AMC changes dining facility policy

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Lindsey Hahn
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Air Mobility Command recently announced a change in policy that affects who is allowed to eat at base dining facilities starting at Travis Monday. 

Due to continued funding shortfall and the need to standardize food service contracts throughout the command, the new policy mandates that Active duty family members, as well as retirees and their immediate family members, are only authorized use of the Sierra Inn Dining Facility for casual dining on federal holidays, Easter Sunday and the Air Force birthday. 

Enlisted members receiving Essential Station Messing or Basic Allowance for Subsistence; wing, group, squadron and squadron section commanders when conducting periodic evaluations; military and civilians on TDY status, are authorized to eat at the dining facility. In addition, officers and Department of Defense civilians are authorized to eat the midnight meal while on duty. 

"The decision to limit who is allowed to frequent the dining facility was not taken lightly," said Col. Steve Arquiette, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander. "This in no way diminishes the respect and gratitude we have for our retiree population. We thank them for their selfless service and ask for their understanding in this change in policy." 

According to the memo, the Air Force operates dining facilities to ensure those enlisted Airmen with subsistence entitlements have a place for their meals. 
"We understand this new policy directive will be an inconvenience for some of our patrons," said Lt. Col. Oscar Vaughn, 60th Services commander. "The Sierra Inn staff would like to thank all those who use our services as we strive to implement this new AMC initiative." 

Patronage at Air Force dining facilities has always been limited, even to the extent that not all active duty personnel are authorized to eat in the facility. The decision to enforce these policies was made to conserve resources in a time of serious budget constraints.
The 60th Services Squadron offers some nutritious alternatives including: the Delta Breeze Club's 'Soup, Sand and Soap' lunch menu or their lunch buffet; the Travis Bowl's Strike Zone; Westwind Inn's Rickenbacker's Coffee Shop; and the Cypress Lakes Golf Course's Gatsby's Grill. 

"I realize we have a large number of retirees in our community and sympathize with how this policy affects them," said Colonel Arquiette. "We will strive to continue to offer quality alternatives to the Sierra Inn Dining Facility." 

Any questions or concerns regarding this policy can be directed to the 60th Air Mobility Wing's public affairs office at 424-2011.