Continued improvements raise spirits, lift morale

Staff Sgt. Megan Knight, an Airman dorm leader assigned to the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, is surrounded by new furniture in here freshly painted and carpeted dormitory room in building 717. New furniture, fresh paint, and new wall and floor coverings were included in the recently completed renovations to buildings 717 and 718. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Continued improvements raise spirits, lift morale

Dormitory management team members Tech. Sgt. Stephen Rodriguez, Staff Sgt. Shalah Anquilo, and Tech. Sgt. Justin Klein, all assigned to the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, pose in front of newly renovated Building 717. The three Airmen are instrumental in ensuring the quality of life for Osan’s dormitory residents. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Continued improvements raise spirits, lift morale

Published May 25, 2011
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Recent dormitory renovation projects here ensure Airmen are well cared for and that quality of life remains a top priority.

Built in 1987, individual rooms and common areas in buildings 717 and 718 received facelifts valued at a combined cost of more than $5.3 million.

The renovation project was completed in February and each room has new furniture, carpeting, bathroom accessories and finish on the floors, walls and ceilings. The renovated dormitories also offer new washers, dryers, microwaves and refrigerators.

"The obvious benefit to quality of life is the improved morale for occupants of the facilities," said Chief Master Sgt. Deno Mackin, 51st Fighter Wing command chief. "This is a huge win for all involved--those getting improved rooms and those that maintain a more modern facility."

Providing the best living facilities possible to Airmen is a key factor in their readiness to accomplish the mission, he said.

"A quick review of the commander's priorities will easily identify this renovation project as meeting his priority of developing and caring for Airmen and their families," Chief Mackin said. "Improving the dorm environment with a renovation is a positive step for the Mustang mission -- improved quality of life equates to a more focused, productive Airman."

A charter resident of newly renovated Building 718 moved in May 10. Tech. Sgt. Timothy Stolicker, a 51st Civil Engineer Squadron electrician, said his newly renovated room is a welcome improvement.

"The room is a 100 percent upgrade and having new washers and dryers makes a huge difference," Sergeant Stolicker said.

Additional amenities include flat-panel televisions and pool tables in the day rooms and this just adds to the residents' satisfaction according to Staff Sgt. Shalah Anquilo, the Airman dorm leader for both buildings.

"The residents are pretty excited...they love it," Sergeant Anquilo said.

Newly arriving Airmen continue to move into the renovated dormitories.

"Unaccompanied Airmen...deserve the best we can provide and we should continue to better the quality of life at Osan with these sorts of improvements," said Tech. Sgt. Justin Klein, deputy chief of unaccompanied Housing.

Renovation projects require a lot of effort and teamwork from Airmen across the base.

"All the coordination, leg-work, and preparation to oversee, monitor, and quality check the work progress rests on the shoulders of a great Osan team," said Chief Mackin. "On behalf of Colonel Malackowski, I would like to extend a thank you to all those involved with this huge quality of life improvement for our dorm-dwelling Airmen."