POPE ARMY AIRFIELD, N.C. -- Airmen’s quality of life is important to keeping them ready for any mission on Pope Army Airfield. Airmen Dorm Leaders (ADLs) coordinated the construction of two pickleball courts and a volleyball court that began March 2026 and was completed June 2026. The new pickleball and volleyball courts create more than just a fun way for the Airmen to workout, they afford Airmen of the dorms a place to gather for camaraderie close to home.
The last renovation targeting Airmen’s quality of life was in 2022 when the basketball court was built and the movie theater in the dayroom received new electric recliners. When Master Sgt. Travis Schultz, 43rd Force Support Squadron (FSS) unaccompanied housing superintendent, and Staff Sgt. Samuel Labo, 43rd FSS airmen dorm leader, started their tenure, one of the first things they noticed was the lack of recreational activities within walking distance. Schultz and Labo were approved for more than $180,000 for renovations that would improve dorm residence quality of life.
“Our pickleball court has lighting, so you can play at nighttime and get out of the summer heat,” said Schultz. “That's another big advantage of getting the pickleball court made, it creates activities for the night shifters who don't have the same luxury of daytime activities.”
The process started with asking the Airmen what they wanted. A survey was sent to dorm residents and they split the vote between volleyball and pickleball. Shultz and Labo then worked with the business and contract offices to plan the construction of the courts and find who would build them.
The contracts were awarded Sep. 29, 2025, and the volleyball court broke ground March 2026 and finished in April 2026. The pickleball court started in April 2026 and was completed in June 2026. The courts started at different times due to the requirements of weather to keep the integrity of the materials while being built.
“When it comes down to quality of life some people may see a pickleball court,” explains Chief Master Sgt. Jeremiah Clark, 43rd Air Mobility Operations Group command chief. “We see a place where friends can be made and relationships can be built. Comradery and competitiveness have a place to live. Which makes us all better Airmen and helps us get after the mission.”
It is easy with modern technology for people to stay inside. The addition of new recreational activities creates easy connection with their neighbors and people from different units. The courts also serve as a way for residence to easily decompress and prepare mentally for the next mission.
“I can’t wait to see more people out of their rooms,” said Airman 1st Class Trevor Beals, 43rd Communication Squadron client systems technician. “I’ll definitely be participating in future dorm tournaments.”
Readiness takes many forms like training and exercises, but being mentally ready is just as important. Ensuring residence can decompress and make new friend keeps their mental readiness sharp and ready for the next mission on Pope.