Out with the old, in with the new … furniture

  • Published
  • By Airman Kimberly Limrick
  • Black Hills Bandit Staff
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, SD --  Ellsworth’s stained, ripped and broken dorm furniture was replaced with new furniture valued at $93,000; replacement of the furniture was completed Jan. 12.

Furniture is only expected to last four to six years. “The previous furniture had been used for five years; it was time for new,” said Tech. Sgt. Richard Sims, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron furnishings management superintendent of operations.

During the furniture’s five-year life span, it was heavily used and some became damaged and stained. It’s considered a biohazard to use furniture stained by any kind of bodily fluids. Therefore, the older furniture, which was stained or ripped, was discarded.

Any remaining furniture in good condition was cleaned and stored in the warehouse to be reissued to government facilities, said Sergeant Sims.

“More people will use the dayrooms now that there’s fresh, comfortable furniture that we’re not afraid to sit on,” said Senior Airman Brett Foote, 28th Security Forces Squadron controller.

Damaged pieces were replaced with the new furniture, which was distributed evenly among the six dorms on base. Each dorm received four couches, five loveseats, 10 lounges, six coffee tables and five end tables.

Airmen feel the new furniture makes the dorms more appealing and comfortable.

“I’ve been here since 1988, and this is the most comfortable furniture we’ve had,” said Tech. Sgt. Robert Brewbaker, 28th CES, Furnishing Manage-ment Office NCOIC.

Funds for the new furniture were provided through Air Combat Command Housing.

“The command was gracious enough to offer these funds to us so we could ‘standardize’ all the day rooms on Ellsworth with nice furniture,” said Master Sgt. David Weier II, 28th CES unaccompanied housing superintendent.

“I hope the residents in all the dorms appreciate these efforts we have made for them. This is their home and something to be proud of. With a little help from all residents, this furniture will last for many years to come,” Sergeant Weier said.