Solar Inn dining facility scheduled to re-open March 2016

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kirby Turbak
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - --  The Altus Air Force Base Solar Inn dining facility is scheduled to re-open in March 2016.

The dining facility closed April 26 for renovations of a new electrical system, boilers, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units, in preparation for the upcoming Food Transformation Initiative.

"The main focus was updating the facility," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Walz, 97th Force Support Squadron Solar Inn assistant manager. "Our electrical system was outdated and we couldn't get parts for the HVAC because the company went out of business."

The electrical system was updated so it could handle new equipment and new boilers were installed to replace the bulky, outdated one with two boilers.

Two boilers were installed because if one would break another would still be up and running.

With the renovations to the facility they also hope to improve the dining experince with the Food Transformation Initiative.

"The Food Transformation Initiative is an Air Force initiative to enhance food quality, variety and availability, while focusing on the Airman's changing needs, lifestyles and culinary preferences," said Maj. Dina Kampa, 97th Force Support Squadron commander. "The initiative strives to enhance the sense of base community while improving facilities and efficiency through decreasing operational costs and providing enhanced nutritious meals."

The dining facility will be is set up to be like many modern cafeterias by having a variety of food stations instead of having a single service line.

Upon the re-opening of the Solar Inn, anyone with base access, not just Airmen in the dorms, will be allowed to use the Solar Inn.

While the facility is under construction meal card holders are receiving basic allowance for subsistence category II. The Airmen are receiving $735.84 a month to cover the cost for food.

Once the DFAC re-opens, Airmen will no longer receive the allowance and will be reverted back to meal cards.