McChord Field passenger terminal opens new family lounge

Published June 24, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Russ Jackson
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- McChord Field's passenger terminal opened its doors to a new family lounge during a ribbon cutting ceremony here June 23.

In 2010, Air Mobility Command attempted to standardize passenger terminals around the world after noticing facility discrepancies between various terminals.

Numerous terminals throughout the Pacific, Europe and the United States were targeted for this standardization with McChord being on the list.

"Efforts to upgrade the McChord family lounge began in the spring of 2011," said 2nd Lt. Michael Weber, 62nd Aerial Port Squadron passenger terminal assistant flight commander. "In March of 2013, the renovation contract was awarded, and construction began."

Many commanders from McChord witnessed the opening of the new lounge alongside members from the 62nd APS.

"The new facility is equipped with numerous amenities including television and business lounges, children's play area, crib and nursing room, a kitchen and a gaming room," Weber said.

Then he invited Col. David Kumashiro, 62nd Airlift Wing commander to say a few words to the audience.

"For all of the folks from the aerial port, particularly the passenger terminal, this really signifies AMC's commitment to our families," Kumashiro said. "By doing this ribbon cutting to the family lounge, it really does take a large step to acknowledge the importance they play in our lives and our ability to execute our mission."

Kumashiro led the crowd into the terminal with Col. Bruce Bowers, 446th Airlift Wing commander and Maj. Lisa Ryan, 62nd APS commander for the cutting of the ribbon.

Together, they held a large pair of scissors and waited for the audience to finish an enthusiastic countdown before snipping the ribbon and officially opening the new family lounge.

A few families entered first to see what the lounge had to offer. Aside from being brand new, there was a large play area to include a jungle gym, a quite nursing room and a business center located away from the common area. Airmen immediately gathered around the television to watch Mexico play Croatia during the World Cup.

This caught Kumashiro's attention as well.

"You may see me soon," Kumashiro laughed, "because I think I might be coming here in the next couple of days to watch some of the World Cup on this nice TV!"

McChord Field's passenger terminal is open daily from 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.

For more information regarding McChord Field's new passenger terminal family lounge or space available travel, contact their service counter at (253) 982-7268 or online at http://www.62aw.af.mil/library/space-a/.