Comprehensive Airmen Fitness: Airman Ministry Center epitomizes spiritual and social well-being Published Jan. 14, 2011 By Senior Airman Natasha E. Stannard 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Fairchild's Airman Ministry Center provides a no-pressure environment where Airmen from all walks of faith or none at all, can socially interact to build a community based on trust, friendship and accountability. "This is a way to bring Airmen together," said Robert Griffing, Airman Ministry Center coordinator. "If we can facilitate building relationships, we are doing a significant part of our job. Particularly for new Airmen, this is an open door into trusting friendships." The center, which is located at the Airmen's lounge, is intended for Airmen still living in the dorms because generally they're here alone--alone in a new job, new community and new location. The intent is to help Airmen through these changes and to help them recognize they're not alone in this by providing a safe place where they can build relationships and socialize. "We crave and need a sense of community," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) James Glass. "The Airman Ministry Center is a safe place to build relationships and a sense of community. We are one of those places were Airmen can receive personal care and an avenue to be there for one another." Its location is advantageous to new Airmen because it's a place to go right outside their homes. This way if they need anything, even if it's as small as just needing someone to talk, all they have to do is walk to the center to seek help from a friendly source. "This is a physical location for them to seek out and I'm here as a sounding board," Mr. Griffing said. "We're here as ordinary people to help Airmen with personal development." While the center is located close to home, it's not were all the action happens. The center hosts various activities on and off base such as: · Volunteer opportunities like raking leaves for deployed member's spouses · Trips like rafting down the Clark Fork River in Montana · Social gatherings like meeting for coffee or pizza to discuss a variety of topics After every get-together, their community joins together to hold the center's symbol-an aircraft tie down rope. The rope encapsulates the essence of the community they are building as one team. Just as the rope supports the aircraft, these Airmen support each other. "The rope is such a strong visual of connectivity, care and concern," Chaplain Glass said. "So from conferences to campouts to conversations, the Airman Ministry Center reaches out to our newest Airmen to bring them in the community." For more information, call 247-4655.