Lodging provides economical rates, upgraded facilities

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale Inn is the first impression many Airmen get when they first arrive to base.

Barksdale Inn provides lodging to Airmen making a permanent change of station move to Barksdale.

"We are the face of Barksdale to Airmen who PCS here," said Jonathan McClinton, 2nd Force Support Squadron lodging operations manager. "Every Airman who comes to this installation on PCS or temporary duty assignment makes a difference in the mission."

Without base lodging, Airmen arriving at Barksdale would be greatly inconvenienced and logistical delays could negatively affect operations.

"Many Airmen coming here on temporary duty don't have vehicles," said Master Sgt. Victoria Monroe, 2nd FSS lodging superintendent. "Besides, we have security on base, and the Airmen are closer to their work areas and won't have to spend time or money on cabs."

Amenities include refrigerators, televisions, bathrooms and the latest coffee dispensers, all in a spacious room of a building reminiscent of French architecture.

"The per diem rate here is $77," said McClinton. "It would be very difficult for someone PCSing to Barksdale to find a decent hotel in the local area for $77."

Barksdale Inn spans eight buildings with more than 260 rooms.

Monroe said lodging normally operates at 75 to 80 percent capacity, and at times, lodging is completely booked.

With a large number of rooms operating at a high capacity, the inn is inspected annually by the base commander to ensure it leaves a positive and lasting impression.

"During the inspection, the wing commander gets a firsthand view of what we're giving to our customers," said Monroe.

The rooms must be in top condition because the Airmen who stay in them must also be in top condition to complete the Barksdale mission.

"Our mission is customer satisfaction to support the wing and its mission," said Monroe. "We want every customer to have a smile on their face and have a wonderful stay."

According to the lodging General Manager, George Featherston, there will be a rate increase for fiscal year 2014 to help pay for renovations.

Around $8 million will be spent on structural renovations, offices and roof replacement for one of the buildings. Furnishing and fixture renovations are scheduled to be paid for with revenue from the upcoming rate increase.

Additionally, the $8 million will be spent to maintain the French architectural style in compliance with the Barksdale historical society.

"For years, lodging has had to compete with the rest of the wing for funding," said Monroe. "It could be difficult to fund things we need. In May, an initiative began... to use non-appropriated funds to fund some of those things and relieve the wing from having to fund them."

Besides facility upgrades, Barksdale Inn provides service for customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, helping to keep Airmen close to their mission and money in Airmen's pockets.