Dorm renovations improve Barksdale Airmen’s quality of life

  • Published
  • By Airman Allison M. Boehm
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Four base dormitories are being renovated and upgraded in order to improve the safety and quality of life for Barksdale's Airmen in unaccompanied housing. The first move into upgraded housing is scheduled for February. 

Renovations include newly painted walls and ceilings, new carpet and furniture, new bathroom appliances and vanities as well as energy saving light bulbs. 

Additionally, a fully-functional kitchen will be installed on the second floor day room of each dormitory. The dorms will also feature new electronic key readers for each room and video surveillance cameras throughout the dormitories. 

"The renovations and upgrades will improve quality of life in the dorms by providing a safer environment for dormitory residents," said Tech. Sgt. Craig Wiese, unaccompanied housing manager. "The camera installation will ensure all amenities provided to the Airmen will not be damaged." 

The move into the first fully-renovated dorm, building 4650 will be by Feb. 15. The three other building moves will occur as renovations are completed. 

Airmen in the current dormitory, 4640, are looking forward to the permanent move to updated facilities. 

"I feel optimistic moving into a dorm that has new facilities," said Airman 1st Class Glenn Giron, 2d Force Support Squadron. "I am looking forward to the neatness and cleanliness of the new bathroom. I appreciate the fact that the dorm managers are doing their best to fix building 4640 for its future residents." 

Contractors are currently installing surveillance cameras in the dorms. 

"The cameras will make the dormitories a safer place to live," said Jeffrey White, 2d Communication Squadron who helped develop a work contract for camera installation. "They will reduce theft and reduce destruction of government property." 

Visual Innovations from Austin Texas, a local sub contractor, installed the video surveillance cameras. 

The camera feeds will be recorded and reviewed as needed to investigate unauthorized activities in the dormitories. 

Contractors are still working in the remaining dormitories to complete the renovations, scheduled to be done by August 2009.