Moody commemorates Magnolia Grove amenities with ribbon cutting

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Andrea Thacker
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE --  Team Moody celebrated a milestone today with the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the playground in Moody's recently-opened Magnolia Grove Housing area.

After breaking ground nearly five years ago, Magnolia Grove is now home to 50 Air Force families. The housing area and its playground represent the Air Force's initiative to improve the quality of services available to Air Force families.

"The completion of our new base housing comes during a year when the Air Force is putting extra focus and emphasis on supporting our Air Force families through the 'Year of the Air Force Family' program, said Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander.

"This playground and other projects around the base reinforce Moody's commitment to join the Air Force in providing the best for our Airmen and their families who remain a top priority for Moody," he added.

The playground is the first of several planned amenities that will be available to residents of Magnolia Grove such as a soccer field and a direct base-access gate.

Initial construction of Magnolia Grove started under American Eagle in 2004 and was halted in 2007. Hunt-Pinnacle became the owners in November of 2008 and restarted construction and repairs of partially-built homes shortly thereafter. Just one year later, Hunt-Pinnacle completed the Magnolia Grove project with 50 homes.

Before Magnolia Grove was available, servicemembers with dependents had the option to reside off base or to live in Quiet Pines. Quiet Pines was Moody's only on-base housing community and was built during the late 60s and early 70s. This 300-unit housing community separated from the operational side of Moody has undergone numerous renovations and upgrades since its construction.

With the additional 50 homes in Magnolia Grove, the total number of units available to Moody servicemembers who choose to reside on base increases.
Before moving into Magnolia Grove nearly three months ago, Master Sgt. Thomas Jones, 23rd Communications Squadron first sergeant faced a 60 minute commute every day.

"It's very conveniently located near work, which allows me to spend more time with my family instead of traveling to and from work," said Sergeant Jones.

"We love this house," said Erin Jones, wife of Sergeant Jones. "We were excited to get out of the apartment we were living in and we're glad the girls have a place to play outside."

The modern construction and style of Magnolia Grove marks a new era in military housing, and the changes have been appreciated by its residents.

"This is not your typical military housing area," said Sergeant Jones. "They've designed it in such a way that it's like living in a unique neighborhood. Instead of feeling like we live in on-base housing, it feels more like we live in a neighborhood that happens to be next to the base."

Sergeant Jones and his wife agree the best part about the new housing is the family-oriented environment. It allows their children a safe place to play outside.

"I wouldn't have let them go outside and ride a bike where we lived before, but I would allow it in this neighborhood," said Mrs. Jones.

Providing peace of mind is just one key aspect to reducing stressors for servicemembers and their families during deployments.

"We are very fortunate to be able to provide our Airmen and their families what they deserve--the best housing we can provide; it's essential as they continue to fight the Global War on Terrorism," said Colonel Henderson.

"We are very happy to see this project end successfully," said Colonel Henderson. "But we could not have ended it so without the patience and support of our Airmen and our local community."