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AFCEE redefines the gateway to the Air Force

  • Published
  • By Robert Ginsberg
  • Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) --  Engineers at the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment are preparing to build an inprocessing and information center for Air Force recruits and their families here.

The construction of the facility is significant to both the agency and the Air Force, due to its robust depiction of Air Force culture, according to AFCEE officials.

"This project is of high importance to AFCEE as we recognize the foundational impact the structure will have for the Air Force," said Ben Kindt, the AFCEE Capital Investment Execution branch chief. "The building will be the first thing that Air Force recruits and their families see before embarking on basic military training, the gateway to the Air Force."

The $21.8-million facility will serve as the primary inprocessing and information center for all Air Force recruits entering basic military training and will support approximately 40 military and civilian employees.

Features include modernized information stations, a multi-story glass atrium and an outdoor auditorium that seats 3,000 to support BMT graduation week activities. The outdoor auditorium will be the primary location for coin and retreat ceremonies where trainees are presented the Air Force Airman's Coin signifying that they have earned the right to be called "Airman."

The focal point of the 70,000 square-foot facility is the front entrance, often referred to as "the gateway to the Air Force."

Plans call for six pillars that will line the front walkway, featuring engravings that detail the Air Force's core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do, and operational domains of air, space and cyberspace.

This design build effort will also be executed in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, requirements, and is expected to be certified LEED silver.

LEED is an internationally recognized approach to the design, construction and operation of "green" buildings. A LEED-certified building requires that a building be designed and constructed utilizing an approach aimed at increasing performance, reducing waste and improving quality of life.

"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to design and construct the new inprocessing and information center for the Air Force and are committed to utilizing sustainable and green materials to do the job," said Joseph Fox, the AFCEE project manager.

The award for this construction contract is expected Aug. 15.