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Shaw names flightline kitchen 'Afterburner Grill'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Shaw's flightline kitchen is officially named the Afterburner Grill.

During a ceremony Jan. 3, Col. James Post, 20th Fighter Wing commander, cut the ribbon along with Staff Sgt. Billy Joe Wheeling, 79th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, who came up with the name for the facility.

The facility, which was open for about seven months now, had no name until today, said Captain Kenneth Marshall, 20th FSS Force Sustainment Flight commander. There were more than 200 names offered for the grill from members throughout Shaw. A committee chose Sergeant Wheeling's "Afterburner Grill."

The grill is a place where operational Air Force members can get a hot meal in a location closer to the flightline.

The 2,000 sq. ft. facility was built for proximity purposes, Captain Marshall said. Before the Afterburner Grill, flightline members had to go to the dining facility to get lunch, which made it challenging in a high operations tempo.

"It is very important for our Airmen to receive a good lunch because it keeps them mentally and physically in peak condition to support the mission," Colonel Post said. "I don't think anything epitomizes the sound of freedom more than an afterburner. I think Sergeant Wheeling came up with a brilliant name for the facility."

Sergeant Wheeling received a gift certificate for his efforts. It is a two-day stay at a four-star hotel in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

All enlisted and transit personnel can use the facility. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4:30 to 7 p.m.