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379 EFSS unveils officers’ lounge

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Spencer Gallien
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOIUTHWEST ASIA --  A combined effort between multiple 379th Air Expeditionary Wing squadrons came to fruition when a base officers' lounge opened to servicemembers March 19.

The 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron's "Kasbah" is the first officer's lounge on base. It is located in the Blatchford-Preston Complex, near the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group. The lounge offers joint and Coalition officers, warrant officers and GS-employees grade 09 and above, a place to relax among their peers, said Lt. Col. Paul Kopecki, 379 EFSS commander.

"With a herculean effort by the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, Contracting Squadron, Communications Squadron and EFSS: from design to finish, it took 45 days," he added. We had fantastic support from all the squadrons involved in the Kasbah project.

The Kasbah building, originally intended for surge dining operations, is a brand new facility.

"When we learned of a chance to utilize this facility every day for the base populace, while still maintaining its surge capability, it was a no-brainer," Colonel Kopecki said. "This facility goes a long way toward meeting the needs of a growing, long-term customer base at the southern end of the base."

In the future, the 379 EFSS priorities include opening an enlisted lounge co-located in the Kasbah building.

"Work has already begun on the enlisted lounge, with a projected grand opening in June," said Colonel Kopecki.

The commander said his vision for both lounges is to create an environment where servicemembers can unwind and relax after a stressful day.

Although the goal is to create more morale, welfare and readiness initiatives on base, the rules that apply wing-wide, also apply at the Kasbah.

"The Kasbah maintains the same dress and appearance, and alcohol consumption standards, as our other EFSS venues," said Colonel Kopecki. "All servicemembers must be in military uniform, or P.T. gear, and adhere to all wing commander policies."

The Kasbah officer's lounge will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 7 p.m. to midnight.