REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- The U.S. Army Materiel Command and the Security Assistance Command marked the opening of Lakeside with a ribbon cutting Friday, Dec. 6.
"One word sums up today, and that's persistence," said Gen. Dennis L. Via, the AMC commanding general, beginning his remarks. "It took great vision, leadership, and teamwork to make the cafeteria possible. It was just a short year ago that we broke ground on this facility and we made it right on time for the holidays."
Conrad Bonner, USASAC deputy chief of staff, reminded the crowd that this was another first for USASAC by adding another state-of-the-art-facility, the Lakeside Café, to the campus.
"This cafeteria rounds out our AMC and USASAC campus," said Bonner, referring to the other assets the campus has like a wellness center, parade field, meditation room and state of the art video teleconferencing capabilities.
Col. William Marks, garrison commander, thanked all that participants that made the cafeteria possible.
"Thank you to everyone who continues to make Redstone Arsenal the best installation in the world," said Marks. "[Lakeside Café] will provide a much needed capability for the Martin Road corridor."
The cafeteria is a detached facility of about 4,100 square feet with a full service kitchen, wifi enabled, and seating for approximately 60 people. The staff is currently working to add patio seating in the spring.
"The former café is going to be renovated as a grab-and-go and offer coffee, smoothies, ice cream and a place to drop off dry cleaning," said Linwood 'Bo' Bowers, AMC commandant. "We will open it to the workforce on Dec. 13."
Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Williams, chief of staff of AMC; Heather Hamilton, AMC employee representative; Linwood 'Bo' Bowers, AMC commandant; Col. William B. Marks, garrison commander; John B. Nerger, executive deputy to the commanding general; Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald T. Riling, AMC's senior enlisted leader; Gen. Dennis L. Via , AMC commanding general; Lt. Gen. Patricia E. McQuistion, deputy commanding general of AMC and senior commander for Team Redstone; Conrad Bonner, USASAC deputy chief of staff; Tim Mitchell, AMC union representative; and Kimberly Reese, USASAC employee representative all participated in cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
Three AMC band members played holiday music as the workforce enjoyed its first meal at the Lakeside Café with hot apple cider and cake.
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