Wired Bean gives Airmen another choice

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Malia Jenkins
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Underage drinking, driving under the influence and fighting are a few things that can ruin a person's weekend.

However, with the negative there's always a positive choice - the Wired Bean.

With wide screen TVs, a variety of movies, three gaming systems, billiards, phones to call back to the states for free and so much more, the Wired Bean offers Airmen an alcohol-, tobacco- and profanity-free choices to have fun, meet friends and give back to the community.

Although the Wired Bean is hosted by the Kadena Chapel, it is supported by the entire community. Some donations from the First Sergeants' Group and the Okinawa Enlisted Spouses Club have given the organization a new refrigerator and television. Airmen and NCOs from around the base also volunteer their time to ensure it is open seven days a week.

The Wired Bean is a way to get out of the dorms, with 738 recorded visitors last month, and participate in what Kadena and Okinawa has to offer.

"[It's a] great place for people to come together," said David Knight, the director of the Wired Bean.

Just this month, the Airmen at Wired Bean had an Easter egg hunt and decoration event, an indoor golf tournament and a trip to Okinawa Adventure World. Knight said Airmen can take the lead and offer their own ideas.

"The USO is a home away from home," said Jazz Bayliss, a volunteer at the Wired Bean. "We're a family away from family."

Like any family, the volunteers cook dinner in their fully functional kitchen with a special treat on Thursday called "Ohana Night."

"We sit together at a table with settings and have a family dinner," said Bayliss. "It's a time to sit, relax and talk to each other."

With aid from volunteers, different meals are prepared ranging from orange chicken to empanadas and gumbo each Thursday. Not only is there Ohana Night, but cookie Tuesdays and board game Wednesdays where the power is cut off from 5-7 p.m., which brings everyone together.

"Cutting the power two hours a week brings us closer as we go after our four pillars of spirit, service, leadership development and authentic community," said Melissa Rafferty, a Wired Bean worker.

After the meal, Airmen can watch movies in the new theater room. The room was constructed under the experience of civil engineers: Airman 1st Class Christopher Buice, Senior Airman Zac Schwartz and Airman 1st Class Dustin Brooks, who volunteered for the project. The newest project on its way is a Rock Band room that the Airmen are working together on.

"I like providing a home cooked meal for the Airmen," explained Bayliss. "I know they really appreciate it."

In the works is a plan to bring live video streams of state side sports so Airmen can enjoy their time together and find common ground with their peers.

Wired Bean is free for senior airmen and below, but if you put on rank you can still volunteer your time to be with friends. The organization is open from 5-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday, noon Saturday to midnight and noon Sunday to 10 p.m. Volunteers can sign up at beanVolunteer@gmail.com.