Solid Rock Cafe receives $4 million for renovation

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Varga
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Solid Rock Café has patiently waited for funds to renovate its current home in Bldg. 450 and that patience has paid off in a very big way. 

Sheppard AFB was awarded nearly $4 million on Sept. 24 in order to accomplish a major renovation of the SRC, Sheppard's Chaplain Corps ministry center available for all technical trainees. The project includes a total floor plan change, reinforcement of exterior walls, construction of separate rooms for study, quiet time and games and other improvements. 

The project to renovate the building is slated to begin in December and will take about six to seven months to complete. The SRC will take up residence in Bldg. 147 while the renovation takes place. 

"The number of technical trainees visiting the SRC every month has increased to around 20,000, so moving to the smaller Bldg. 147 will be tough. But we're glad to have the opportunity to continue the program during the renovation," said Chap. (Maj.), Jimmie Sanders, 82nd Training Wing Chaplain in Charge of Student Ministry. 

"The program we have at the Solid Rock is important and there is a reason to have this program," the chaplain said. "It is a program that instills values and promotes the core values of the Air Force." 

Sheppard's Chaplains have gone through months of reviews and planning sessions before receiving the funding to do the work needed. But the program is vitally important and thus the buildings' maintenance was also a concern and so the push for renovation was important, Chaplain Sanders said. 

"It gives the SRC an identity," said Staff Sgt. Scotty Duncan, NCOIC of student ministry. "No longer will it be known as the old gym or the library." 

The facility in its current state has drawn the strong support of Sheppard Wing Commanders, the 2nd Air Force Commander and the AETC Commander as well. All of these leaders have pulled together to help the SRC continue providing programs to encourage our technical trainees, Chaplain Sanders said. 

Chap. (Col.), Richard Hartwell, 82nd TRW Wing Chaplain, said the SRC has been incrementally improved but it is time for a total revitalization. 

"The building's over 40 years old. It is time we improve it," Chaplain Hartwell said. "This project is the highlight of my career. It's an opportunity to unite Sheppard--permanent party and all technical trainees--and make the Solid Rock Café a splendid facility and resource standing at the heart of Sheppard Air Force Base."