News

Eagle’s Net Coffee House provides Airmen new sanctuary

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James Wilkinson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The Eagle's Net Coffee House in Dorm 435 opened its doors to all E-4s and below Dec.
11.

The coffee house, located across from The Landings Club, offers Airmen free coffee - including regular and decaffeinated coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, espresso and tea - as well as free Internet access, a flat-screen television with a surround-sound system and a variety of board games.

"(The Eagle's Net) offers a safe, clean, alcohol-free and non-threatening place for Airmen to hang out with friends before or after work hours," said Chaplain (Capt.) Ismael Rodriguez, 436th Airlift Wing chaplain and director of the Eagle's Net.

The wing's command chief inspired the idea of having a coffee house for Airmen on base.

Upon arriving at Dover Air Force Base, Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Blodgett, 436th AW command chief, saw the need for a new Airman's Center because the previous center required a lot of improvement.

"I wanted to try and develop a new center where Airmen could congregate and relax; one where there was pride in ownership and would give our dorm residents a (coffee house) feel, without the cost," said the chief. "I feel it is definitely a great success story!"

After recognizing the need for a new Airman's Center, the chief worked with the wing commander to receive the necessary funding, manpower, self help and guidance to implement a plan to make the Eagle's Net a reality.

Chief Blodgett said depending on the use of the facility and Airmen feedback, which are being closely monitored and evaluated, Dover's leadership may attempt another similar facility within another dorm area in the future; however, at this time there are no such plans.

Many other organizations helped in making the Eagle's Net possible including the chief of the Chaplain Services, 436th AW staff, the Dover Chief 's Group, the 436th Civil Engineer, Services and Communications Squadrons, and other organizations that made generous donations.

Any donations to the Eagle's Net can be made through the Chapel.

Currently, the Eagle's Net is open Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and averages between 26 - 50 visitors per night. "Dover doesn't have much to offer, but people are enjoying themselves here. And the free coffee is awesome," said Airman 1st Class Steven Cash, 436th Aerial Port Squadron Ramp Services, a first-time visitor to the coffee shop.

Due to its growing popularity among users, Chaplain Rodriguez hopes to add more hours as the café finds more volunteers to help with the Eagle's Net.

"The Chapel staff and its volunteers provide ministry of presence, establishing relationships and giving spiritual support to the Airmen coming to the coffee house," said
Chaplain Rodriguez, who is also responsible for scheduling and training Eagle's Net volunteers.

Various volunteers and Chapel staff members help open and close the coffee house, prepare and serve beverages, and if needed, offer Airmen mentorship and support.

Tech. Sgt. Joanne Burgess, Chapel staff volunteer at the Eagle's Net and the Chaplain
Office NCO in charge of readiness and training, has her own reasons for volunteering.

"When I was a young Airman, there were a few NCOs and senior NCOs that looked out for me and kept me on the right track when I started veering off course from what I had said that I wanted in my Air Force career," she said. "Now it's my turn to give back."

Potential volunteers can call Chaplain Rodriguez at 677-3932 to schedule a personal interview.