Columbia Hall revivification finished

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Montse Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The Whiteman Columbia Hall renewal project is nearly complete. Airmen started moving into the newly renovated facility Jan. 15.

The dormitory was upgraded to comply with current Air Force standards, according to Staff Sgt. Russell Kiser, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron NCO in charge unaccompanied housing.

"Everything in the dorm is new," said this Air Force Global Strike Command member. "That alone should boost morale and the fact that we are changing the dorms to coincide with the current trends will say to the occupants that the Air Force is listening to Airmen's requests."

Changes in Columbia Hall include repairing deficiencies in the fire suppression system and the heating ventilation air conditioning system.

Workers updated the dorm by replacing all carpet and adding new washers and dryers. Furthermore, a new pool table was placed in the recreation room and new appliances installed in the kitchen.

"We have spent over $600,000 on new furniture that will completely enhance the functional use of each dorm room and add more useable space for Airmen," said Sergeant Kiser.

"The furniture is top notch," said Airman 1st Class Jared Ecker, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, aircraft electrical and environmental systems apprentice. "I love how much space it saves in the room."

Primarily, 20th Reconnaissance Squadron and some 509th Security Forces Squadron Airmen will be the ones enjoying the new facility. If space permits, 509th Mission Support Group and 509th Operations Group members will also move into the new dorm.

Atlantis Hall and Endeavour Hall are next in line to receive the same changes in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

"I hope that the residents can see the amount of money and time that is being focused on the quality of life for single Airmen at the dorms," he said. "We are doing everything possible to ensure that the dorms are current, safe and state of the art.