Former AETC commander helps reopen Club XL's bar

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Patrick O'Neill
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Club XL's main bar is open once again.

A crowd gathered Friday, Feb. 4 at Club XL for the ribbon cutting ceremony. The bar had been undergoing renovation, which began last November.

Retired Gen. William Looney conducted the ribbon cutting ceremony, as well as an earlier mentoring session for company grade officers. General Looney retired from the Air Force as the AETC commander.

Laughlin members then followed Gen. Looney through the doors of the bar, unveiling the hard work put in by Lt. Col. William Rhyne, 47th Operations Support Squadron, 2nd Lt. Daniel Martin, 47th OSS, and their team. Lieutenant Martin designed the new bar under the supervision of Lt. Col. Rhyne.

Second lieutenants Zachary Bierhaus, David Dailey, Lucian Dekich, Daniel Huber, Derek Van De Wege and Frank Von Heiland, all of the 47th OSS worked on Lt. Martin's team. The team worked daily building cabinets and the bar, moving furniture, rebuilding the pool and crud tables and painting the walls.

"I am very proud of this team. They were critical in achieving our vision," said Col. Michael Frankel, 47th Flying Training Wing commander. "Thanks to all the volunteers."

The new design has improved the bar. Among the enhancements include cleanliness, coziness, increased room and seating.