Dorm residents prepare for dining facility closure

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May
  • 47th FTW Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  When the Chaparral Dining Facility permanently closes its doors in late March, enlisted dorm residents will have to fend for themselves in terms of meal procurement and preparation.

With this in mind, two day rooms and one restroom in the dorms were converted into kitchenettes for the Airmen to use whenever they please. Airmen will be authorized basic allowance for sustenance and trusted with preparing their own meals.

To help them out in that arena, the Laughlin Health and Wellness Center hosted a cooking demonstration in one of the new kitchens Jan. 25. Staff Sgt. Ken Bowman and Kumang Goins prepared a vegetable omelet, explaining each step for those in attendance.

Senior Airman Stetson Thomas, a dorm resident for two years, said he thinks Airmen will enjoy this option better than having to go to the chow hall for all of their meals.

"I think this is a good idea," he said. "This allows us to eat what we want instead of having to eat what the chow halls fixes."

Airman Thomas said although he does like the idea of Airmen being able to fix their own meals, there are things about the chow hall he'll miss.

"I'll miss the bacon, egg and cheese croissants," he said.

Senior Airman Sheila Nadzieja, unaccompanied enlisted quarters manager, said most Airmen in the dorms are excited about the change.

"A lot of them like to cook," she said. "I'm hoping this will help them learn to eat healthy."

Airman Nadzieja said dorm residents are provided a microwave and a refrigerator, and are authorized to have and use a coffee pot and toaster, but no other heat-producing appliance.

"They must be unplugged when not in use to prevent a safety or fire hazard," she added.

As far as utensils are concerned, the Airmen will have to procure those items themselves.

"We can't supply the kitchenettes with pots, pans or utensils because we don't have the money to provide them," Airman Nadzieja said. "The residents have adequate space in their rooms or wall lockers to store all the cooking equipment they will need. We will supply all the cleaning supplies for the kitchenettes so they will be able to clean them when they are finished."