LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- The Eagle's Wing opened its doors in September 2007 and is sponsored and run by the chapel. The Internet café provides a variety of services and activities free of charge to Airmen living on and off base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Zachary Wolf)
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. —
For some, it might be easy to miss the Eagle's Wing, located in a nook tucked in between Langley's First Term Airmen Center and Airman Leadership School.
But for others, the Internet cafe has been a haven for Airmen since September 2007.
"The purpose of the cafe is to serve Airmen," said Mr. Richard Anthony Roberts, Langley's Young Adult Ministry Coordinator. It's important that airmen have a place they can go to relax and feel comfortable.
The cafe, which is lead by Mr. Roberts, Chaplains (Maj.) Bill Burrell, and (Capt.) Franklin Watts, Staff Sgt. Victor Santillan, and a host of volunteers provide a variety of programs and services for Airmen.
If hungry, the cafe has a full service coffee bar, soda and ice cream provided free of charge. The latest gaming systems and wireless Internet are also provided for free at the cafe.
Because Mr. Roberts wanted the cafe to appeal to Airmen living in the dorms, all of the decorations and furniture in the cafe are new and were carefully picked out to create a warm, welcoming environment.
"It is important that Airmen feel comfortable and safe," said Roberts.
Although The Eagle's Wing is geared toward the Airmen in the dorms, it's open to everyone; singles, married, enlisted and officers.
Bible study and worship are offered on Tuesdays and Fridays. Praise and worship is run by Airman 1st Class Bradley Pfister, a munitions systems specialist from the 1st Equipment Maintenance Squadron.
Airman Pfister arranges music for the evening's bible study.
"I lead the group in transition from the stress of daily life into a time of worship," he said. To Airman Pfister, the Eagle's Wing is more than just a hangout.
"I now have a place I can call home." said Airman Pfister.
It's also like a home to Airman 1st Class Isaac A. Cervi, a satellite communication apprentice from the 1st Communications Squadron.
"Like the Air Force, you build relationships, but here, the relationships you build are stronger." Airman Cervi frequents the cafe and said it's a fun place to relax.
On the first Friday of each month, the cafe has Open Mic Night. Airmen are encouraged to perform, whether it's musical or literary. Open Mic Night for this month is March 7 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
"We're open to suggestions - whatever the Airmen want," said Mr. Roberts. The cafe started hosting gaming nights, thanks to an Airman's suggestion. If Airmen have ideas for programs, the staff is more than happy to consider them.
Mr. Roberts also emphasized the importance of cafe volunteers, who are responsible for opening and closing the cafe and making sure activities run smoothly.
"We could expand our schedule if we could get more volunteers," said Mr. Roberts.
"The Eagle's Wing is run by the chapel, and our goal is that no one is left out; we include everyone," said Mr. Roberts. He encourages Airmen to drop by and take advantage of all the Eagle's Wing has to offer.
"It's a great place for Airmen to hangout, meet and make friends." said Mr. Roberts.