WATCH: Goodfellow Hosts Ribbon Cutting for New Dining Facility

SAN ANGELO, TX – Goodfellow Air Force Base is kicking off the new year on a high note. On Monday morning Wing leadership and guests gathered at the Cressman Dining Facility for a rededication ceremony after it underwent major renovations.

The project was a joint effort between Goodfellow, City of San Angelo, Tom Green County, and the State of Texas. It is a shining example of the power cooperation can have in making an impact in the community and the lives of Goodfellow students and personnel.

“Today marks the culmination of a lengthy process to eliminate one of our shortfalls in the dining facility,” said Col. Andres Nazario, the 17th Training Wing Commander.

WATCH: Goodfellow Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Cressman Dining Facility

The issue regarding the need to renovate the facility was identified as early as 2013, while at the same time Goodfellow also had a vision for a centralized student center that could serve as an auditorium that could enhance the student experience on base. Air Force funding could not address the necessary changes to be made at that time, but a partnership with the community and the state allowed the project to become a reality.

With over $4 million allotted for the renovation of the facility, the building will offer a new student center and dining facility for everyone on base. The project expanded the facility by 6,000 square feet and increased seating by 180. This will allow the base to accommodate the growing population and give students the best possible experience during their time at Goodfellow.

Goodfellow applied for a Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant or DEAGG. With the help of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, which is dedicated to preserve, protect, expand, and attract new military missions, assets, and installations to the state of Texas, they were selected as one of the recipients. In 2017 Governor Gregg Abbott announced $20 million in grants would be provided to military installations and Tom Green County was one of the eight communities to receive funds. Tom Green County received the second-highest grant amount for that fiscal year. The application also included a plan for additional classrooms for international and advanced air intel training.

In addition to the funds received through the grant, the City of San Angelo provided $1.5 million for the project.

“To me, this [project] is kind of a message from the county, the city, the state, and many others…that this is the way this is supposed to be done. It’s supposed to be a partnership where everyone is pulling in the same direction,” said Judge Steve Floyd.

The completion of the project represents more than five years of community effort in making the renovations a reality on base. Goodfellow Air Force Base understood that resources are constrained in every level of government and agency, but they are thankful to everyone that had a hand in bringing the project to completion.

“Thank you to the State of Texas, Tom Green County, and City of San Angelo for supporting our operations and taking care of our joint services members at Goodfellow,” said Commander Nicholas Anderson.