Airmen Ministry Center opens doors to base leadership

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  After five months of construction by the 28th Civil Engineering Squadron the Airmen Ministry Center opened its doors to base leadership for a tour and orientation, August 11. 

The center, located above the B-One Yard and Thrift Consignment Shop, offers a chance to experience the full-service coffee and cappuccino bar, television, game systems and free wi-fi service that Airmen will have access to once the center officially opens in a few weeks. 

During the tour base leadership enjoyed both hot and cold drinks, snacks, karaoke and video games. 

By offering a convenient and safe alternative, the Airmen Ministry Council hopes the center will attract Airmen who enjoy free coffee and a relaxed atmosphere, said Airman 1st Class Anthony Becker, 28th Maintenance Squadron aircraft hydraulics maintainer and Airmen Ministry councilmember. 

"We're providing a safe, alcohol-free environment for all Airmen," said Airman Becker. 

The center also offers an environment for Airmen to study, either individually or as a group, and will host a variety of free events, including karaoke, movie nights, sporting events parties and video game tournaments. 

We're glad base leadership was able to test the services we're going to offer to Ellsworth's Airmen, said Airman Becker. 

"This is great. There's so much to do here and the decorations are amazing," said Chief Master Sgt. Richard Burfiend, 28th Communications Squadron superintendant. "Airmen are missing out if they don't come and experience this place." 

Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28th Bomb Wing commander, experienced some of the center's services such as the video game systems available for use. He followed his music video game with a chai tea from the bar as he congratulated members of the Airmen Ministry Council and the 28th Civil Engineer Base Engineer Emergency Force. 

"Both the Airmen Ministry Council and CE Prime BEEF did an amazing job building and decorating this center," said Colonel Taliaferro. "Their efforts reinforce the importance of our Airmen, and what they do. I encourage Airmen to enjoy this new center with one another--that's why it's here." 

After the base leadership tour, the Airmen Ministry Council began cleaning up and preparing for another tour, August 13. This second tour will showcase the center to Airmen residing in the dorms. 

"I'm deeply grateful to everyone that had a hand in building this center," said Chaplain (Col.) Howard Stendahl, Air Combat Command headquarters command chaplain. "This is a place where everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs, can feel welcome and safe." 

Airmen interested in volunteering at the center can contact Chaplain Kim at (605)385-1598. The grand opening of the Airmen Ministry Center is tentatively scheduled for a few weeks after the second tour.