Nellis pools resources to open more lodging facilities Published March 12, 2012 By Senior Airman Brett Clashman 99th Air Base Wing/Public Affairs 3/12/2012 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- -- Military families traveling to or from Nellis will soon enjoy the addition of larger, more comfortable temporary lodging facilities while they transition to new homes. Cathy Fierstein, 99th Force Support Squadron Lodging General Manager, said newly renovated TLFs are expected to open next week. Airman and their families will have the option of staying in two- or three-bedroom quarters for less than the cost of an average off-base hotel room. Fierstein explained that the renovation occurred because the base leadership knew that TLFs were needed, but a wait of several years was in store if Nellis relied on external funding for the project. "Senior leadership wanted to see this happen and we figured out a way to make it happen," said Fierstein. "We are planning to do construction for new TLFs in the coming years, but we had to provide an interim solution." To avoid having to wait for funding, the 99 FSS, 99th Civil Engineering Squadron, and the 99th Communications Squadron pooled existing resources and labor and got to work. The renovated TLFs, located in the Nellis Terrace housing community and Dunning circle, took less than six months to renovate. "This was a consolidated effort," said Fierstein. Fierstein said they were able to turn older, excess housing units into like-new housing for people who are transitioning to the base. The newly renovated homes are completely furnished and come with the Nellis Inn's daily cleaning service, but offer the atmosphere of private home living. The renovation included an overhaul of electrical wiring, painting and movingin furniture to prepare the quarters for arriving families. The work was done to 13 houses, along with an additional five in Dunning drive. The renovated TLFs are larger and are located closer to base amenities than the previously existing TLFs. "This provides the amenities that people would need, especially if they don't have transportation," Fierstein said. "They are within walking distance to base services such as the Commissary, the Base Exchange and the Fitness Center." The 99 FSS will undergo a validation assessment of their requirement to build new TLFs in December. If things go as planned during the assessment, new purpose-built TLFs will be constructed in 2015 or 2016. "This is Nellis and the Air Force taking good care of you and your families because we care," said Fierstein.
