The Airmen’s ministry: making a difference in Airmen’s lives

By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem 
Staff writer

For many Airmen, Friday nights are a night to get out of the dorms and go out on the town. However, thanks in large part to the Pope Chapel staff, that trend is starting to wane as some dorm residents are opting to “stay in” rather than “go out.”

When Chaplain (Capt.) Jason Botts first began the Friday Night Alternative back in February, he had no way of knowing it would grow from a crowd of eight to more than eighty dorm dwellers in just two months time.

Chaplain Botts attributes the success of these Friday night events in part to the Airmen who he believes are looking to build connections as well as have a good time.

“One of the most profound and undeniable aspects of people is the spiritual aspect: the mind, will, emotions, the heart, one’s character, the ‘who we really are on the inside’ that you can’t put physical hands around yet shows itself daily in the things we do, the words we speak and the attitudes we have,” he said. “So we aim for the heart of those who are just beginning their journey into adulthood to encourage and strengthen them to be successful in the rest of their lives…and beyond.”

Airman 1st Class Sagan Barber, 43rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron, attends every Friday night and has noticed the increase in attendance.

“I’ve noticed a lot more people coming to get food than when we first started,” she said. “I think the Airmen in the dorms like to come down and hang out, and this is just the beginning of something bigger.”

For her, another advantage is a setting where people can just be themselves and relax.

“It’s a place where you can feel welcome and have fun without feeling judged, and you know people want you there,” she said. “The ministry staff is great and warmhearted to anyone who comes by. I love getting to meet new people and socializing with everyone in the dorms who comes out.  Sometimes we’ll do things outside like play volleyball or Frisbee, and sometimes we’ll play the Wii or Xbox 360 in Chaplain Botts’ office, but whatever we’re doing is fun.”

One of the Friday Night Alternative regulars, Airman 1st Class Antoine Hawkins, 43rd Operations Support Squadron, admits there were some Airmen who were hesitant at first, but once they checked it out in person they changed their minds.

“At first there was a bit of apprehension from some of the Airmen when they saw it was hosted by the chaplain’s office, but after many of them realized that they weren’t trying to judge them, they all started to warm up to it. One of the biggest things I like about it is how ‘clean’ it is, for lack of a better word. It still finds familiarity on many levels with those who are religious and with those who aren’t. It’s a pretty open and safe atmosphere for the Airmen.”

Chaplain Botts is happy with the positive response of not only the dorm residents but of other individuals as well.

“The whole chapel team is involved,” he said. “There are also many different organizations stepping up and wanting to be a part of the Airmen’s lives by helping with the Friday Night Alternative such as the First Sergeants Group, Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, the Pope Chapel Protestant and Catholic communities, 43rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, local churches and businesses.”

Staff Sgt. Brian Margavich, 43rd Communications Squadron, often volunteers his mega stereo sound equipment for these nights so the Airmen will have enjoyable music entertainment which, he hopes, will add to the atmosphere.

“I know that under normal conditions, dorm residents are not allowed to have their music very loud,” he said. “So, when I get a chance to roll into the courtyard and turn up four 2,000 watt speakers, I think people hear the music and decide to come and check it out.”

Sergeant Margavich’s main reason for volunteering his time and equipment is to make a positive impact on dorm residents.

“I volunteer my time to the chapel and specifically the dorm ministry because the dorms are filled with Airmen,” he said. “The Airmen are the backbone of our work force.  So, if they are happy, we as supervisors are happy.  If helping this cause helps with morale, than why not? If even one Airman is happier, less homesick, less tempted to go off base and do something stupid, then it's all worth it.”

Chaplain Botts said the Airmen benefit from this Friday Night Alternative, but the real beneficiaries are those who get involved by caring about the Airmen, listening to the Airmen and investing in the Airmen.

Chaplain Botts and his staff are currently looking for others to help sponsor a Friday Night Alternative meal. If you would like to sponsor a meal or would simply like to attend a Friday night

Alternative, call the chapel at 394-2677.