Force Support Squadron plans big changes

  • Published
  • By Airman Quay A. Drawdy
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 7th Force Support Squadron at Dyess is planning to implement several changes to the Hangar Commons, the Dyess Fitness Center, Mesquite Grove, the base theater and Legends Café scheduled to begin this month.

With the intention of creating an upgraded event center, the Commons is scheduled to undergo a three-phase remodel this month and concluding in early September.

The first phase will remove the glass archways that separate the ballroom and the great room, allowing space for larger ceremonies and events, making the space ideal for commander calls and retirements.

The second phase will move the Legends Café from the base theater back into the Commons, bringing with it several changes to the menu.

"Our menu will be the best things from all over Abilene," said Lt. Col. Michael S. Gerney, 7th Force Support Squadron commander. "We'll do one great menu item from each of the most known restaurants and bring them to Legends. Some of the contractors we're working with will go out and select the most popular dishes and then recreate them in our own kitchen. We'll have the best of Abilene right here on base."

Legends will also feature a drive-thru coffee shop and breakfast options, such as breakfast burritos or sandwiches, and a new public address system. After ordering, customers can enjoy other features of the Commons and, when the food is done, the public address system will let them know.

Within the Commons there will also be karaoke, free Wi-Fi and numerous connected gaming systems available for Airmen, DoD civilians, and their families to use.

"That's what Airmen want," said Gerney. "They want good connectivity, good food, and a nice place to meet up with friends. It'll be a bubbly place where Airmen can enjoy good food and good company. That is my goal for the Commons."

The final scheduled phase will add a 3,400 square-foot addition to the Commons that will house Weighted Airman Promotion Systems testing and a virtual library, but the changes don't end there.

The base theater is also scheduled to receive upgrades to the surround sound system and projector. The sound system is going from analog to digital surround sound, which will result in better sound quality in the theater. A 3-D capable 2160p definition projector will replace the current 720p definition projector, resulting in a noticeable change to the quality of the movies in the base theater.

The sound system has already been purchased, and price negotiations on the projector are currently underway. The negotiation is scheduled to be concluded by mid-August.

In addition, the 7th FSS plans to release a mobile application that will provide information on available Dyess services. The application will be available for free download starting in August. It can be found by searching "Dyess FSS" on all smartphones.

"The battle every day for Airmen is to keep your email as small as possible," said Gerney. "We are contributing to that, so we've decided to stop. We've gone from three or four to just one email a day, and we're looking to stop that, too, with the app."

The application will feature updates on events or price specials going on around Dyess. Airmen will receive the updates through notifications that can be selected for more information or dismissed.

Smaller changes, such as improved lighting and public address systems are scheduled for the Dyess Fitness Center and the Longhorn Dining Facility will soon have music played throughout the building. The improved lighting will save Dyess approximately $19,700 per year.

A new program, "Smart Membership," was created by FSS and will provide unlimited access to all services at Dyess for a monthly fee. Unlimited access to the paintball and golf courses, and a free lunch and coffee at Legends Cafe each week are only a few of the benefits offered by enrolling.

"Leadership has supported FSS throughout this process," said Gerney. "We have been cleared to try and implement these ideas. Having that support behind us makes everyone more excited to get it done now."