Airmen's Dinner feeds the masses

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The 354th Fighter Wing Staff Agency will host the Airman's Dinner for unaccompanied Airmen March 20 at the base chapel from 5 to 7 p.m.

In the past, Airmen have arrived to the event with the aroma of dinner filling their nostrils; however, this meal will feature breakfast as the main course, to include pancakes, waffles, omelets and pastries.

"We wanted to offer something fun and served to order," said Tech. Sgt. Tim Jenkins, 354th Fighter Wing public affairs. "A home-cooked breakfast is something hard to get for those in the dorms, so hopefully this will bring them a little bit of home away from home. We hope Airmen come out and take advantage of the opportunity. It should be a fun night."

Each month a different squadron or organization hosts the Airman's Dinners, providing such treats as tacos, homemade chili and pulled pork sandwiches at past events.

Airmen have the dining facility, base and local restaurants and the commissary as options for meals, said Staff Sgt. James Peacock, 354th Fighter Wing chapel NCO in charge of logistics, but if they would like something different and possibly reminiscent of a good home cooked meal, they can make a quick trip to the base chapel.

Airmen are encouraged to attend these monthly meals, enjoy food prepared specifically for them by volunteers and socialize with other Airmen and event hosts.

The meals provide the opportunity for Airmen to separate from their usual path of dorm to DFAC and back again, while being in new surroundings and meeting new people. The event can serve as a way to get more face-time with other Airmen, see what is going on around Eielson and learn more about what the chapel has to offer.

"A lot of people think the chapel is just a place to worship, but the facility also serves as a resource," said Peacock. "This event shows Airmen what we have to offer."

The event is easily accessible and also a good volunteer opportunity as people are needed to help set-up, cook and clean-up after the event.

The Airmen's Dinner events ask nothing of attendees except that they have a good time. Eielson is a largely unique base, and these events can be one way for individuals to establish and build relationships.