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Solid Rock Cafe receives $4 million for renovation

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Varga
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard AFB was awarded nearly $4 million Sept. 24 for a major renovation of the Solid Rock Cafe, Sheppard's Chaplain Corps ministry center available to all technical trainees. The project includes a total floor plan change, reinforcement of exterior walls, construction of separate rooms for study, quiet time and games and other improvements.

Renovation the building is slated to begin in December and will take about six to seven months to complete. The SRC will move temporarily during renovation.

"The number of technical trainees visiting the SRC every month has increased to around 20,000, so moving to the smaller building will be tough. But we're glad to have the opportunity to continue the program during the renovation," said Chap. (Maj.) Jimmie Sanders, 82nd Training Wing chaplain in charge of student ministry.

"The program we have at the Solid Rock is important and there is a reason to have this program," the chaplain said. "It is a program that instills values and promotes the core values of the Air Force."

Sheppard's chaplains went through months of reviews and planning sessions before receiving the funding to do the work needed. The program's importance and the buildings' need for maintenance helped push for the renovation, Chaplain Sanders said.

"It gives the SRC an identity," said Staff Sgt. Scotty Duncan, student ministry NCOIC. "No longer will it be known as the old gym or the library."

The facility in its current state has drawn the strong support of Sheppard wing commanders, the 2nd Air Force commander and the AETC commander. All of the senior leaders have pulled together to help the SRC continue to provide programs to encourage our technical trainees, Chaplain Sanders said.

Chap. (Col.), Richard Hartwell, 82nd TRW chaplain, said the SRC has been incrementally improved but it is time for a total revitalization.

"The building's over 40 years old. It is time we improve it," Chaplain Hartwell said. "This project is the highlight of my career. It's an opportunity to unite Sheppard -- permanent party and all technical trainees -- and make the Solid Rock Café a splendid facility and resource standing at the heart of Sheppard Air Force Base."