Air base opens first-of-its-kind lounge

VIENNA

The Youngstown Air Reserve Station now has a feature that’s the first of its kind in the continental United States.

The United Service Organizations of Northern Ohio and the 910th Airlift Wing debuted a new activity lounge Saturday that will provide an alternative way for YARS service members to unwind.

The lounge features ping pong, air hockey, gaming consoles, computer stations, a big-screen television viewing area, high-top tables and a coffee bar. The purpose, project leaders said, is to provide service members with an alcohol-free space to relax.

Service members at Saturday’s ribbon-cutting event said they plan to spend quite a bit of time at the lounge.

“It gives you more options,” said Tech. Sgt. Liz Chandler of the 910th Communications Squadron. “This is more set up as a place to hang out. It’s not quite the same as hanging out at the bar. More family-friendly.”

Read more about the new facility in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.