JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Joint Base Andrews' newest lodging facility, the Presidential Inn, had its grand opening June 14.
"Today, the men and women of Joint Base Andrews gather to celebrate the grand opening of the latest addition to the 316th Force Support Squadron family - The Presidential Inn," said Lt. Col. Kevin Brooks, 316 FSS commander.
The Presidential Inn contains large individual hotel rooms, a coffee shop, an indoor and outdoor lounge area, and soon will offer a sundry store.
"Today is a great day," said Col. Ken Rizer, 316th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander. "It is a great day because in inaugurating this fine building, we are marking a key milestone in making Andrews Air Force Base a true shining city on a hill. We are giving the Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines who will lay their heads down in this facility the quality of a visitor's quarters that they deserve based on their outstanding service and sacrifice."
At the grand opening ceremony, the installation commander took the time to thank the many members who are attributed with the planning, construction and opening of this new lodging facility.
"A building like this doesn't come about in a vacuum," Colonel Rizer said. "There are numerous individuals and groups who have worked to make this happen, from my predecessor - Col. Steven Shepro - and previous commanders to Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Manhattan Construction, the Air Force Sergeants Association, our Major Command program director and the lodging staff. All have contributed to make this possible. The result of their work is a hotel that can house 530 people at a cost of $46.6 million which is going to improve our quality of life, it's going to save us temporary duty funds, and finally, it's going to save us energy. It is, in essence, a great success story."