Dorm Airmen celebrate the Super Bowl at Eagle's Net

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Eagle's Net Internet Café, located in Dorm 435, held a Super Bowl XLII Party Feb. 3.

Along with snack foods and music, free door prize tickets were handed out for Airmen for a chance to win a football, gift cards and other gift giveaways.

"The vision of the Eagle's Net is to create a safe and comfortable place for Airmen to explore their spirituality and develop spiritual-based relationships," said Chris Uhles, 436th Airlift Wing Chapel protestant singles coordinator; who said the Eagle's Net is normally closed Sunday. "But this is the second Super Bowl Party we've opened the café for."

As Airmen watched the game on the flat screen, they also nibbled on nacho chips and cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, spicy taco beef and more snacks that volunteers brought for the football party.

Airman 1st Class Kristen Zetah, 436th MXS Isochronal dock crew chief, said she thought the Super Bowl party was great.

"The volunteers really make a huge difference for the Airmen - not just with drinks in the café, but also kind words of advice and support - feeling homesick or having a bad day," said Airman Zetah. "I don't have a computer or internet connection in my room, but I can get free drinks and write e-mails to my friends and family back home."

Airmen, in the grades of E-1 through E-4, can utilize the café and enjoy free, non-alcoholic hot and cold beverages of all kinds from hot chocolate, herbal teas and Italian crème sodas to a variety of gourmet coffee, cappuccinos and lattes.

"Even a small gesture such as making a drink or bringing food shows Airmen that we care," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Nicely, 436th Mission Support Squadron personnel journeyman and café volunteer.

"Around 80 Airmen visit the café every night for free drinks or internet access through the computers we provide or bring their own laptops and use our wireless internet," said Mr. Uhles.

Volunteers sometimes even bring in homemade cookies and baked goods, finger foods and snacks during their shifts and around the holiday seasons, he said.

Tech. Sgt. Richard Ortega, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron manager of Dorm 435 and café volunteer, celebrated his Super Bowl Sunday in the dayroom with his Airmen.

"I provided buffalo wings, pizza and soda for a small party for my dorm," said Sergeant Ortega. "This is a great way to help build trust and stronger bonds between Airmen around the base, especially those living in different dorms with this kind of social atmosphere."

More than 90 Airmen came to the café and dorm party, staying the rest of the night to see the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots 17 - 14.

"This is truly an amazing event!" said Airman 1st Class Sherella Walker, Medical Support Squadron referral management technician, with a smile. "All the volunteers are really nice and it's great to get free drinks. This place is comfortable and relaxing. They opened the café up on a day it's usually closed, using their time selflessly to serve us, receiving nothing in return."

The Café originally opened Dec. 18, 2006 with all products and services provided and sponsored by the Dover AFB Chapel, according to Mr. Uhles.