Ground floor opens new doors

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Noah R. Johnson
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, AZ --  D-M Airmen have a new place to go thanks to the efforts of individuals determined to help our first term Airmen. "Ground Floor" is the place and thanks to the Chaplain's office along with the work of individuals such as Doug Breen of the Navigators has made it possible. It is open to all active duty, enlisted Airmen and their guests.

"We continue to be charged with the task of raising spiritually fit Airmen. Airmen who are morally and ethically grounded ... this facility will continue to be used for that purpose," said Mr. Breen.

"Ground Floor" is run by the Chapel and on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m. they offer a Bible study, and on Saturday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. they hold "Church But Not Really," which features this generation's music in worship, but its centerpiece remains its challenging, encouraging, motivational talks.

"Ground Floor is not strictly religious," said Mr. Breen. "In the past it has been open sporadically, with the only consistent hours being filled by Bible studies, discussion groups and times of worship."

The "no agenda" hours of operation are from 5 to 7 p.m. on weeknights.

"We're still looking for volunteers," said Airman 1st Class Jung Park, 355th Fighter Wing Chaplain's assistant. "The goal is to be open longer hours and on weekends, however, this all depends on having enough volunteers who are willing to work at all times of the day. They are trying to get volunteers for all the different shifts Airmen work on base to accommodate Airmen who get off duty in the early morning, afternoon or late at night."

"The 355th FW and the chapel have given many resources to make the coffee house a real success," said Mr. Breen. "Some of the features include free Wi-Fi internet access, a coffee machine and coffee supplied through contract with "Le Buzz" coffee house, HD televisions with digital cable, along with four X-box 360 systems, one of which connected to surround sound and a projector projecting onto the entire back wall made with high-definition paint (a must see for all gamers). Also, there are free snacks and a refrigerator with water and soda.

In Mr. Breen's words, "It's kind of like going over to your friend's house to hang out... you know the one with the generous mom who likes to feed you ... but it still maintains that coffee house feel too."