Dining hall to retirees: Welcome back

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Don Branum
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Retirees and enlisted Airmen received a warm welcome from the High Country Inn dining facility staff Monday, marking the first day since 2007 they were allowed to dine at the facility.

Enlisted Airmen and retirees are welcome weekdays from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m., said 10th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Rick LoCastro.

However, because the facility's primary mission is to feed the cadet candidates at the Academy Preparatory School, times may change based on class time delays, said Lou Moya, the High Country Inn food service officer. Enlisted Airmen who live in dormitories on base may eat during any of the meals served at the facility.

A group of about a dozen retirees and enlisted Airmen came out to the dining facility to take advantage of the occasion. Todd and Sue Graham and JJ and Marjory Inman ate at the High Country Inn once or twice per month before the facility closed its doors to retirees and Airmen in 2007. They found out about the planned reopening from a banner posted near the Community Center.

"Everything is wonderful," Mrs. Graham said. "The people are so friendly. They remember us from before. It's like a family reunion."

"The food is good, but it's really the people," Mrs. Inman said. "They're friendly and kind. I've never met a rude person."

A reduction in force here in 2007 led to the decision to close the dining hall to retirees and enlisted Airmen, Mr. Moya said. Shortly thereafter, retirees began asking when they would be allowed to dine at the facility again.

Colonel LoCastro took on the issue shortly after taking command of the 10th in July 2009. About a month ago, the contractor agreed to a modification at no cost to the government that would allow retirees and Airmen to return, said Gary Garland, director of the 10th Force Support Squadron.

"We love having them back," Mr. Garland said. "It helps us a lot in terms of spreading the word about the great FSS facilities we have at the Academy."

Retirees and Airmen must pay cash for food at the dining hall, including a 33-percent surcharge to cover overhead and food preparation costs, Mr. Moya said.