Photo By Tech. Sgt. Aaron Jenne | Airman Dylan McLain (left) and Airman 1st Class Marques Heflin (right), 4th Component...... read more read more
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SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. - The 4th Fighter Wing opened the doors to the Eagle’s Nest Airman’s Lounge on April 17 during a grand opening ceremony.
The lounge was developed as part of the wing’s Make It Better initiative, focused on caring for Airmen by identifying and meeting needs.
The new facilities cater to Airmen of all ages and ranks and is capable of hosting multiple events, said Tech. Sgt. Shannon Grice, 4th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control watch supervisor and Eagle’s Nest manager.
“The Eagle’s Nest is a great place for Airmen to come and hang out,” Grice said. “It doesn’t matter what you’re into, there’s something here for almost everyone. Whether you’re into video games, board games, movies, corn hole or just using our free Wi-Fi or Netflix, we’re glad to have you.”
The facility, which is collocated with the Kitty Hawk enlisted club, has several TVs, gaming systems, board games and a dance floor for indoor entertainment. Behind the building, there is a fire pit available for use upon request, a well-lit gazebo with a temporary stage and a private grassy area for corn hole or other leisure activities.
While the lounge is available to all Airmen, it’s become a meeting place for several of Team Seymour’s clubs, including the video game, jujitsu and dancing clubs.
“I remember when we first got started out with the video game club,” said Airman 1st Class Erian Eady, 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron personal property councilor. “We had to bring all our own equipment and set it up every meeting. Now, we have an awesome place with comfortable furniture and a bunch of big TVs – it’s perfect. There’s even a gaming room full of bean bag chairs. It’s just fun to be able to change things up; it’s really versatile. It’s a great place for people to hang out.”
The décor of the establishment is fun and functional, Grice said. The walls are lined with corn hole board sets bearing multiple designs, board games adorn the tables and a central billboard displays brochures for clubs and upcoming events.
Grice said the sky is the limit for the base’s newest facility. It had a soft opening more than a month ago and base involvement has steadily increased, but Grice hopes to keep Airmen vested in the lounge and the possibilities it holds.
“What we have is more than a lounge; it’s a symbol of our Airmen’s involvement, creativity and enjoyment,” Grice said. “Airmen requested and named the Eagle’s Nest. They even designed the logo. This really is their place, and we hope they will continue to be involved as we continue to improve it.”
Another possibility Grice mentioned was the ability to cater to commander’s calls and other unit events. He added the gazebo and stage would be ideal for formal events and the lounge, fire pit and many other amenities would lend to a relaxing social time.
Airmen have contributed largely to the Eagle’s Nest, and they continue to do so Grice said. Airmen volunteer during the weekends and busy nights to manage the lounge. In fact, all after-hours shifts are manned by volunteers.
Eady has been volunteering nearly every weekend, and said he intends to continue.
“When I first got here, I spent almost all my free time in my dorm,” Eady said. “Now I have a place where I can relax, socialize and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. It’s great to see that wing leadership takes our needs and opinions seriously. If it wasn’t for all the clubs and the Eagle’s Nest, the whole Make It Better initiative, I’d probably still be in my dorm.”
For more information about the Eagle’s Nest or to volunteer, stop by or call (919) 722-7754.
The Eagle’s Nest’s is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday from noon to 2 a.m.; and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
| Date Taken: | 05.04.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.04.2015 10:33 |
| Story ID: | 162142 |
| Location: | SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Eagle’s Nest: Airman’s lounge opens its doors, by TSgt Aaron Jenne, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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