DFAC reopens after 10-week renovation

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nora Anton
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The Two Seasons Dining Facility will reopen after its two-and-a-half-month renovation 5:30 a.m. Feb. 5 for breakfast.

The renovations, which began Nov. 26, 2007, include a new serving area, new tables in the main dining area, kitchen equipment upgrades and a new dishwashing machine.

"During exercises, DFAC traffic tends to get congested," said Master Sgt. Thomas Gonzales, 354th Force Support Squadron food superintendent. "With the new changes, we'll be able to support and serve our guests during RED FLAG-Alaska more efficiently." 

Senior Master Sgt. Cleofas Trejo, 354th FSS food operation section chief, said that not only will it relieve flow of people, but the new commodities will match the fast pace of meal times during exercises.

"The new dishwasher's purpose is to wash dishes at a faster pace," said Sergeant Trejo, "this way, we won't have to serve anyone off of paper plates and plastic utensils--which is expensive and a waste of material."

The renovations were carried out by two separate contracting companies; CH2M Hill did the construction, plumbing and electrical changes, and Gill Marketing worked on the serving line and provided equipment, Sergeant Gonzales said.

As of Feb. 5, single Airmen living in the dorms will revert back to the partial rate basic allowance for subsistence and the dorm rate cost-of-living allowance, said Master Sgt. Rashelle Taylor, 354th Comptroller Squadron chief of finance customer service.

"Members will receive the standard rate BAS and single-rate COLA entitlements through Feb. 4 and the difference in the entitlements will reflect on the member's mid-month February 2008 leave-earnings statement as a debt--but already settled," said Sergeant Taylor.

In short, she said, Eielson's dorm-dwelling Airmen should watch their BAS spending for February, as they are only entitled to four days of standard BAS and single-rate COLA.

The DFAC's weekday hours of operation are: Breakfast, 5:30 to 8:30 a.m.; Lunch, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Dinner, 4 to 7 p.m.; Midnight meal, 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The DFAC's weekend hours of operation are: Brunch, 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Supper, 3 to 5:30 p.m.; Midnight meal, 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.