Team Malmstrom celebrates opening of Grizzly Bend Community Activity Center

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  It has been nearly two years in the making but the wait was well worth it.

Hundreds of Team Malmstrom members, along with retirees, civic leaders and political representatives, came out May 20 to witness the official opening of the newest addition to this Air Force Global Strike Command base - the 23,000-square-foot Grizzly Bend Community Activity Center.

Scheduled appropriately to get underway at 3:41 p.m., it was standing room only in the grand ballroom with the hallways lined with the overflow crowd. As Brig. Gen. (Sel) Anthony Cotton, 341st Missile Wing commander, took the ceremonial scissors in hand, the crowd watched as he sliced through the red ribbon and opened the facility for business.

In his pre-ceremonial remarks, Brig. Gen. (Sel) Cotton said, "You know, some may look at this and see just another building. But really, it's so much more. The new Grizzly Bend stands alone by design. It represents our region and the ruggedness that is Montana."

Featuring a log cabin motif through much of the facility, exquisite paintings by local artists adorn the walls throughout. All on display are for sale. Other unique touches include a room specifically designed for teleconferencing capabilities. Another area is dedicated for leisurely relaxation offering comfortable furniture to watch television or play a game. There is also a recreation room featuring billiards and foosball as well as air hockey and ping pong. Starbucks coffee along with pastries from Five Loaves bakery are available for purchase weekdays. In the future, management plans to introduce formal-casual dining for lunch and dinner at least five days a week. Banquet facilities for upwards of 450 people add another dimension previously missing at the base.

"As you can see, this isn't just another building," Brig. Gen. (Sel) Cotton said. "It truly is a community activities center and it can't be understated that today is a great day for Malmstrom Air Force Base."

Several local vendors came out for the grand opening to promote their products and services. Entertainment included a karate demonstration, a DJ and a performance by the local band, the Electric City Mafia. The hungry crowd also made the best of the free food, which included 10 6-foot subs; 20 pounds of egg rolls; 20 pounds of meatballs; 40 pounds of chicken wings; nearly 50 pounds of Mexican hors' doeuvres; and four sheet cakes. A variety of complimentary beverages were also served.

"It was a tremendous amount of work from so many people - but it was all worth it when we saw the beautiful completed building and the huge turnout from the wing and the community," said Jean Allen, 341st Force Support Squadron publicist. "We now have the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic place that everyone can use for eating, entertainment and socializing."