New Temporary Lodging Facility ready to greet Team Edwards newcomers Published Aug. 25, 2011 By Diane Betzler 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Military families moving to Edwards are doing so at an exciting time because the base offers its team members comfortable, quality quarters while looking for their ideal family home. Whether a single Airman or a servicemember with a family, those transitioning to base now have the option of renting a newly renovated two- or three-bedroom home for much less than the cost of a standard hotel room. "This is a wonderful day for us at Edwards," said Col. Gregory Schwab, 95th Air Base Wing commander, at the High Desert Inn Temporary Lodging Facility open house and ribbon-cutting celebration Aug. 18. The High Desert Inn TLF, located in the Joshua Acres housing tract, took less than a year to put together. "We had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Schwab said, explaining how the project came about. The colonel said they were able to turn base houses that had become excess in Edwards' normal inventory into like-new housing for people who are transitioning to the base. The newly renovated homes are completely furnished and come with the inn's daily cleaning service, but offer the atmosphere of private home living. Joining the colonel at the open house were officials from the High Desert Inn, the 95th Force Support Squadron, the 95th Civil Engineering Division and the 95th Communications Squadron. Debra Ashlee, chief of Sustainment Services for the 95th FSS, said the new transitional housing area has a lot more to offer than former TLF units. "The new units are in a better location in terms that they are within walking distance to base services such as the Commissary, the Base Exchange and a beautiful playground," Ashlee said. The homes are air conditioned. The old TLF units came with swamp coolers only. "The grounds are beautifully landscaped, have walled backyards and each unit has its own garage," said deputy base civil engineer Randy Beckett. The project refurbished 50 duplex homes that make up the TLF. There are 10 two-bedroom homes that rent for a mere $41.50 a night and 23 three-bedroom homes that rent for $52 per night. Ashlee pointed out that 17 units are pet-friendly. Airmen and families with pets pay a little extra for their transitional home. There are six two-bedroom pet-friendly homes that rent for $51.50 a night, and 11 three-bedroom units that go for $62 a night. Of the 50 TLF homes, 45 are currently occupied, but the average stay for people transitioning to Edwards is about 60 days. Schwab said the new TLF homes are Edwards' way of welcoming its newest team members to the base. "This is your Air Force taking good care of you and your families because we care," he said.