Town meeting on club consolidation:

  • Published
  • By Justin Oakes
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Leaders of the 56th Force Support Squadron hosted a town hall meeting July 15 regarding the upcoming club consolidation scheduled for late October. Active-duty and retired servicemembers attended and voiced their opinions and concerns. Below are a few of the questions that were discussed during the meeting.

Q: We would like to be aware of club activities in advance. Why is the delivery of the club calendars so inconsistent?

A: 56 FSS is changing how we deliver the calendar. Starting in August, the club calendar will be directly inserted in the Luke Services magazine and mailed and delivered prior the first of the month. 56 FSS is also developing an annual club calendar that will include parties and events that are scheduled in advance. The annual calendar will be mailed to club members in Oct 2009 to allow long range planning for members and updated every six months.

Q: The Desert Star is very uninviting. How is the atmosphere going to change?

A: Renovations to improve the Desert Star's look, style and ambiance will be revealed in late October. The theme will focus on Luke's heritage and history. There will be lighting enhancements, new paint and wood trim in the halls and ballrooms, patio furniture and misters installed and a new back bar to name a few of the changes. The new club will also have a new name, and the 56th FSS is taking suggestions. The Luke community can e-mail their suggestions to 56FSS.events@luke.af.mil

Q: Do we have a say on any improvements on the new club?

A: Yes, we welcome all suggestions on ways to improve the new consolidated club. For example, we will host food tastings to decide what is actually offered on our menu, and we will also request input on programs, bands and events from base groups such as the Top 3, LEAD, CGOC, Shirts, Chiefs Group and from spouses. Some spouses were also invited in recommending color schemes for the renovations.

Q: Will the new club serve breakfast?

A: Beginning October 30, patrons will be able to have breakfast at the Desert Star.

Q: Will there be separate entrances to the officer and enlisted bars?

A: Yes, each bar will have its own entrance.

Q: Will just anyone be able to use the club.

A: Only members and their guests will be allowed to use the Desert Star facilities. A hostess will be on staff to welcome incoming patrons and check membership.

For more information or to make suggestions regarding the club consolidation, e-mail the 56th FSS at www.56FSS.events@luke.af.mil.