Hercules Dining Facility ribbon cutting ceremony, grand opening

  • Published
  • By Airman Rochelle Clace
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
     The 19th Services Squadron held a ribbon cutting ceremony outside of the new Hercules Dining Facility Nov. 7 in honor of the grand opening of the building.
The Hercules Dining Facility had been built to serve Little Rock personnel who support combat airlift.
     The facility is over 19,000 square feet and was designed to meet the current and future needs of Little Rock. Many organizations helped with the design and construction of this facility. It has an enhanced serving area with a larger salad bar, improvements to the grab and go program and expanded seating by 60 percent.
     The 19th SVS is proud to offer an outdoor dining area for its customers and coming soon, wireless internet. With its open ceiling and spacious layout the facility provides a true dining pleasure to the Airmen.
     "I don't see [the dining facility] as being an investment in [Airmen's] eating habits, or an investment in the Little Rock Air Force Base, or even an investment in the military," said Congressman Vic Snyder. "This today is a better investment in our great American democracy as symbolized by the peaceful transfer of power that occurs in this country.
     "We're here to celebrate what is really improving the quality of life for our Airmen and we're doing that through the opening of this Hercules Dining Facility," said Col. James Johnson, 19th Airlift Wing vice commander.
     "I think it's important to keep in perspective that we're leaving a facility that's over 50 years old and all the challenges you have with maintaining a facility that's [that old]," said Col. James Johnson.
     "It's like putting on a new addition to your house and then inviting your friends and family over to celebrate it," said Col. Johnson. "So let's continue celebrating this beautiful facility."
     "I congratulate you for this facility and I want you to know, once again, how much we all value the service and contribution of you and your families," said Congressman Snyder.
     The Hercules Dining Facility is one more reason Airmen are proud to live and serve on Little Rock Air Force Base.