RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Parr Officer's Club here celebrated the opening of its new kitchen July 28, after a seven-month closure for renovation.
The day before the new kitchen opened, workers removed the trailers behind the building, which served as a temporary kitchen facility during the renovation.
Gen. Stephen Lorenz, Air Education and Training Command commander, along with Col. Alan Lake, former 902nd Mission Support Group commander, and members of the Force Support Squadron and club and kitchen staff gathered to tour the new kitchen.
Terrye Heagerty, 902nd Force Support Squadron's squadron director, said the facility is a completely new layout with all new appliances, including air conditioning, which is a first for the 80-year-old building.
"It's much more energy efficient and environmentally friendly," she said of the kitchen. "We're really excited about the air conditioning."
"The kitchen didn't have air conditioning for 80 years," General Lorenz said. "This is 2010."
Michael Young, certified head executive chef, showed General Lorenz the new appliances and equipment as well as their function and how they affect food storage and preparation.
"It took a team to make it come true, to keep pushing and pushing," the general said as he paused to address the small group who toured the new kitchen with him.
Ms. Heagerty said the process for funding and planning began several years ago after an operational readiness inspection where the inspector general expressed concerns with sewer lines and other infrastructure.
She said General Lorenz found the funding and the process got under way.
"Vision of a team came together to make it true," the general said.
Ms. Heagerty said funding for the kitchen itself came from non-appropriated funds raised by the club. The kitchen renovation cost about $750,000.