86th AW reopens dorm

***image1***An 86th Airlift Wing Airmen self-help and Civil Engineer partnership
completed a major renovation of the newly designated 86th AW dormitory
Nov. 17 with an official ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by Col. Rob
Kane, 86th AW and KMC commander. The reopening of the dormitory will
enable all 180 dorm residents of the 86th AW, currently living in 12
separate dormitories, to live under a single roof. The 11-month project
was a joint effort by CE and numerous self-help projects completed by
the men and women of the 86th AW over a 10-week period.

“Our wing goal and vision in this effort was to create a great
environment for our wing’s Airmen – a place they could call ‘home’ in
its most basic sense; a place that not only provided the best we could
offer in terms of quality physical surroundings, but more importantly a
place where the culture of Airmen, Wingman consideration, pride in
ownership and unit camaraderie could really flourish for some of the
younger members of our team,” Colonel Kane said.

The 86th AW self-help projects were a joint effort led by the unit
first sergeants and Airmen throughout the wing who contributed more
than 4,000 hours of “sweat equity” to make the dormitory a premier
living place.  

“Including airmen and supervisors in the project provided synergy to
quickly and successfully accomplish the self-help work.   The
troops now have a sense of pride and ownership in the new facility,”
said Senior Master Sgt. Jim Kuhlmey, 86th Operations Group first
sergeant.

Some of the self-help projects included installation of new carpet,
bathroom fixtures, window blinds and dehumidifiers for 208 rooms. In
addition to the home improvements, the renovation also corrected
several significant life and safety deficiencies that will ensure
resident-Airmen safety.  

“Construction partnering between our Airmen and CE not only created an
outstanding team building relationship but also ensured our financial
metrics were met, something critical to ensuring the American taxpayer
get the most bang for their buck,” said Senior Master Sgt. Ed Madden,
86th Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. “The 86th AW Airmen needed
something a little more personal – they needed a place to call their
own.”  

The 86th AW Airman will fully occupy the newly renovated dormitory by Dec. 15