New dormitory opens at Shaw

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Williams
  • 20 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (ACCNS) --  The highly anticipated new dormitory opened on Shaw during a ribbon cutting ceremony March 13. Col. Joseph Guastella, 20th Fighter Wing commander, the Sumter Mayor, Joseph McElveen and Airman 1st Class Lisa Riendeau, 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron, did the honors of cutting the ribbon while 12 Airmen recently selected to move in looked on.

"I am excited and honored to cut this ribbon," Col. Guastella said. "Because of the Airmen standing here, we have created a better living environment for them."

The new 54,000-square-foot dormitory, located on the west side of the dining facility, has a 144-person capacity and is expected to be full within the next few weeks. Each suite has a common area that includes a kitchen and living room with a washer and dryer. There are four private bedrooms equipped with private bathrooms and walk-in closets to provide Airmen as much privacy as possible. The new building replaces dormitories built in the 1950s.

Once the ribbon was cut, the Airmen took a tour of their new home.

"The old dorms were not that bad, but there's no comparison," said Airman 1st Class Ryan Macz, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "These rooms are amazing."

Airman Macz, who has been at Shaw for almost a year, said he looks forward to the increased space and privacy the new design provides. He is also impressed with the updated amenities available in each common area like flat screen televisions, refrigerators with ice makers, washers and dryers and full kitchens with all the appliances.

Airman 1st Class Curtis Betz, 20th AMXS, is also impressed with the amount of additional space and upgrades compared to his last home where they shared bathrooms, had limited closet space and no common area or kitchen.

"The older dorm I was living in is worn, very old. I wouldn't call it terrible, but they are old," Airman Betz said. "This is a huge step up. Everything works and there's a lot more space. The common areas have flat screen TVs with free cable."

Of the Airmen moving into the new dorm, increased privacy seems to be the favorite aspect.

"I have my own bathroom," Airman Betz said. "I love not having to share a bathroom with three other dudes."

Col. Guastella said providing Airmen with the support they deserve will only increase their morale, which will improve the overall mission at Shaw.

"We're not here because of how fancy this new dorm is, but how it will affect your lives," he said. "And another dorm, just like this one, is going to be built on the other side of the dining facility."