Residents, leadership work together to give dorm “home” feeling

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Candy Knight
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  "Leave it better than you found it."

For many, this is just another old Air Force motto, but to the 51st Security Forces Squadron Defenders, this is no mere motto.

It is a challenge.

A challenge the residents of Dorm 1436 accepted Aug. 23 when approximately 20 dorm residents volunteered their off-duty time to paint, sweep and clean up their home. This project was part of the dorm residents' initiative to instill a sense of pride and ownership into their home, as well as leave the dorm better for the next group of residents.

"Barely a month ago, with nothing more than a shoestring budget of $1,000, residents begun a long process to give their 'home away from home' a much-needed renovation and facelift," said Senior Master Sgt. Bobby Bankston, 51st SFS first sergeant. "It was apparent the dorm had been neglected by previous residents over the past 15 years since the dorm was built."

Taking to heart Col. Jon Norman's, 51st Fighter Wing commander, philosophy of "leaving it better than you found it," these defenders came together, rolled up their sleeves and got down and dirty, painting walls and stairwells, and removing and replacing broken furniture.

"In addition, they removed old, dirty, stained carpet from the main entry way and first-floor day room and laid down tile," Sergeant Bankston said.

For Airman 1st Class Corey Lockhart, 51st SFS, spending part of his Saturday painting his dormitory is small sacrifice, especially given the condition the dorm was in when he arrived.

"Based on the condition the dorm was in when I arrived, it wasn't hard to figure out that many of the previous residents had the 'one-year, who cares' mindset," he said. "Even though the majority of us are only here for one year, there is a huge chance that you might come back, so why not make it better for the next crew. Hopefully they'll make it better for the next time I'm stationed here."

When base leadership heard about their Airmen's efforts, they decided to pitch in and help. Col. Roland Van Deventer, 51st Mission Support Group commander, allocated $7,000 for use toward quality of life improvements for the dorm. The residents received an additional $10,000 from 7th Air Forces commander, Lt. Gen. Stephen Wood, after he heard about their efforts.

Additionally, to the residents' surprise and gratefulness, they were assisted by their supervisors, first sergeants, squadron leadership and senior wing leadership, who also gave up their Saturday to help their Airmen clean up.
"It gives the Airmen a great feeling and a morale boost to see our leadership out here pitching in and helping us out," said Senior Airman O.J. Ornelas, 51st SFS. "We are just as proud of them for stepping up, just as much as they are of us."

Staff Sgt. Thor Robinson-Clark added the NCOs who volunteered did so because they were impressed by the Airmen's dedication and drive.

"One thing all SFS defenders are expected to do is to take care of each other and help one another anyway we can," he said. "To me, if my Airmen are taking it upon themselves to improve the place where they live, the least I can do is give up a few hours, pick up a paintbrush and help them."

Lt. Col. Jonpaul Mickle, 51st SFS commander stated how impressed he was after seeing what the Airmen did in such a short time, and without very much money.

"In less than three weeks, these Airmen and NCOs have transformed Dorm 1436 from a prison into a home," he said. "They have exceeded my expectations for both leaving it better than they found it and taking care of each other."

The residents of Dorm 1436 hope their neighbors and fellow dorm mates will take it upon themselves to improve their respective dormitories.

"This is our home for the next year," Airman Ornelas said. "From the way this dorm look before, you could tell there was no sense of pride; no feelings that this is 'home'. Now, the feeling is we have a place to call home and that's makes us proud. Hopefully, the Airmen here will pass this feeling along so that we can eliminate the 'one-year, who cares' mindset and truly leave Osan better than we found it."