Eglin Celebrates Enlisted Hall Completion

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
Eglin celebrated the completion of the Eglin Enlisted Hall during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 15.

The event culminated the transformation of the newly renovated building from the base theater, a project which took two years from beginning to end.

The idea of recapturing prime real estate like the base theater and turning it into the "Enlisted Hall" began with the Chief Master Sgt. Troy Engholm, former 96th Air Base Wing command chief. He had a vision to create an area where Eglin's enlisted Airmen could reflect on its proud legacy.

"My predecessor saw hope in the old theater as it was beginning to look run down," said Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Westermeyer, 96th ABW and Air Armament Center command chief. "Chief Engholm found a way to put some needed life into it and keep it from becoming a pile of rubble."

Chief Master Sergeants Christopher McCollor, 96th Mission Support Group superintendent, and Michael Roberts, 96th Civil Engineer Group superintendent worked with senior leadership to secure the facility and mobilized key work centers to begin the lengthy renovation.

Reate Davis, architect consultant designer and Craig Moffett, project manager were assigned to the renovation of the facility. Together, with Staff Sgt. Crystal Taylor, 96th ABW staff and Claire Luke, Parks Photo Lab, they came up with the concept from the new color on the walls, to art work and new seats.

"I'm both happy and proud to see the base theater transformed into the Eglin Enlisted Hall," Sergeant Taylor said. "A lot of hard work and dedication went into the production of the facility. My only wish is Eglin's enlisted force will continue to get involved and ensure our Enlisted Hall remains in place full of our proud heritage for all to see."

With only $8,500 dollars to spend for their designs, Mrs. Luke took their ideas and turned them into reality. Inside the building, visitors will see a theme that illustrates the legacy as well as diversity of the enlisted corp.

The Enlisted Heritage Committee was instrumental in renaming the facility and selecting the distinct Hap Arnold wings which adorn the main foyer. The Eglin Officer's Spouses' Club donated glass stripes and the Chiefs' Group donated $850 towards the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force display which can be seen in the foyer as well.

"Due to all the hard work of the committee and our CE staff, this place has the 'wow' factor," said Chief Westermeyer. "When you walk in, all you can say is wow. You just have to see it to believe it."