Stripes Pub offers new option for Airmen

  • Published
  • By Corey Dahl
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AFB, Colo. --  Food and drink specials and prize giveaways lured Tech. Sgt. Tracey King to the grand opening of Stripes Pub Sept. 6.

But, after spending a few minutes at the new pub and grill at The Club, Sergeant King said it won't take freebies to bring him back the next time.

"I'm glad this is here," he said. "It's good for morale, gives the troops something to do. I'll probably come every couple weeks now."

Sergeant King, 21st Services Squadron, likely won't find himself alone. Dozens of excited Airmen turned out to celebrate the opening of Stripes, which was built at their suggestion after the Enlisted and Officers' clubs were consolidated earlier this year.

Geared to enlisted servicemembers but open to all ranks, the sports bar features seven HDTVs, which subscribe to the Direct TV/ NFL Network; two pool tables and Playstation 3 and Wii consoles. Stripes' grill serves up hamburgers, sandwiches and wings alongside 99 domestic and imported beers.

"All of this stuff in here, it was all suggested by the Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Omdal, the 21st Space Wing's command chief. "The voice of our enlisted was heard, and this is going to be a great opportunity for everyone to be able to come and socialize with each other."

Formerly a room called the O-Zone, used only occasionally for formal banquets and functions, Stripes was renovated in about 75 days by the 21st Civil Engineering Squadron, using about $50,000 in funding from 21st Services and Air Force Space Command.

"It took a lot of collaboration and teamwork," said Col. Manuel Hidalgo, commander of the 21st Space Wing's Mission Support Group. "Our staff put in a lot of hard labor to get this done for our Airmen."

All that effort wasn't lost on Airmen attending the grand opening. Staff Sgt. Ruben Ayala, who works for the 21st Contracting Squadron, said he's grateful the base went to the trouble of opening a pub here and thinks it will be something Airmen will be able to enjoy for many years to come.

"We don't have as many traditions in the Air Force anymore," Sergeant Ayala said. "So this is our chance to start some."

(Stripes Pub, located in The Club, is open Monday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (enlisted personnel only from 3 p.m. to close on Fridays), and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed on Saturdays. For information, call 556-4181. )

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