Lodging manager retires at Top of the World

Published Sept. 1, 2015
By Steve Brady
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

THULE AIR BASE, Greenland -- If you've been on temporary duty or assigned to Thule Air Base recently, chances are you've met this man.

Ernie Stenson is the manager of the North Star Inn. He's been welcoming guests there for the past eight years, managing the 104-room complex, and he is retiring Sept. 30.
As the lodging manager, he's responsible for room maintenance, purchasing linens, maintaining the computers, billing, and of course, getting guests checked in and out of their rooms.

"I have to help people when they get locked out of their rooms after hours," he said, but living in the building next door makes that responsibility a little simpler.

Occupancy rates rise during the annual summer missions, and during his tenure, Stenson has seen the gamut of guests, including Ukrainian, Danish, Greenlandic, Canadian and French guests. Notable visitors have included the secretary of the Air Force, chief of staff, Tops in Blue and other Air Force entertainers, and most recently, the Queen of Denmark.

"Ernie is a vital piece of the services program and we're going to miss him," said Russell Jackson, Thule AB services director. "He cares for Airmen and ensures rooms are ready for our guests. It's a tough job and he has done a wonderful job getting it done."

Living in such an austere place as Thule provides some challenges, Stenson said.

"During storms we stock (meals ready to eat) for sale, because you can't go to the dining hall," he said. Stenson stays at the Inn during storms, the longest of which lasted three days. "It can be hard being here for six to eight-months at a time without seeing your family, but the job keeps me so busy you can't dwell on what you can't do," he said.

During his 43 years of military service - including 23 years as an enlisted Airman - Stenson has also been a deputy chief in services, an aircraft electronics technician and a security forces squadron K-9 handler. He looks forward to retirement in Bad Durkheim, Germany, where he will join his wife and kids.

"I miss nature - seeing birds - especially during the dark season. I miss the four seasons and trees, and the shopping conveniences, but I'll miss the close friendships I made here. I'll miss (the people) a lot."

Thule lodging manager to retire