CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Construction of the Brigadier General Thomas R. Mikolajcik Child Development Center began with a groundbreaking ceremony held behind the Fitness and Sports Center here Feb. 13.
Since being named for the former wing commander Aug. 17, 2007, base officials broke the ground with the first round of shovels at the site of the new center, set to open 2010.
"The No. 1 quality of life issue we have at Team Charleston is access to quality child care," said Col. John "Red" Millander, 437th Airlift Wing commander. "Quality people deserve quality facilities and we are fighting the good fight to get the projects on the books."
Retired Brig. Gen. Thomas Mikolajcik, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2003, attended the ceremony with his family but was not up to addressing the crowd of about 70. His wife, Carmen, thanked the crowd on his behalf for the recognition.
"He would enjoy speaking with you today, but he doesn't have the volume that he used to," she said.
Mrs. Mikolajcik mentioned how they used the CDC when they were new to the area and spoke of the significance of having his name attached to a building looking out for the needs of Airmen and their families.
"We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for coming out today and for naming the CDC after him," said Mrs. Mikolajcik.
Jackie Dixon, the CDC's training and curriculum specialist, expressed her praise for the new facility.
"With the replacement of the 38-year-old facility, we'll be able to provide more care for more children and, from this, it will help give more employment opportunities," she said. "The larger building will get rid of the waiting list as well. The key thing here is to meet the needs of the community."
According to plans, the $9.8 million center is projected to be completed by 2010 and will hold 305 children, two-and-a-half times more than what the current facility can hold.
"Thank you General Mikolajcik for your leadership and for your caring," Colonel Millander said. "I can think of no finer tribute to house our most prized possessions ... our precious children."