Dorm updates boost Airman morale

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Andrea F. Liechti
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The last two dormitories to receive complete renovations here are scheduled to open for Barksdale Airmen Feb. 15.

This will allow the base to house 996 Airmen in 10 dormitory facilities and will free up renovation money which will allow dorm management to upgrade room furniture and windows, and improve the common areas in the dorms.

"Our ultimate goal is for Airmen to love the dorms so much that once they hit senior airman and three years, they don't want to move out," said Master Sgt. Adolphus Sims, unaccompanied housing superintendent. "It's not about inspections or visitors. I want the Airmen to be proud of where they live all the time."

Approximately $1.5 million was spent on dorm renovations in 2011 and $3.2 million is projected to be spent on dorm improvements in 2012.

"We have a great group of Airmen in the dormitories," Sims said. "Watching them take ownership of their home is very rewarding."

Airmen will be able to move into the newly remodeled dorms within the next couple months to see the improvements first-hand.

Improvements on the dormitories included new paint, carpet, and drapes, as well as a full bathroom renovation with walk-in showers. New air units were also installed to help prevent mold growth in personal rooms and dayrooms.

"Airmen are excited to see the renovations that have been made," said Airman 1st Class Christopher Allison, president of the dorm chiefs.

It was evident that Airmen of the previously remodeled dorms received a big morale boost when they were able to re-locate, he said.

"The renovations have impacted the lifestyle of the dorm Airmen by making us feel more independent because of the access to full kitchens and the extra amount of privacy," Allison said.

If access to kitchens and extra privacy isn't enough to boost the morale of Airmen, they have one more surprise waiting for them. Dorm management recently purchased six 52-inch flat screen televisions with surround sound, as well as new pool tables and foosball tables for the common areas in the newly renovated dorms.

Allison hopes these improvements will build a strong camaraderie between all Airmen living in the dorms.