Fueling Ellsworth Airmen, one kitchenette at a time

Staff Sgt. William Cochran, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen dormitory leader, cuts a ribbon recognizing the completion of the newly installed and renovated base dorm kitchenettes at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 22, 2014. The Rushmore and Borglum Dorm kitchens were updated as part of a 28th CES contingency construction project that saved more than $100,000 and required a team of 15 core members for completion. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anania Tekurio/Released)

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Fueling Ellsworth Airmen, one kitchenette at a time

Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander, thanks Staff Sgts. Marcos Campos (left) and Crystal Frazier (right), 28th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen dormitory leaders, for their hard work as part of the renovation to the base dorm kitchenettes at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 22, 2014. Contingency construction projects improve the quality of life for Ellsworth Airmen while ensuring mission readiness for those involved. . (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anania Tekurio/Released)

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Fueling Ellsworth Airmen, one kitchenette at a time

Airman 1st Class Cassandra Nielsen, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron structural apprentice, grouts tile during a dormitory kitchenette renovation at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 10, 2014. The 28th CES Airmen have been hard at work remodeling two dormitory kitchenettes, ensuring each room is uniform with previous dormitory renovations as part of a contingency construction project, which enhances the quality of life aspect in Airmen dormitories. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hailey R. Staker)

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Fueling Ellsworth Airmen, one kitchenette at a time

Staff Sgt. Kane Fulkerson, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron structural craftsman, lays tile during construction of a dormitory kitchenette at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 10, 2014. The kitchenette reopened Dec. 22, and gives dorm residents brand new unisex restrooms, two new stove and oven combos, a refrigerator and freezer unit, microwave, dishwasher, cabinets and plenty of counter space for Airmen to utilize and cook their meals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hailey R. Staker)

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Fueling Ellsworth Airmen, one kitchenette at a time

Published Jan. 6, 2015
By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The 28th Civil Engineer Squadron finished renovations to the Rushmore and Borglum dormitory kitchenettes, completing a contingency construction project focused on improving the overall quality of life for Airman living in base dormitories, Dec. 22.

"It was during the month of April when we confirmed that these two specific dormitory kitchenettes were going to be our contingency construction project for our CES Airmen," 1st Lt. Jeffrey Mellgren said.
"These projects help prepare them with the skills they need to complete construction projects when deployed."

The other four base dormitories were renovated in 2013 at a cost of $80,000 per dormitory building through a contracted construction company. The recent 28th CES project, on the other hand, was estimated to have saved the base more than $100,000.

"Completing this project in house lowered costs to $34,500 per dorm while also providing invaluable training for our Airmen," Mellgren said.

The renovated kitchenettes feature six newly added appliances to include two stovetops, two ovens, a dishwasher, a microwave and a coffee maker. Each dorm showcases high quality ceramic tile, custom cabinets and countertops along with high efficiency hand dryers.

The team of 15 Airmen from the 28th CES completed the entire renovation in only three months.

"The new kitchenettes are really nice and we think the Airmen in the dorms will be very happy with them," said Staff Sgt. William Cochran, 28th CES airman dormitory leader. "The new appliances and space should help make cooking meals as convenient as possible."