Sheppard opens new permanent-party Airman's center

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vernon J. Cunningham
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, TX --  Permanent-party Airmen finally got a place they can call their own as Colonel Richard Lipsey, 82nd Mission Support Group commander, cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Permanent Party Airman's Center January 21 at the second floor of the Community Activity Center. 

Denice Tilley, CAC Director, said the other clubs catered to non-commissioned officers and commissioned officers. Junior enlisted members did not really have a place to go. 

To address this need, the CAC acquired young Airmen to form a Permanent Party Airman's Council. This focus group communicated with other permanent party Airmen via e-mails, questionnaires and telephone calls to provide input to the community center staff about everything from favorite colors and themes to programming ideas. 

Ms. Tilley said the new center, named "The Loft" because of its location above the CAC, was designed and constructed by Sheppard Airmen. 

"(The idea was to have) somewhere we can gather with each other and have fun," said Airman 1st Class Porsha Smith, president of the Permanent Party Airman's Council. "This is a training base and the mission is the students. But, this is something to focus on the permanent-party Airmen. And that is a really thoughtful thing to do." 

The Loft features five separated areas that cater to young enlisted member's entertainment needs: 

· Flix Movie Lounge: A place to relax and unwind, this Hollywood-themed movie lounge allows Airmen to check out a movie or bring in a movie of their own for viewing on a large screen television with surround sound. 

· Click's Lounge: This tech-inspired lounging area offers cable television, console gaming, Wi-Fi Internet and a social environment for making new friends or have a small social gathering. 

· Afterburner Lounge: 1970s-inspired room which features a large projection screen for viewing sports, playing games or watching movies. The comfortable seating, plush chairs and bean bags, make for a unique place to relax. 

· Playoffs Sports Pub: There is a dance floor, sound system, billiard tables, dart boards, foosball tables, three large screen televisions for viewing sports and a place to host themed dances, bands and tournaments. 

· Skybox Café: Offers a selection of soft drinks, snacks, energy drinks, hot dogs, wings and nachos. Beer and wine coolers are available for sale to the over-21 crowd. 

To honor the opening of this center, two junior-enlisted Airmen were chosen to help Colonel Lipsey cut the ribbon: Airman 1st Class Patricia Lieblein, 80th Operations Support Squadron aviation resource manager, and Airman 1st Class Alexandria Verissimo, 82nd Communications Squadron computer support administrator. 

"(Creating the center) was a good idea," said Airman Lieblein. "The Loft provides an area for Airmen to come and hang out with other Airmen and relax." 

Airman Verissimo added, "It makes me feel pretty comfortable with the base. I have only been here for a week. Now it will be much easier to meet new people, have entertainment, play games and study. I think it is great." 

The CAC employees also thought it was a great idea, Ms. Tilley said. They got behind the project and decided to do a big portion of the work by self help, as opposed to contracting out the job. 

"The staff (at the CAC) put in a total of approximately 6,000 hours into helping renovate the area," said Ms. Tilley. 

They saved the Air Force an estimated $25,000 in time and labor costs by painting over 7,300 square feet of wall and 6,000 square feet of ceiling grid, installing sound systems and performing various other types of labor. 

The ceremony was hosted by Brig. Gen. O.G. Mannon and a complimentary lunch banquet was shared by various junior enlisted members, supervisors, superintendents, 1st Sgts. and squadron and group commanders to celebrate The Loft's opening. 

The CAC extended their closing times to allow more convenient access to the Permanent Party Airman's Center. The Loft is open to permanently assigned enlisted members from airman basic to senior airman during the following hours:

Sunday : 5 p.m.to 9 p.m.
Monday - Thursday : 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday : 5 p.m. to midnight