What's new in lodging? Published April 14, 2008 By Sandra Davis 20th Force Support Squadron SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- If you've been in the Carolina Pines Inn lately, you will see a lot of changes in progress. In fact, the staff has been busy updating the reception area in an extensive self-help project. The lodging staff carpeted office areas, removed wall cover, painted walls, added crown molding, baseboards, flooring and a new business center. A beautiful modern reception now greets visitors and permanent change of station personnel to the 20th Fighter Wing. Additionally, we realize pets are members of many families. Based on popular demand, our pet-friendly family facilities have increased from six to 14 rooms. We changed the carpeting to vinyl floors, installed new furnishings, mattresses, drapes, bedspreads, and accessorized the rooms with large pet cages, pet bowls, and various other pet-friendly items. Ten regular family rooms also received a complete renovation and 28 visiting quarters were upgraded with all new furnishings, carpet, drapes, bedspreads, mattresses, TVs and DVD players. New wall treatments are scheduled to be installed within the next few months. Future projects include renovating twenty more family rooms, 39 visiting quarters and six business suites with $750,000 in approved Air Force Services Agency funding. As we all know, team work is the key to much success. Civil Engineers have dedicated countless hours maintaining our aging facilities and have updated many rooms with new shower inserts as opposed to tile showers. Dedicated plumbers have worked diligently to keep drips and leaks minimal with the assistance of structural and electrical experts. Civil Engineering also put new roofs on four family facilities. The Carolina Pines Inn also has wireless Internet capability. In 2007, Air Combat Command added wireless computer access to all lodging facilities. Air Force Services will add wireless to all bases this year. Call ahead to be sure the base where you are visiting has wireless. For more information about the Carolina Pines Inn, call (803) 895-3803 or visit us online at http://www.20thfss.com/Shaw_AF_Inn.html. For more information on Air Force and Navy Department of Defense Lodging, visit http://dodlodging.net/.