Airmen Ministry Center offers Airmen 'second home'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
  • 28trh Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  In attempt to create a relaxing and entertaining hang-out for Ellsworth Airmen during their off-duty time, the 28th Bomb Wing chapel staff ushered in the construction of an Airmen Ministry Center.

Construction began on the 1600-square-foot facility, located above the B-One Yard Thrift and Consignment shop, in early March, under the hammer of the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Norman Ellis, 28th Bomb Wing chaplain, and other 28 BW chapel staff members were motivated to push for the addition of an Ellsworth AMC after witnessing the positive responses active AMC's received at other bases.

"AMC's have been around for a long time, and are included in AFI 52-101, Chaplain Planning and Organizing." Chaplain Ellis said. "AMC's are chapel sponsored facilities traditionally located in or near dormitories and dedicated to providing pastoral care to the residents living there while relying heavily on local volunteer support for their success."

In addition to being AFI directed, Chaplain Ellis' past experience with AMC's was another incentive for its construction at Ellsworth.

"My first exposure to more modern AMCs was when I visited the
'Fishbowl' at Keesler AFB, Miss., in the early 1980s," Chaplain Ellis said. "It evolved over the years to become one of the centerpieces of the new
construction at Keesler."

Chaplain Ellis was also responsible for the early development of the AMC
currently operating at McConnell AFB, Kansas.

In addition to providing pastoral care to Airmen who may desire it, the Ellsworth AMC will contain recreational equipment including TVs, game systems and pool tables. Kitchen appliances, including microwaves, coffee pots and cappuccino machines are also expected to be included in the facility.

"We already have volunteers who will be available to provide most of these needs to the frequenting Airmen," Chaplain Ellis said. "If we receive enough volunteers we hope to have the facility open until midnight and
for a good portion of the day on weekends."

Future additions of equipment and systems are also planned depending on the facility's future success.

"We hope to eventually have Internet access, wi-fi, video gaming, movies, karaoke, live and recorded music and whatever other items may be contributed," Chaplain Ellis said.

Along with providing Airmen with another option for entertainment and recreation at Ellsworth, Staff Sgt. Kevin Pike, 28 BW chaplain assistant, hopes the facility will provide a 'second home' to the Airmen that frequent it.

"My personal hope is that the AMC will provide an environment the Airman will feel comfortable and take pride in." Sergeant Pike said. "I hope they bring their friends, feel accepted and realize the chapel staff is here for them if they need us."

Chaplain Ellis hopes to see the AMC continue its growth as a chapel sponsored, self-sustaining ministry that will need more space within the year.

Hours for the facility are still being determined and will be based primarily on available volunteers. The construction of the AMC is scheduled for completion May 1.