Thousands of dollars put into quality of life at RAF Lakenheath

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. J. LaVoie
  • By Tech. Sgt. J. LaVoie
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The 48th Fighter Wing is making $88,000 worth of quality of life improvements for Liberty Warriors throughout the base. Airmen will see these improvements as early as the end of November.

Through U.S. Air Forces in Europe, the 48th Fighter Wing was able to purchase items for the 48th Services Squadron, the 48th FW Chapel and the 48th Security Forces Squadron that will benefit the entire base.

The 48th Avenue Community Center will receive a new karaoke music library and an X-Box 360. Additionally, nine computers were purchased for the base library.

"Two of the computers will be installed in the recently opened teen room. Additionally, they will replace two old children's computers set up for games. Five other computers will go into the general public access computers to replace old ones. These computers support the entire populace," said Kathleen Hanselmann, the 48th SVS Library director.

All new computers should be installed to support Friday's "Late Night at the Library," which is 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Another benefit Airmen will see is an 8-foot American style pool table in Café Decurro. Café Decurro is an area in Building 948, sponsored by the chapel, where Airmen can go and relax.

"This will add another way that Airmen can enjoy Café Decurro's environment," said Tech. Sgt. Steven Pryor, NCOIC Chapel Operations. "Airmen already have the opportunity to enjoy video games, movies, free coffee, free internet access and ping pong, and can now play pool as well."

The table is scheduled to be in place by the end of December.

Security forces Airmen will see improvements where they live. $30,000 has been spent to improve their dormitories, some of the oldest on the installation. They will receive blackout blinds, screens and new closet doors.

"The blackout blinds makes it a lot darker so the shift workers who work at night and sleep during the day can sleep in a dark room," said Staff Sgt. Jesse Bracamonte, 48th SFS dorm manager. "It helps their sleep patterns. It improves their quality of life. We are trying to improve the lives of the Airmen of the dorms."