New, privatized temporary lodging facilities officially open

  • Published
  • By Ryan Hansen
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE --  In what many would agree was far overdue, new temporary lodging facilities were officially opened here during a ribbon cutting ceremony Nov. 1.

For many, many years Offutt's TLFs have been considered less than ideal, so this ceremony was a welcome sight for many past and present members of the base.

"Base officials have fought long and hard to ensure that military members' quality-of-life would be equal to that of other bases around the world," said Master Sgt. Ira Banks, lodging section chief with the 55th Force Support Squadron. "Offutt won the fight and with customers being priority one in the 55th FSS, they've won as well."

The 29 new TLFs are brand new base housing units built and owned by America First Communities, who assumed responsibility of base housing in September 2005.

It is believed that this unique partnership between Offutt and America First Communities is the first time in the Department of Defense that privatized houses have been leased to the host unit and used in such a manner as this.

"Time and time again they said this was too hard to do, but we refused to yield," said Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan, 55th Wing commander. "But here we are and I couldn't be happier. This is the right project at the right time for our families."

For more than two years wing leadership pushed this new concept through Air Combat Command as well as headquarters Air Force. As the campaign continued to drag on, America First Communities stood firm in their commitment to this project.

"When we first began to push this idea ... (America First Communities) were on board immediately," said Col. Michael Allshouse, 55th Mission Support Group commander, who was the presiding official of the event. "We could not ask for better partners and their efforts went above and beyond what most companies would do."

"There were some times when we didn't think we'd get here, but we've finally made it and we're just so proud and honored to be part of this," said Dora Stuch, director of property management for Rising View, which is America First Communities' base housing area. "We were able to look outside the box and see how this was going to improve the quality of life for families coming in and out of Offutt."

While Offutt may be the first to utilize privatized housing in this way, they're certainly not going to be the last. Base officials have already received queries from other bases on how they can set up similar leases for their installations.

"Getting to today was not an easy trip as this new concept met with much resistance throughout the Air Force," Colonel Allshouse said.

However, because Offutt was able to push through that resistance other installations with similar goals in mind should find the process a lot easier to maneuver, Colonel Allshouse added.

The new TLFs are ideally located in close proximity to almost everything a transitioning family needs when arriving or leaving Offutt. Within walking distance is the base housing office, a child development center, golf course, multiple playgrounds, a shoppette, a swimming pool and the youth center.

"When I depart ... I will look back on this project as the single most important quality of life change for families at Offutt," General Shanahan said. "This one is near and dear to my heart."

Visitors to the new TLFs will find three different styles to choose from including one with handicap accessibility. Each unit includes two bedrooms and range from 1,500 to 1,688 square feet in size.

"These are the type of facilities that the members of Offutt deserve to stay in," Colonel Allshouse said.

Accommodations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis with regard to priority.
"Individuals on official government travel are considered priority one and those will be the first reservations that will be taken," Sergeant Banks said. "The nightly rate is $70, which is below the per diem rate."

To make reservations, call 294-3671 and speak with a guest services representative.