'Lighthouse' center opens for Airmen, dorm residents

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
Airmen can now find a renovated and expanded place to call "home" at a community center called "Lighthouse" on Dorm18 D's third floor, accessed from an entrance near the Airmen Leadership School parking lot.

The seven-room complex offers a full kitchen, video gaming options and surround sound movie experiences. It's also a spot for a band to practice with available musical instruments, fans to cheer on their favorite sports teams battling at the end zone on a 73" TV screen or become an expert billiards player using the pool table located there. Friends can also challenge each other in foosball.

"We hope it'll be a home away from home for Airmen here; develop community, have fun and create a sense of family," said Chaplain (Capt.) Amber Kiesel, who helped design the place. "The Lighthouse's target audience is the dorm residents and Eglin's young adults."

Installation commander Col. Sal Nodjomian, cuts the red ribbon at the official ceremony Feb. 11. The event and the facility are hosted by Eglin's chapel.

"The Lighthouse Center is a long overdue addition to Eglin AFB. This center will serve as an outstanding social gathering location for our Airmen-a place that will foster friendship and fellowship," said Colonel Nodjomian. "I am extremely impressed by the efforts of everyone who made this project a reality, to include the chaplain staff and all the volunteers. This facility is another integral step in increasing our sense of Air Force community."

Every day the Lighthouse is accessible to Eglin's dorm residents via designated key holders. The kitchen will remain stocked with snacks and drinks compliments of the base chapel.

"It's a nice little get-away spot," said Airman 1st Class Eric Lewis, 96th Medical Support Squadron laboratory technician. "I think once we get the word out people will come."

Airman Lewis and his friend, Airman 1st Class Willie Barr, were not only part of the small team who helped build the center ground up, they also enjoyed the results of their hard work watching the NFL Super Bowl there with 35 other comrades. They explained how walls had to be taken down, furniture was moved in and each room was wallpapered with its defining theme.

Even the 96th ABW Command Chief was impressed with the results.

"It is absolutely awesome," said Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Westermeyer. "This is an amazing, 'no threat,' safe place for our Airmen to go and hang out, alcohol free and wired up with technology free for them to use. What a great way to give back a little for those that give us so much."

"We'll also host free dinner at weekly events," said Chaplain Kiesel. "We usually have a weekend party or social event. For instance, one young adult is hosting a 'My Volvo Reached 300,000 Miles Party' soon."

Regularly scheduled Young Adult chapel events are hosted Monday through Thursday evenings like Game Night that was always hosted at the dorms at the chapel-sponsored previous community center location. For a complete listing or to be registered for the weekly newsletter, contact Chaplain Kiesel at 882-0851 or amber.kiesel@eglin.af.mil.