Shoguns stay active through Single Airman Program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chad Warren
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AB, Japan --  The Kadena Single Airman Program provides opportunities for Airmen of all ranks to get out and experience all that Okinawa has to offer.
 
The program is designed to give Airmen who may be new to the island or without family the opportunity to socialize with other Airmen in the same situation through participation in off-base activities. 

"We want to make sure we are giving our Airmen an opportunity to socialize and build that local family, as we like to put it," said Daniel Aflleje, program director at the Schilling Community Center. 

The Single Airman program accomplishes this by setting up various events and outings open such as dinners off base to sample some of the best in local cuisine and visits to tourist attractions around the island. 

Last month, the group went to the Forest Adventure Park, located in the northern part of the island. It consists of a high ropes course in the jungle. 

"It was a blast," said Airman 1st Class Clayton Logan of the 18th Civil Engineering Squadron. "If the Single Airman Program wasn't around, I probably wouldn't have ever gone and done the Forest Adventure. It's a great way to get out and see the island and do things you have never done before." 

Airman Logan added that the program is great for Airmen who have just arrived and may not have a vehicle to travel off-base. 

In addition to outings, the club meets every Sunday at the Schilling Community Center for an informal social gathering. Often, the social leads to friendly competition in the form of a pool or video game tournament. 

Members can register for the monthly outings at the Schilling. Airmen are encouraged to check often because trips fill up fast, especially if they're free. Organizers are looking to hold a beach day and a pub crawl soon. Regardless of the event, Airmen are going to make new friends, try new things and experience all that island has to offer. 

"It is open to any single Airman that's out here, whether you're an Airman 1st Class just out of school or a Master Sergeant and you're just out here by yourself," said Mr. Aflleje. 

For more information about the Single Airman Program, call Dan Aflleje at 634-0365.