Dorm renovations affect hundreds of Airmen's quality of life

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Carolyn Viss
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Dormitory residents, managers, first sergeants, chiefs and squadron commanders attended a town hall meeting hosted by 7th Bomb Wing leadership Oct. 15 to discuss upcoming dormitory renovation projects. 

The 21 projects, which were recently approved and funded by Air Combat Command, include core key locks, security cameras, fire suppression system repairs, interior finishing, flooring, furniture accessories, frost-free appliances, and repairs and upgrades to the outdoor decks. The projects are scheduled to be completed over the next 12 months and affect nearly 760 dorm residents. 

"Improving dormitories housing single, unaccompanied first-term Airmen is one of the Air Force's top priorities," said Maj. Ted Wahoske, 7th Comptroller Squadron commander. "The Dyess renovation was part of $33 million ACC received to buy down a fiscal year '09 dorm renovation bill." 

These much-needed renovations will greatly improve quality of life for our dorm residents, according to Chief Master Sgt. David Goldie, 7th Bomb Wing command chief.
"We are targeting our dollars wisely on unaccompanied housing," he said. "(The improvement contracts) are needed to get our dorms closer to acceptable standards."
One of the top Air Force priorities focuses on "taking care of Airmen and their families," Chief Goldie said. 

"The Air Force has done an exceptional job in the last few years upgrading and improving base housing, and I'm happy they are increasing the emphasis on unaccompanied housing for Airmen," he said. 

When deciding what will be replaced or improved, the No. 1 focus was on safety and security, the chief said. After that, comfort and morale issues were considered.
"It's been a number of years since we've had the chance to upgrade common areas," said the chief. "Upgrading the day rooms and decks with better furniture and accessories will give Airmen a place to go and socialize, ultimately building better morale." 

This "herculean" effort will require many moving parts and proactive participation by residents and unit leaders, Chief Goldie emphasized. In order to keep the renovation contracts moving on time, residents and commanders need to stick with the phased program planned for completing the improvements. 

"This is great news for our Airmen, and now it's time to start down the path to scheduling and completing all of these projects within the next 12 months," said Teresa Clouse, 7th Civil Engineer Squadron asset management fight chief. "It will require considerable effort and support from all Dyess personnel associated with our dorms: dorm residents, managers, first shirts, chiefs and squadron commanders."