Dorm residents to lose BAS, gain dining facility

  • Published
  • By Malcolm Mayfield
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Airmen currently living in dorms on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., will lose their basic allowance for sustenance Dec. 1, 2014, when the newly renovated dining facility opens up.

When BAS stops, dorm Airmen will be given an essential station messing card, which can be used to receive meals at the Cavalry Café, Spinz and the Chadwell Dining Facility.

"The DFAC was great to have when I was in the dorms," said Senior Airman Louis Epperson, 90th Comptroller Squadron.

The Chadwell DFAC will be open to all military, regardless of rank, family members, retirees and civilians.
 
Service members who are moving out of the dorms, married and still reside in the dorms, or have a job-related reason for missing more than 20% of the meals offered may request full BAS.

The Chadwell DFAC has been closed since June 30, 2012, for remodeling. When the DFAC reopens, it will bring a multitude of healthy food options for individuals to choose from, including a soup and salad bar, a smoothie bar, a Panini station, among others.

"It's something to look forward to," said Staff Sgt. Martha Wells, 90th Missile Wing command chief's executive. "It's a lot faster and will definitely help with dinner."

The DFAC will also include a 28-day rotating main menu, helping to keep the food options fresh and new for visitors.

"It's nice that we're getting a DFAC," Airman Siobhan Lynch, 90th Medical Operations Squadron said.

She said she still wished she had money to buy food to cook herself.

"I know it's affecting a lot of people," said Airman 1st Class Tangie Reid, 90th Force Support Squadron force management technician. "Most people are betting on that money."

Some Airmen may count on the BAS for financial stability and the Airmen and Family Readiness Center can assist Airmen in adjusting to the change in pay.

"We offer budgeting services, financial planning and Air Force Aid for emergencies," Tom O' Brien, Airmen and Family Readiness community readiness consultant. "We love to help Airmen in need."

The opening of the newly remodeled dining facility brings to-go meals, healthy food choices and a social dining environment; with that, Airmen in the dorms are reminded to remain vigilant with their finances as the base transitions back to meal cards and BAS goes away.