Dyess recreation, club functions consolidate

  • Published
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  As part of an effort to combine recreation and community support functions for Dyess, the Heritage Club is being consolidated and reorganized as the Dyess Event Center and the Hangar Community Center will now become the Hangar Center Commons.

This initiative ensures greater accessibility for all types of functions, both official and unofficial. In addition, the new events center allows more flexibility to create the exact kind of event that organizations would like to host, to include providing their own catering, which wasn't previously authorized. Both facilities are scheduled to begin operations July 1.

"With the creation of the Hangar Center Commons and the designation of the Dyess Event Center, the force support squadron will provide a more diverse service to the Dyess populace," said Lt. Col. Naomi Welcome, 7th Force Support Squadron commander. "However, if we did not take the steps now to realign our business operations, we ran the risk of losing them both in the very near future."

Over the last decade, Dyess Heritage Club operations were indirectly subsidized by Air Combat Command funding to cover operating costs. Because of budget cuts that went into effect Oct. 1, that money is no longer available.

"After considering the various options, consolidation and reorganization of the Heritage Club and Hangar Community Center was the best option and will provide better service to Team Dyess," Welcome said.

This initiative will enhance club operations financially and functionally, 7th FSS officials noted that the services Dyess Airmen have grown accustomed to will expand.

"This reorganization will allow us to provide more flexible venues for official and non-official events at the new Dyess Event Center and continue to provide officer and enlisted club functions," Welcome added.

Furthermore, with the creation of the HCC, officer and enlisted club functions will remain intact as well as the ability to offer a single facility that boasts multiple services to include the Airman's Attic, Arts and Crafts, Legends Café and bar operations.

Of particular importance to members, 7th FSS officials emphasized that club memberships will receive added benefits such as live entertainment, comedy nights and food and beverage events.

For more information on how to schedule events or new services provided, contact Manzel McGhee at (325) 696-4305 or 2405.