SRC renovated, re-opened

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Solid Rock Café opened its doors Jan. 12 after a $4 million dollar and 14 month renovation period of the facility. Leadership, Airmen and special guests gathered together for fun, food and a dedication ceremony at the re-opening.

The new facility features new furniture, more gaming systems, faster fiber-optic WiFi and high definition cable system and a new dedicated prayer and meditation room.

Tech. Sgt. Brian Schaaf, SRC NCO in charge, said the facility also features rooms for families as well.

"(The Solid Rock Café) also has a new and larger family room for young children." he said. "A sound-dampened music and jamming room, conference room and a movie room are available for all of our guests."

Sergeant Schaaf said the White Ropes, a group of Airmen in Training who volunteer, provide immeasurable help especially during the renovation.

"The White Ropes took over the nightly operation of the student ministry center, spent their personal off-duty time serving their fellow students and taking care of what is rightly considered a student-managed facility," he said.

"Even though the ropes weren't as busy in the 'Mini' Rock Café, they stayed highly active with the community service projects on and off base and continued to support Sheppard's great tradition of partnering with and supporting our local community."

Chaplain Col. Bobby Page, Air Education and Training Command chaplain, said he has been looking forward to attending the re-opening of the SRC since he did a walk through in July 2010.

"I want to say a special thank you to the chapel White ropes," he said. "I am grateful for your help and we could not do what we do without you."

The Chaplain said the new facility has so much to offer and will benefit the Airmen greatly.

"The kind of connections that will be made in here will save lives," he said. "These connections will make a difference in so many lives of many, many people. The Solid Rock Café is about connecting Airmen with Airmen. These amazing connections are what will hold our lives together."

Chaplain Capt. Jason Klodnicki, 82nd TRW protestant chaplain, encouraged all Airmen to come hang out or even join the student ministries program.

"It doesn't matter what faith you are or if you don't have a certain faith at all," he said. "Anyone who likes to serve people is welcome to join the White ropes. They are the ones who keep our facility going and it is a wonderful initiative."