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Nellis Airmen's Center opens after 13 month's construction

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan Whitney
  • Nellis Public Affairs
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the Nellis Airmen's Center June 12.

The new 3,000 sq. ft. center will serve as an alcohol-free community recreational facility for base Airmen to congregate for entertainment, refreshments, relaxation and events.

The Airmen's Center, which has been in construction for more than a year, is a self-help project that cost more than $225,000, and is the largest self-help project on the installation.

Airmen volunteered 10,000 man-hours over 13 months aiding in the construction of this new facility, demolishing 12 rooms and bathrooms to make way for the new layout. The structure was taken down to its foundation and frame, then built back up to the new design.

"This center was brought by Airmen, built by Airmen, and now, thanks to the many hours that they put into it, it is delivered by Airmen," said Col. Michael Bartley, 99th Air Base Wing commander.

Funding for this project came from the Nellis Support Team, a group of influential community leaders from throughout Nevada who support Nellis Air Force Base and the Air Force.

"This is a testament to the support that Las Vegas has for the military and the incredible relationship that the units at Nellis have with each other and the Las Vegas community," said Maj. Gen. Mike Worden, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander.

The Airmen's Center provides Airmen with more options of entertainment than what is provided in the dormitory common areas. The center has a fully-furnished internet café, video gaming facility, movie room, library and kitchen where Airmen can spend quality time in a safe, alcohol-free environment.

The lead project manager, Tech. Sgt. Mark Kerr, said the facility was built with good logic in mind. 

"It is set up with the louder entertainment areas on one side of the building and the more tranquil rooms, like the meditation room, on the other," said the sergeant.

"With this center, those who live off base have a centralized place to meet with whoever lives on base," said Chief Master Sgt. Britton Ellis, 99th Air Base Wing command chief master sergeant.

According to Nellis leaders, dorm managers, first sergeants and command chiefs will also monitor the facility by conducting unannounced periodic walk-throughs. 

"The rules of the center are simple: no alcohol, and respect the utilities and other Airmen," said Sergeant Kerr. "Security cameras have been placed throughout the facility to ensure that these goals are met."

The new center is also home to the Airmen Against Drunk Driving organization. AADD is a program that was established to provide Airmen who have consumed alcohol a ride back to their home whenever their plan to make it home falls through.

Because AADD is a weekend operation, the facility will remain open throughout the weekend so Airmen participating in AADD will have full access to the center overnight.

"This is a true testimony to taking a self-help project, adding 13 months and 10,000 hours of volunteer work from Airmen, and turning it into a bench-mark facility for the entire Air Force. This is an excellent symbol of the community support and the teamwork of our outstanding Airmen to put this great facility together," said General Worden.

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