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The Gateway to the Air Force
An artist's concept of “The Gateway to the Air Force,” a $21.8 million facility that will serve as the primary inprocessing and information center for all Air Force recruits entering basic military training. (Air Force graphic)
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AFCEE redefines the gateway to the Air Force

Posted 5/10/2011 Email story   Print story

    


by Robert Ginsberg
Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment


5/10/2011 - LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Engineers at the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment are preparing to build an inprocessing and information center for Air Force recruits and their families here.

The construction of the facility is significant to both the agency and the Air Force, due to its robust depiction of Air Force culture, according to AFCEE officials.

"This project is of high importance to AFCEE as we recognize the foundational impact the structure will have for the Air Force," said Ben Kindt, the AFCEE Capital Investment Execution branch chief. "The building will be the first thing that Air Force recruits and their families see before embarking on basic military training, the gateway to the Air Force."

The $21.8-million facility will serve as the primary inprocessing and information center for all Air Force recruits entering basic military training and will support approximately 40 military and civilian employees.

Features include modernized information stations, a multi-story glass atrium and an outdoor auditorium that seats 3,000 to support BMT graduation week activities. The outdoor auditorium will be the primary location for coin and retreat ceremonies where trainees are presented the Air Force Airman's Coin signifying that they have earned the right to be called "Airman."

The focal point of the 70,000 square-foot facility is the front entrance, often referred to as "the gateway to the Air Force."

Plans call for six pillars that will line the front walkway, featuring engravings that detail the Air Force's core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do, and operational domains of air, space and cyberspace.

This design build effort will also be executed in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, requirements, and is expected to be certified LEED silver.

LEED is an internationally recognized approach to the design, construction and operation of "green" buildings. A LEED-certified building requires that a building be designed and constructed utilizing an approach aimed at increasing performance, reducing waste and improving quality of life.

"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to design and construct the new inprocessing and information center for the Air Force and are committed to utilizing sustainable and green materials to do the job," said  Joseph Fox, the AFCEE project manager.

The award for this construction contract is expected Aug. 15.



tabComments
5/12/2011 4:45:06 PM ET
This is a needed and well deserved upgrade, and I believe it should definitely keep Chief Airey's name, as well honoring the Airmen of the past. Modernization is a great thing, much better than spending our tax dollars overseas.
Scott, San Antonio
 
5/12/2011 10:13:48 AM ET
I hope we can keep the name CMSAF Paul W. Airey associated with the new building as the current inprocessing center holds his name for all our future enlisted Airmen to see.
Mac McVicar, Tyndall AFB FL
 
5/11/2011 10:15:48 PM ET
A far cry from the Green Monster at 7 p.m. on a hot San Antonio night in August 51 years ago. WWII barracks without air conditioning. Recruits wouldn't put up with what he had to back in the day.
Cris, Algood TN
 
5/11/2011 9:17:12 AM ET
I hope this works out better than other AFCEE design build multi-million dollar projects that sit empty years after completion because they are unfit for occupancy.
Jerry, Oklahoma
 
5/10/2011 8:40:02 PM ET
Speaking of green, is this building really necessary? I made it through AF basic training without such a facility. Wonder if we couldn't save $21.8 million in green taxpayer dollars by just using the present facilities.
Otis R. Needleman, USA
 
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