TOP STORY >>JR Rockers to close, new facility to take place

By Capt. David Faggard
314th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

In the latest changes to streamline service and reduce financial losses, base officials announced March 14 that JR Rockers will close but that a new establishment will take its place combining base facilities, dining menus and overall service by the end of May, 2007.

The facility, called “Hangar 1080,” will take the existing mission of the Deer Run Golf Course and move those operations into the former J.R. Rockers and Consolidated Club allowing for additional services and reduced costs for customers, according to Col. Scott Lockard, 314th Mission Support Group commander.

“We can’t afford to supplement a facility with such low use; and reducing financial losses--streamlining facilities and missions--while increasing services and opportunities for our Airmen is what we’re doing,” said Colonel Lockard. “The facility will be open for extended hours primarily to support our current Golf Course patrons, Club Members, retirees and the more than 2,000 students we train here annually.”

Although exact details of the transformation are still in the works, patrons can expect extended hours from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Pro Shop will move in late May from the Deer Run Golf Course facility to the current “Props” lounge and be renamed “Props Pro Shop.” The Deer Run Golf Course menu will move to “The Hangar.” Bar services will still be available at what is now the JR Rockers bar. “Hangar 1080” will still be able to hold large scale events with catering. Additions to “The Hangar” will be free WiFi Internet access and a new Coffee Bar.

“This was an easy solution to a shrinking Club membership problem and an increase in facilities costs,” said Lt. Col Kathryn Karr, acting Services Squadron commander. “There will be no loss of service and no loss of support to our patrons currently using the facilities.”

The Consolidated Club has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in recent years and that money could have been used elsewhere on base for morale-building activities or services, according to Colonel Lockard.

Current Club members will not see a reduction in benefits either; they will continue to receive discounts around the base on food, services and rental items, according to Colonel Lockard. More details will be available in the coming weeks.