Chapel program provides 'Refuge' for Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Laura Goodgame
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  A first duty station can be intimidating for many Airmen. While some Airmen may consider weathering Eielson's long arctic winters alone in a dorm room, there are many base programs available to get out and enjoy the base and find fellow Airmen with common interests.

Refuge is one such activity group. The Protestant-sponsored program formed three years ago to create an environment for Airmen to participate in Bible studies, eat homemade dinners, and enjoy game nights within a Christian setting.

"Refuge helps build fellowship amongst Airmen in a safe, friendly environment," said Capt. Diana Kostrna, Operations Support Squadron airfield operations flight officer who has participated with Refuge for two years.

Refuge also provides Airmen an opportunity to experience what Alaska has to offer for single Airmen at an affordable price through chapel offerings such as a recently sponsored an annual white water rafting trip to Denali National Park and Preserve.

"The trips are life changing experiences," said Airman 1st Class Chioke Buckley, a 354th Civil Engineering Squadron emergency management technician. "The Airmen you meet on the trip boost morale by welcoming you as yourself. It is nice to meet people with common interest."

To pass the two hour drive to Denali, the group sang songs, Christmas carols, as well as joked and shared stories about home, experience in interior Alaska and their Air Force jobs.

"It's amazing to realize you're in Alaska, your suiting up in a giant dry suit over your clothes to protect you from the water, which ten hours earlier melted from a glacier," said Airman Buckly, who also serves as the president of Airmen Committed to Excellence, another program providing activities, volunteer work and mentorship to Airmen.

The rafting trip took the group 11 miles down the river through rapids such as Cable Car, Coffee Grinder, and Ice Worm. Everyone overcame the rapids together by building team skills and listening to the guide to keep from flipping the raft or going down the wrong course.

During a calm stretch of the river the groups took the opportunity to play games inside the raft. One game, called the circle of trust, had everyone stand up on the edge of the raft and hold hands while the raft floated down the river.

Another group bumped that raft to test their circle of trust knocking three Airmen into the river. At first, one Airman looked terrified in the icy river, but listening to the guide, he rolled over onto his back to let the life vest hold him up, and calmly waited for his teammates to throw the emergency rope. The Airman grabbed it and was pulled back into the circle of trust by the group.

Some veteran rafters as well as first timers went on the annual rafting trip.

"This is my third rafting trip. Every trip is different but each is very uplifting," said Senior Airman Heidi Greer, a materials management technician assigned to the 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "I keep busy with Refuge and encourage others to get out of their dorms and join in the activities that are offered." 

At the end of the adventurous day, Airmen recounted stories about the trip and their white water experience.

"This is my first rafting trip," said Protestant Chaplain (Capt.) Edwin Galeai, who arrived here about five weeks ago. "Refuge is a great way to get face time with the Airmen as well as supporting our troops who are far from home."

The social bible studies are at the North Star Café at 7 p.m. every Tuesday. The Café also provides free wireless as well as an assortment of entertainment systems free to use for junior Airmen. The chapel staff can also answer questions about Refuge and other programs available for Airmen.