goers to be patient at screening areas. There will be multiple screening lanes for people to go through. "Our screeners will be thorough, yet expeditious. The timeframe will likely be similar to what you might see at an airport screening area," Jackson said. "Ultimately our goal is to ensure the safety of everyone attending the Open House, and all of these security measures have been put into place in an effort to reach that goal." The VCC will provide visitor passes to sponsors through the Open House. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 30 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 31. For more information, call the VCC at DSN 452-7414 or police services at DSN 452-7843.