JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA –
The Robert D. Gaylor Dining Facility here is projected to close for 10 months, beginning March 1, while the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron makes repairs.
More than 400 Airmen living in base dorms will be affected by repairs being made to the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning System, ductwork, electrical work and ceiling and floor tiles.
“I’m going to miss the DFAC,” said Airman 1st Class Ashley Gonzalez, 628th Force Support Squadron (FSS) food service apprentice. “My dorm doesn’t have a kitchen so I’ll have to go out to eat a lot, which can get expensive.”
While the DFAC is under construction, Airmen residing in the dorms will receive basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) II, approximately $736.58 per month, to offset the additional expense. Those on meal cards who are on leave, TDY or hospitalized will be paid BAS I, approximately $368.00 per month. Dorm residents will receive their first BAS payment March 15.
The 628th FSS has been working with other food agencies on base to help prepare them for the influx of customers. The Charleston Club, Rookies Sports Grill, and the Globemaster Grill at the Starlifter Lanes Bowling Center are planning to add popular items from the dining facility to their menus.
“It affects everybody,” said 2nd Lt. Ashelyn Tice, 628th FSS services officer. “The Airmen are going to be receiving a relatively large amount of extra money each month. It will be up to friends, other Airmen, supervisors and other leadership alike to ensure their wingmen are making smart choices."
A Town Hall Meeting for impacted Airmen and their leadership will be held at the Charleston Club Feb. 3, at 1:30 p.m. followed by an information fair with representatives from each of the food service facilities on base. At the meeting, members of the 628th FSS will share additional information on the options available to meal card holders while the DFAC is closed. The Airman and Family Readiness Center and Health and Wellness Center will also provide information about how to eat healthy on a budget and how to make wise financial decisions.
For more information on the meeting, call the 628th FSS at (843) 963-3595.