Hanscom community welcomes first newly constructed home

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Hanscom AFB --  Hanscom took a historic step forward in its housing privatization project with a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday to celebrate the first of 784 new homes to be constructed by American Eagle Communities. 

Airman 1st Class Tim Althoff, 66th Medical Group, and his wife, Alcy, who works for the 66th Services Squadron, had the honor of representing the entire Hanscom housing community as they joined 66th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Tom Schluckebier and Thomas Swain, managing director of American Eagle Communities in cutting the ribbon on their newly constructed home.

 "We're honored to represent all of Hanscom's residents in cutting the ribbon on this beautiful new home," Airman Althoff said. "Alcy and I want to thank everyone for making this day possible, we can't wait to move in." Colonel Schluckebier, in his remarks said, "Both Tim and Alcy are here today to not only accept their new home but as representatives of all of the military families that both live here now and will be living in these new homes in the future. 

"You represent what the housing privatization primary goal was focused toward, delivering quality homes to our deserving, dedicated military families who sacrifice so much in service to our country," Colonel Schluckebier said. "We share in the excitement that this day brings to you and all the other families who will soon move into these new homes." 

On behalf of American Eagle Communities, Mr. Swain expressed his appreciation for everyone's extraordinary efforts in "bringing us to this important point in the Hanscom Air Force Base family housing program." 

"Today is not just about the coming on-line of Hanscom's first new home under the military housing privatization program, it is about being good stewards of one of America's most valued resources -- its service members and their families," Mr. Swain said. 

In reflecting on the meaning behind the housing privatization initiative, Mr. Swain said, "Our Airmen and their families continue to make the quiet sacrifices -- only asking in return to be treated fairly and be given a good quality of life. I think all of the Hanscom Team, the base, the community, ourselves and our subcontractors, should take pride in the providing of this first quality home and the many more to come." 

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, American Eagle Communities hosted an open house tour with approximately 150 residents stopping by to tour the new home. "The response was overwhelming," said Maggie Wetzell, American Eagle Communities project director. "People seemed very excited about the home. We were pleased to have so many of our residents stop by to view the house."