First family moves into new base housing

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Hailey Staker
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Ellsworth's newest privatized housing development received its first family last week, as keys were issued to Senior Airman Dustin Monti, 28th Medical Operations Squadron bioenvironmental engineering technician, May 27.

Monti and his spouse, Beth, were on the waiting list to move into privatized base housing, when the offer of a new home came at the perfect time.

"We had been on the waitlist for more than a year, and I didn't take myself off the list on the off-chance I'd come back here [after my overseas assignment] which ended up getting canceled," Monti said. "You can't pass up an opportunity like this ... This is so much more convenient for where I work and for my hobbies. I can walk to the gym in the time it [would take] me to drive off-base."

Approximately 20 active-duty Airmen and their families have started populating the homes this month, with another 142 homes still available and ready for occupancy through November, said James English, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron housing program manager.

"The purpose of the new development is to provide a quality housing alternative for members desiring to live on-base," English said. "Priority goes to any active-duty member assigned to Ellsworth, eligible for basic allowance for housing at the 'with dependent' rate, and are accompanied by dependents."

Those interested in applying for housing on base should contact Balfour Beatty Communities at (605) 923-9000.