Gunfighters make impact in theater

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Anderson
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Gunfighters recently played a role in the completion of a state-of-the art facility on an air base in Southwest Asia.

Master Sgt. Ralph Binion and Staff Sgt. Stephen Robinson, 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron, were in charge of decorating and furnishing the interior of the FOX Sports Sky Box on base. Both sergeants are deployed from the 366th FSS.

"We were in charge of making sure the furnishings were put in place," said Master Sgt. Binion. "We also made sure everything was put together correctly in addition to getting the satellite contracts for our entertainment systems here."

The Community Services Flight superintendent said he didn't have a hand in the construction which started in March, of the building -- that was left for the experts in the Civil Engineer Squadron.

"This renovation project was well underway when I arrived here," he said. "But it showed me the great support the military receives from corporate America."

FOX Sports helped speed up the renovation process of the old Desert Eagle Lounge, which was already in the process of being renovated.

"After touring the base and meeting a bunch of great people, they bring us to the base lounge to wait, and it's pretty basic," said FOX NFL Sunday co-host Terry Bradshaw speaking for the group. "I mean, it gets the job done in a no fuss, no muss way, but we all agreed the guys and gals fighting for our country deserved something better. Then we learned the Air Force planned to re-do the place, so we hatched this idea."

FOX offered to donate all furniture, fixtures and equipment, to include TVs, pool tables, tables, chairs, flooring, bar and bar equipment, murals and art, and the sound/AV system. FOX also donated a franchise license to the local Morale, Recreation and Welfare Fund needed to operate the FOX Sports Sky Box. The equipment alone is estimated to be worth more than $500,000.

Although construction was scheduled to last seven months, the facility was up and running after three. On opening night more than 1,500 Marines, Soldiers and Airmen walked through the doors of the FOX Sports Sky Box.

"Having a facility like this donated to us greatly enhances our mission effectiveness," said Sergeant. Binion. "When we have high morale we will have a greater success rate. This is truly an amazing facility and my thanks to FOX for the donation."

Editor's Note: Information courtesy of msn.foxsports.com