The 97 Air Mobility Wing chapel staff have opened the doors to the Airmen Ministry Center for some well-deserved recreation and resiliency for Airmen, providing an opportunity for camaraderie and friendship. The goal of the center is to give residents of the 97 AMW an on-base opportunity to have fun, while offering a climate to promote mission accomplishment and success. The facilities include a wide range of entertainment capabilities, including a movie room with theater-style chairs and fresh popcorn. There is also a gaming room with televisions and gaming systems, such as Xbox Ones and PlayStation 4s. The facility also has a ping pong table, pool table, dart boards and more.

SSgt Justin Story, Chapel NCOIC of resources and readiness said the facility is intended to give permanent party and Training Squadron Airmen, E-4 and below, opportunities to unwind and hopefully become a comfortable option for the service members to go to. “It’s just a place for Airmen to come and interact and it’s sort of like a home away from home,” said Story.

The Airman Ministry Center also has full kitchen facilities, including stoves, microwaves, coffee pots and even cappuccino machines. “Whatever it is that the airmen want, we’ll try to do it for them and provide that safe haven,” said Story.

The center is open Fridays at 6 p.m. and on Saturdays at 3 p.m. It closes both days at 10 p.m. but that doesn’t stop SSgt Story from wanting to host events for Airmen during off hours. “I’m ready to do whatever the Airmen want to do,” said Story, “whether it’s watch movies, or maybe we can have pizza some nights, poker nights, ping pong tournaments, Madden tournaments…you name it, I’m excited.”

The chapel staff said they want this facility to minister to the residents of Altus AFB, to have them feel safe in strengthening themselves and each other. That is why they wanted to provide the center and offer support and morale. “I guess what makes me excited the most is just being able to help Airmen, and give them something to do here,” said Story. “I’m hoping that it’s one of the best places here on Altus Air Force base that Airmen look to come to.”