SRC renovation to bring 21st century atmosphere to 21st century Airmen

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  World-class Airmen training to become part of a world-class organization deserve a world-class facility to hang out and get away from the daily grind, right?

That's the driving force behind renovating the Solid Rock Café, a hide-away for Airmen looking to play games, watch movies and hang out with wingmen. Maj. (Chap.) Jimmy Sanders, director of the SRC the 1960s-era facility - formerly a gym - said the SRC should reflect the quality of Air Force, especially with an increasing flow of Airmen to the program.

In 2006, a little more than 3,000 Airmen per month participated in activities at the SRC with a spike of about 7,600 that October. More Airmen flowed into the center per month in 2007, averaging almost 8,000 with a high of more than 10,000 in August.

Just six months into 2008, The SRC was averaging more than 9,000 Airmen each month, eclipsing the 10,000 mark twice in March and May.

"I think it's because it's an alternative and a place where they can gather together and fellowship," Chaplain Sanders said. "It's a place to come and relax."

The chaplain said the program isn't intended to force a particular, or any, religion on Airmen. He said it's completely non-denominational. The only time religion enters the conversation is if it is initiated by an Airman.

Chaplain Sanders said there are programs similar to Sheppard's at other bases, but the draw isn't anywhere close. Because of the technical training student population, he said Sheppard's program has the ability to grow into something greater.

"It's more of a student union-type building," he said, equating it to the same facilities located at a college campus. "We have lots for them to do (and) we make it that type of atmosphere."

The $2.6 million renovation plan would completely remodel the inside of the more than 10,000-square-foot building. Game rooms, television rooms and computer rooms are just a few of the projects on the list. The project also calls for an overhaul of the kitchen area that Airmen use to cook meals.

The plan also calls for a new theater-type area with a suspended roof and stage. The chaplain said that would be used for contemporary worship services.

Col. Richard Munsell, the 82nd Training Wing Chaplain, said this isn't just a chapel-sponsored venture. He said wing leadership is behind it because of how it ties into the mission - creating and developing highly-skilled, technically-trained warrior Airmen.

But there's more to what the Airmen get out of it then just a place to hang out.

"A lot of studying goes on there. A lot of relaxation goes on there," Chaplain Munsell said. "But, it's more than that. It's about building relationships that last an Air Force career."

Chaplain Sanders was quick to point out that the SRC isn't a place for Airmen to go and forget about their purpose at Sheppard and their careers.

"The core values don't get thrown out when you come into this building," he said. "We still reinforce those."

The SRC is open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Saturday from 1 to 11:30 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 to 9:30 p.m.