Saving dollars makes sense Published July 17, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Jon LaDue 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- This is the mindset the 43rd Force Support Squadron lodging staff and 43rd Airlift Wing leadership had in mind when they decided to transform one of the old and underutilized dormitories into lodging rooms. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held July 9 at Bldg 276 signifying the official opening of the Airmen's Quarters which added 24 two-room units to the Carolina Inn's lodging inventory. Adding 48 rooms to the inventory will save the Air Force, and ultimately the tax payers, more than $300,000 in the first year because it prevents visiting servicemembers from having to stay down town on non-availability letters at a higher rate. Aside from saving money to the Air Force's travel line, non-tangible benefits could also be seen. Airmen serving their UTA requirements from the 440th Airlift Wing will be able to occupy the 48 rooms on UTA weekends, which cuts travel time, can alleviate stress and will allow more time for training. Another benefit to keeping those Airmen on base will be that it potentially bring money back into the base when visiting Airmen utilize 43rd FSS facilities such as the bowling center, movie theater, Pope Club, etc. "A lot of hard work went on and it's greatly appreciated," said Col. John McDonald, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander. "This was the right thing to do ... and it helps out the 440th AW." While all the benefits, renovations and redesignation seem like a "no-brainer," it doesn't necessarily mean it was an easy transformation. "This was an extensive undertaking ... like opening a brand new building," said Trisha Reichenbach, 43rd FSS lodging manager. " Once the entire building was repainted, the lodging "deep cleaning crew" went to work cleaning. They stripped the floors, steam-cleaned the carpets, repaired holes in the walls and fixed light switches, face plates and blinds. They began the overhaul June 5 and it took just over a month to complete. By July 10, all modifications were complete outside of minor touch-ups. The next phase included normal housekeeping items such as making the beds and cleaning the bathrooms, kitchens and appliances. They also fully stocked amenities and kitchen supplies for each room. The kitchen and dining areas have televisions with DVD players and each room will soon have flat-panel televisions as well. Getting all of this accomplished took a Team Pope effort Ms. Reichenbach said. She said the hardest part was gaining appropriated funds money for the linen purchase and upkeep. With the help of Wilkie Moody, 43rd Mission Support Group resource advisor, Maj. Jonathan Wright, 43rd Contracting Squadron Commander, and Lt. Col. George Tombe, former 43rd Comptroller Squadron Commander, it was handled quickly and efficiently, she said. Jury Brown, 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron, said the team effort between 43rd CES and 43rd FSS was a success and credits the 43rd CES structural shop for a job well done. The structural shop helped with all the repairs and painting. "We just have outstanding people. The usual and outstanding support in our civil engineer shops to support the base mission helped the project get accomplished," Ms. Reichenbach said. She also acknowledged that the project could not have been accomplished without her Carolina Inn team. "They are an awesome group of people who constantly amaze me. I feel like I am always challenging them to do more and they always meet that challenge," she added.