7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldiers Get New Barracks Furnishings

Photo By Spc. Christopher Sanchez | A 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) barracks room before removal of the old furniture, on Camp "Bull" Simons, Florida, Oct. 8, 2023. Throughout September, 7 SGF(A) oversaw the replacement of the old, worn, and damaged furniture in the Soldier’s barracks, as part of the Army's initiative to improve the living quarters for junior Soldiers.  

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FL, UNITED STATES

10.23.2023

Story by Spc. Christopher Sanchez 

7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

EGLIN AFB, Fla. – The 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), in partnership with DoD civilians and contractors, replaces the furniture in the Soldier’s barracks, here, on Camp ‘Bull’ Simons, throughout September 2023.

The initiative to remove the old, worn, and damaged barracks furniture took several weeks but was a major milestone in the Army’s goal to improve the living quarters for junior Soldiers.

“The new microwaves come with a convection setting, which, if you like to cook, is a nice tool to have in the kitchen,” said Spc. Thomas Jarvis, an information management office technician at the 7th SFG (A). “It took almost two weeks to replace all the furniture for my room, but for soldiers in the barracks, getting new stoves, microwaves, and chairs renews the room's look.

7th SFG (A) has the highest occupancy rate {based on percentage of personnel versus quarters available} in the U.S. Army barracks inventory stateside.

“There are always people coming and going and this creates a lot of occupant turnover and excessive wear and tear on our appliances and furnishings,” said Staff Sgt. Thifanny Sangregorio, the barracks manager at 7th SFG (A). “ This directly impacts Soldiers' lives in the barracks and aids the Army’s battle with retention and recruitment.”

The unit funded the project and submitted the request to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which centralizes the furnishing program that selects the furniture. Applications are presented annually and units are designated for approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers database.

Contractors procured and oversaw the installation of new furniture after the 7th SFG (A) received approval. The contractors also removed the old furnishings from the barracks.

The Army is dedicated to providing all of its personnel with quality facilities: 7th SFG (A) and Staff Sgt. Sangregorio ensured standards were upheld by swapping the old furniture within its life cycle to give all service members within the barracks a high quality of life.

“It was due time to replace the old furniture since it had been around for almost ten years," Staff Sgt. Sangregorio said. ”Now, the service members are getting a fresh start. It was an excellent opportunity to provide the Soldiers a better quality of life,”

The 7th SFG (A) donated all the old furniture to several non-profit organizations that provide aid to those in need.

• Date Taken: 10.23.2023
• Date Posted: 10.24.2023 15:34
• Story ID: 456348
• Location: EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US