News

Temporary homes available to families

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Brian Maguire
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The ribbon had barely touched the ground when the first family was ready to move into Dover Air Force Base's brand-new temporary lodging facility. 

One day after the announcement of Eagles Rest Inn as the recipient of the 2008 Air Mobility Command Innkeeper's Award, officials were ready to open the new TLF and provide even greater service options for families moving to or from Dover AFB. 

"This is the first thing that families see when they come to Dover Air Force Base and the last thing that they see on their way out," said Col. Steven Harrison, 436th Airlift Wing commander, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "We want it to reflect the excellence that we believe in." 

The $5.7 million facility improves on the existing TLF in several ways. The new facility increased the number of TLF units from 13 to 20. The new TLF consists of 10 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units. 

Two of the new units are pet units, where families are allowed to keep their pets with them while staying there. If those two units are full, the staff at the Eagles Rest Inn will assist families in finding boarding facilities, said Rauchelle Watson, 436th Services Squadron lodging general manager. 

Each unit is equipped with a full-size kitchen and washer and dryer. Every effort was made to make the TLF and energy-efficient facility, including using energy-efficient appliances, said Ms. Watson. 

Lodging officials expected to move all families staying in the existing TLF to the new facility by May 5. Demolition of the Korean War-era former TLF building will occur once final plans are made, Ms. Watson said. 

The first family was not the only eager ones to get into the new TLF. The lodging staff are also excited about the new facility, working around the clock to prepare the rooms for the incoming families. 

"You can tell they (the housekeeping staff) take ownership of their facilities," Ms. Watson said. "They're more excited than the families are. You would think they were moving in." 

The TLF units are primarily used for families that are moving to or from Dover Air Force Base. TLF provides families a place to stay while finding a place to live in Dover, or before they move on to their next assignment.