Airmen gain new 'home away from home'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Sollars
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  The Crossroads Café Airmen's Ministry Center reopened the doors of its new location during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 15 at the old dining facility, Bldg. 864.

The café offers Airmen a place to go to spend time with friends during their down time.

"The Crossroads Café offers a relaxing positive alcohol-free and smoke-free environment," said Chaplain (Capt.) Jeremy Gorline, 19th Airlift Wing chapel. "There is a TV lounge, a gaming room, computers with Internet access, [wireless Internet] access, pool tables, foosball tables and an espresso bar."

The grand reopening of the café is historic for all Airmen, said Airman 1st Class Damien Powell, 314th Operations Group.

"This isn't just another building on base for relaxation and to hang out, but it's also a place for Airmen to leave their mark and make a home away from home," he said.

The café's re-launch coincides with Comprehensive Airman Fitness, promoting positive behaviors and holistic health.

"Opening up this establishment to support our Airmen is a huge stride on this base and for the Air Force," said Col. Michael Zick, the 19th Airlift Wing vice commander. "The Air Force is making an effort to make sure that our people are not only mentally fit, but they're spiritually fit, physically fit and socially fit."

The goal of the CAF program is to help Airmen, Air Force civilians and family members become more resilient and better-equipped to deal with the rigors of military life.

"I look forward to seeing how each and every Airman adapt their own lifestyle into the Crossroads Café, either by being a volunteer here or by enjoying all of the wonderful entertainment that's offered," said Airman Powell.

The café is open 2 to 10 p.m. Monday - Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

"Though it's open, it's not fully complete," said Chaplain Gorline. "Airmen will be able to have some input into the décor and legacy of Little Rock Air Force Base. We also rely on volunteers to keep the café open in the after duty hours."

People interested in volunteering can call the chapel at 978-6014.