Heritage Center at Niagara ribbon cutting

Mr. Gary Sankes of Scrufari Construction, 914th Services Director Mr. Robert Williams, 107 Airlift Wing Vice-Commander Col. John Higgins, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, 914th Airlift Wing Vice-Commander Col. Bret Larson, Air Force Reserve Command Civil Engineer Col. Nicholas Desport, and Mr. Ray Cudney of Beardsley Design cut the ribbon to the Heritage Center at Niagara November 9, 2011 Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, NY. The Heritage Center at Niagara is the newest facility to open at the Niagara Falls base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph McKee)

New community activity center opens at Niagara

Published Nov. 28, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Andrew Caya
914th Airlift Wing

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION -- The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station officially opened a new Community Activity Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 at 11:30 a.m.

"Named 'The Heritage Center at Niagara,' this building is dedicated to those warriors who came before us as well as those who will follow," said 914th Airlift Wing Chief of Services Mr. Bob Williams.

This new $10.2 million facility replaces two existing buildings, the current Falcon Club and the Figliotti Dining Facility. Both buildings were built in the 1960's and did not meet the current needs of the troops stationed here.

The Heritage Center, an 18,000 square-foot building will provide the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units based here the ability to feed 800 troops in a two-hour time frame or seat 750 guests for a fine dining event. It will also give base leadership opportunities to have commander's calls, promotions, retirements, staff meetings and much more in one location.

"It's not just for us," said 914th Vice Wing Commander Col. Bret Larsen. "We offer this [venue] out to the community for banquets and weddings as well as other events that will benefit the entire western New York community.

A New York lawmaker believes that the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and all their support of the western New York community will not only help the installation survive the Base Realignment and Closure committee but thrive in the years to come.

"We'll be out to cut more [opening] ribbons pretty soon," said New York State Congresswoman Louise Slaughter.

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Heritage Center at Niagara ribbon cutting