New developments at Project 196

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kasey Zickmund
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  A new facility here offers free gourmet coffee for everyone on Kadena Air Base to enjoy and provides an alternative place to hang out.

The new coffee house is part of the 18th Wing Chaplain's Project 196 - a program designed to provide opportunities for young adults to experience a sense of community, purpose, and passion in life.

The coffee house is now open for business, but the official grand opening is not scheduled until the end of November or beginning of December.

"It's a great place to hang out after work or on your days off," said Senior Airman Chris Boulanger, 18th Communications Squadron telephone systems apprentice. "The environment is great to be in and it's relaxed."

The coffee house's purpose is to give Airmen an alternative to the bar scene and other locations where they may find trouble.

"If Airmen or anyone don't feel like going out the gate or staying in their room, it's a great alternative," said Capt. Zebulon Beck, 18th Wing chaplain. "Bottom line, this is a place where Airmen can come to relax, enjoy fellowship, make new friends, and play games."

In the future, there will be a small stage for bands or Airmen musicians to play. The coffee house has pool tables, televisions, and X-box 360 video game consoles. The staff organizes occasional X-box tournaments.

Although a number of Bible studies are held in the facility throughout the week, the main goal is simply to provide a place for Airmen to relax and unwind in a safe, stress-free environment.

"It's an open facility, and we hope people will have a positive experience here," said Captain Beck. "This is not a church, and we don't push religion on people here."

The chapel relies on volunteers from the Top Three, spouses groups, Airmen Committed to Excellence, and other organizations to make the free coffee and run the operation. The beverages served are paid for by the chapels' tithes and offerings.

The coffee house is open Monday through Saturday 6-9:30 p.m.