Home-cooked meals away from home

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Josh Slavin
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  For many young Airmen, their first duty station is the first time they have lived on their own. The base chapel is doing its part to ease the transition.

Every Sunday, The LOFT hosts a dinner for the Airmen living in the dorms.

The meals are provided by spouses, enlisted members, and off-base groups. The weekly dinner is an opportunity for Airmen to enjoy a home cooked meal as well as interact with leadership in a casual environment.

"It's a very relaxed and safe atmosphere and it gives me an opportunity to connect with the younger Airmen," Said Capt. Raymond Boyer, 355th Fighter Wing chaplain. "I feel like I am the older brother and I'm just hanging out."

Not only does The LOFT provide a safe place for the Airmen, but it also hosts a bible study group every Sunday 6:30 P.M. The group gathers in a separate room of The LOFT and participation is completely optional.

Aside from the free home-cooked meals, the Sunday gatherings are a great way for Airmen to meet each other and network.

"The thing I enjoy most about Sunday dinners at The LOFT is just connecting with other Airmen on base," said Airman 1st Class Jesse Sargent, LOFT president. "It's a great opportunity to meet new people and develop relationships."

The LOFT also plans many activities for Airmen to get the most out of their time at D-M. Some events they have hosted in the past are trips to the Grand Canyon, hikes up Mt. Lemmon, and paintballing.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the activities as well as the weekly dinners at The LOFT. Anyone looking to take part in the dinners and support the Airmen should contact their leadership.