UNDISCLOSED LOCATION -The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing’s community and recreation services flight chief encourages Airmen to take time during their off-duty hours and take advantage of what the Community Activities Center has to offer.
Chaney Ferguson said the CAC’s entertainment is designed to help regenerate the 380th AEW Airmen deployed to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.
Outdoor concerts and other planned venues have proven to be popular with the members of the 380th AEW. Ferguson said the 380th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron commander’s vision is to book a variety of music acts and other events that appeal to the greatest number of people.
“Not everybody likes country, not everybody likes rhythm and blues, not everybody likes rock and roll, not everybody likes bingo, not everybody likes pool,” said Ferguson. “We just try and pick some form of entertainment and games that hits each one of the categories at least once over a six-month period. We try to be fair to everybody that way.”
Ferguson said he’s in constant contact with promoters and often works with his counterparts at other bases in the region to share the cost of airfare to attract quality shows to the wing.
The popular recording artist, Shaggy, performed for a packed pavilion audience in April. Those attending his concert were pleased to be able to meet the reggae singer after the concert and have photographs taken with him.
Ferguson listed entertainment planned through September that includes disc jockeys, comedy acts and bands like Ashton Jones, K-OS, a southern country band for the fourth of July, Seas the Dayz and a live-band karaoke event taking place over two days in August. A talent show and end of rotation 70’s, 80’s and 90’s party are also in the works.
In addition to organizing concerts and comedy acts, CAC personnel also oversee the operation of the swimming pool, theater, the information, tickets and tours (ITT) office, the Thirsty Camel, the base marketing program and USO events.
Pool, darts, poker, and bingo are just some of the games that the center offers to its customers and are among the most popular activities, according to Air Force Master Sgt. Dondra Simmons, the superintendent of community services and recreation.
“Bingo and Texas hold ‘em are our biggest hitters,” said Simmons. “We put out a monthly calendar and we try to schedule the events so we can provide services to all shift workers.”
Ferguson credits all of the center’s success to the hard work of the 17 personnel assigned to the CAC and their mission focus on taking care of wing members. They operate three shifts of personnel to accommodate individuals working around the clock.
“We have a day and a night shift here,” said Ferguson. “We’re 24/7 so we don’t ever stop.”
Simmons said the CAC is planning special events to observe the Fourth of July this year. A five-kilometer Color Run, barbecue and “Freedom Fest” carnival are scheduled to help celebrate our nation’s birthday.
Ferguson said the CAC is continually improving its facility and adding to the activities it offers to Airmen. Future renovations include updating the downstairs front desk area with new paint and construction. New foosball and ping pong tables will also be arriving soon.
The center leadership looks forward to hearing feedback from its customers and questionnaires are available to gather additional information on the Airmen’s interests.
“We try hard here to provide what we can to keep the regeneration going,” said Ferguson. “If you’re not joining us, you’re missing out.”