Airman's Pub re-opens after $70,000 renovation

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Airmen in Training looking for a fun, safe place on base to have a good time got their answer Jan. 11 when the newly renovated Airman's Club Pub opened. 

More than just a bar and recreational area, the $70,000 renovated pub offers the same fun and camaraderie without the outside influences of downtown establishments.

"This is a place to have fun," said Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, 82nd Training Wing commander. "We want you to have fun, but we want you to do it responsibly," adding Airmen can have fun without consuming alcohol, too. 

Johnnie Philips, 82nd Services Division director, said the Airman's pub is a responsible recreational choice and will hopefully help keep Airman on base and help combat alcohol related incidents. 

Airman in Training at the event were impressed with the new pub and agreed with Mr. Phillips. 

"I think (the Airman's Pub) will keep people from drinking off base. It's a win-win situation for everybody," said Airman Rosa Ramirez, an AiT with the 366th Training Squadron. "(Sheppard) is home, almost. Why go off base when you can come here?"
 
A brand new, well-lighted atmosphere, four new plasma screen televisions, refurbished billiard area, a state-of-the-art disc jockey area and a refurbished bar, are some of the numerous features of the renovated pub. 

"It feels safe here," said Airman Jennifer McDonald, an Airman in Training with the 366th Training Squadron. "It's a good place to come to stay out of trouble. And (at the end of the night) your wingman can walk you home." 

General Devereaux said the road to renovation began months ago when 82nd TRW command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Jeannie McLean toured the Airman's Club and was not pleased with the dark and dismal conditions. 

Before renovations began 30 AiT provided suggestions on possible upgrades following a walk through of the club pub. Their comments directly led to the pub's final look. 

The 82nd Civil Engineer Squadron and the 82nd SVS teamed up to bring new life to the old facility, saving tax payers $25,000 by doing the renovation in-house. 

"We found the money and we got it done," General Devereaux said. "This was a big team that came together." 

The Airman's Pub renovation is phase one in a four-phase, $4 million project, which includes a complete ballroom and kitchen renovation, a new game room, an outside seating area and additional lounges and dining areas.