LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The Crossbow Dining Facility will be closing its doors for renovations starting April 1, with the projected reopening date of April 30.
"[The dining facility] is getting much needed renovations to the boiler unit and heating ventilation and cooling system," said Tech. Sgt. Melissa Terry, 633rd Force Support Squadron dining facility non-commissioned officer-in-charge. "The renovations will help the facility become more efficient."
The dining facility caters to at least five units and Air Combat Command Headquarters at Langley Air Force Base, Va.
The closure primarily affects dorm residents on meal cards who are encouraged to take advantage of the dining facility for every meal. Fortunately, measures are in place to alleviate the inconvenience and make the transition as smooth as possible.
Facilities including the Raptor Café, the Langley Club, and the Marina are available for Airmen unable to leave the base.
For the entire month of April, meal-card customers will be put on basic allowance for subsistence, said Master Sgt. Danny Avery, 633rd Comptroller Squadron financial services flight chief. Meal card access will end starting April 1 and will be reinstated April 28.
"You will see your [BAS] update starting at your mid-month paycheck and ending at your end of month check," said Avery.
All of the transactions of the adding and removal of the BAS will be noted on the most current leave and earning statement. Avery stressed the importance of affected members validating their LES.
"Keep an eye on your LES," said Avery. "We have over 750 transactions to follow; it is human nature to make a few mistakes."
The Health and Wellness Center also has a hand in helping Airmen during the closure. The HAWC has held two cooking classes aimed at dorm residents, instructed by Tracy Conder, HAWC dietitian.
"I had concerns on the eating choices of the Airmen, and if some even had the ability to cook," said Conder. "The class seemed to help with cooking confidence."
The HAWC provided the attendees a cookbook with simple meals for them to cook in their dorms. For those unable to attend the workshop, a HAWC cookbook will be available in dorm management for ease of access, said Conder.
The best way for Airmen to prepare during the closure is to make a plan. If they come across any issues, they are encouraged to use their chain of command.