JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Moving off base for the first time can be stressful. Making a budget, finding a roommate, and viewing potential homes, while trying to balance work can quickly overload a person. Recognizing these factors, the 633d Civil Engineering Squadron airmen dorm leaders developed the Airman Starter Kit program to alleviate stress and lessen expenses by providing Airmen with free furniture kits.
“With the economy as it is, giving Airmen something to put in their homes for free, allowing them to save money is a huge stress relief,” said Mr. Dwayne Menefee, 633 Civil Engineering Squadron furniture management specialist.
With a surplus of incoming Airmen, JBLE’s dorms are filling up. The current occupancy rate is 100% with all available dorms occupied. More and more Airmen are moving off base. When they get off base, the average Airmen is paying more than their base housing allowance.
“It’s getting more and more difficult to find places to move out of the dorms,” said Staff Sgt. Rowan Torres, 633 Civil Engineering Squadron airman dorm leader, “So we brainstormed a way to alleviate some of the financial burden.”
According to the ADLs the program has provided 26 Airmen 85 items, helping them save approximately $11,000. In addition, the ASK program has assisted various squadrons, donating 91 recycled furniture pieces, saving the Air Force almost $14,000.
“The furniture has either met its Air Force life cycle or it has been donated from various teams,” said Torres. “The library has donated furniture such as couches, while bedroom furniture, such as bedframes, nightstands, dressers have come from the dorms.”
Airmen interested in the ASK program should get in contact with an dorm management by emailing them at 633ces.cdm@us.af.mil or visit their office in building 122.
If you have an interest in donating furniture, call the furniture management office at 757-951-5653.