The Loft dinner

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Airmen prepare plates of Italian cuisine, provided for them by the D-M Chiefs Group, at the Loft here Oct. 2. Every Sunday the Loft hosts a dinner for Airmen living in the dorms; once a month they allow a base organization to host the dinner. This month the D-M Chiefs Group provided the Sunday meal. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Saphfire D. Cook)

The Loft dinner

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Members of the Chief’s group and spouses take a break after setting up for dinner at the Loft here Oct. 2. Every Sunday the Loft hosts a dinner for Airmen living in the dorms; once a month they allow a base organization to host the dinner. This month the D-M Chiefs Group provided the Sunday meal. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Saphfire D. Cook)

The Loft dinner

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Chief Master Sgt. Larry Tolliver, 12th Air Force Judge Advocate paralegal manager, talks with Airman 1st Class Byron Smith, 355th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment journeyman, at the Loft dinner here Oct. 2. Every Sunday the Loft hosts a dinner for Airmen living in the dorms; once a month they allow a base organization to host the dinner. This month the D-M Chiefs Group provided the Sunday meal. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Saphfire D. Cook)

Chiefs dish up fellowship and food at the Loft

Published Oct. 3, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Saphfire Cook
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FROCE BASE, Ariz. -- Every Sunday the Loft hosts a dinner for Airmen living in the dorms. Once a month they allow a base organization to take over a Sunday meal. The Chiefs Group, along with some of their spouses, treated the Airmen to a night of Italian cuisine Oct. 2.

The Loft is an Airmen community center located within the dormitories on the top floor of building 3610. It houses televisions, a full kitchen, and features wireless internet for Desert Lightning Airmen assigned to the dormitories.

"I remember back when I was an Airman living in the dorms," said Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Lopez, D-M Chiefs Group president. "You can't really do a lot of cooking; you don't even really feel like cooking. We just wanted to help bring a little home-cooking into the dorms."

The spread included spaghetti, more than three types of lasagna, plenty of salad and vegetables and some desserts.

"I come to these Sunday dinners to get a home-cooked meal and meet new people," said Airman Evan Shawback, 355th Equipment Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "I thinks it's great that the chiefs came out to bring us dinner and just talk with the Airmen. It shows that they really care about what's going on with us."

The food was prepared by the Chiefs and their spouses. Spouses and children also attended the dinner and helped serve.

"We could be anywhere we wanted to be tonight, and we chose to be here with our Airmen for some fellowship and food," Chief Lopez said. "What better way to spend a Sunday evening than to break bread with your brothers and sisters in arms?"

Dinners at the Loft are held every Sunday at 5:30 p.m. for all Airmen living in unaccompanied housing. For any questions concerning the Loft contact the base chapel at (520) 228- 5411.