OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The New Year brought big changes to what was once the Patriot Club – at first glance, the closure of the dining room kitchen may be the only give away, but there are six main details that make it inherently different.
“The decision to transition from a club to a community center was not an easy one to make,” said Trish Loede, 55th Force Support Squadron Community Service flight commander. “The Patriot Club was a legacy facility with historic a past from hosting foreign dignitaries to members of Strategic Air Command. Ultimately, the decision to transition was based on three factors: overall declination in patronage and sales, long term profitability and sustainability.”
1. Raiders Lounge
The Raiders Lounge is still open on Friday’s from 3:30 to 9 p.m.
2. Business Structure
The Patriot Club utilized a kitchen and staff to cater to events and maintain their restaurant operations. Since the changeover, the kitchen and restaurant have been closed and the community center has a more limited staff.
3. Limited Services
Due to the limited staff, all customers reserving the space will be responsible for setting up, tearing down and cleaning the spaces they use.
4. Food and Drink
Customers have the freedom of bringing in their own food or catering events with food vendors of their choice. Customers will be required to complete an Entry Authorization List for their caterer and coordinate with 55th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health prior to the event. The community center staff can provide information on how to coordinate the process.
Additionally, the 55th FSS is the only organization on base licensed to sell alcohol for on-premise consumption. If a customer books an event and requests to serve alcohol, they have the option of hiring a bartender which is discussed at the time of booking. This request is subject to bartender availability.
5. Cost
Official events such as commander’s calls, award ceremonies, change of commands or events that qualify for special morale and welfare funds will be free of charge. Private use functions or requests from private organizations will incur a minimal fee based on the room requested and the length of time reserved.
When reserving a room at the Warhawk Community Center, customers will have use of tables and chairs within the room. Customers are required to bring all other necessary items to support their events. If customers wish to utilize linens for their events, they can request to order linens at the time of their booking. There is a fee assessed for linens at the time of booking, this is regardless of official or private event classification. The 55th FSS does not maintain or launder linens in house. They have a Nonappropriated Fund contract and are charged a fee for every linen used; therefore, are required to pass that fee on to the customer.
6. Hours
Business hours for the Warhawk Community Center are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Warhawk Community Center is closed on all Federal Holidays, weekends and wing down days. Events and appointments can be scheduled outside of these hours and are subject to room and staff availability.
“We understand that while the title and business operation are changing, we will still be providing a first class venue for Team Offutt and are excited to have more flexible use of our space at a more affordable price for all eligible users,” said Loede.