McGuire dorms to receive upgrades Published May 28, 2008 By 305th Civil Engineer Squadron MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- McGuire recently received $498,000 from Air Mobility Command for dormitory furnishings upgrades. According to Penny Shaw, unaccompanied housing manager, these funds will be used to purchase furniture, draperies, washers and dryers, and heavy duty vacuums for the dormitories. The funding was part of General Lichte's commitment to improving dormitories throughout Air Mobility Command. McGuire was fortunate enough to receive nearly 25 percent of AMC's mid-year dormitory funding. These most recent upgrades will add to the improvements made at the end of fiscal year 2007, when McGuire received $769,000 to purchase furniture, draperies, a kitchenette, carpeting, stair treads, stackable washers and dryers, and exterior painting work. Not only are strides being made with dormitory funding, but the dedication of residents to maintaining their homes has been steadily elevating toward the wing's goal of total pride in ownership. All of these upgrades have been programmed through the wing's Quarters Improvement Committee, chaired by Col. Balan Ayyar, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander. The QIC is comprised of the wing command chief, first sergeants, dorm managers, dorm residents and other wing representatives who must prioritize all improvement projects for the dormitories. The QIC meets semi-annually, with the next meeting scheduled in June to discuss posturing of additional dormitory projects for this year-end. In addition to these upgrades, the wing will renovate two dormitories next year at a cost of $1-$2 million each. These renovations will involve replacing mechanical rooms, carpeting, painting, bathrooms and many other upgrades. These major projects will be solidified by year's end with additional details to come.