Eielson Airmen journey to Alyeska

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Laura Max
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The chapel sponsored a ski trip to Aleyska Resort, Girdwood, Alaska, for 20 unaccompanied Airmen to bond and help build morale here recently.

Airmen station at Eielson face a unique challenge--harsh, long winters and little recreational opportunities, which can be especially disheartening if Airmen have to face it alone in a dorm room.

The chapel decided to hold a three-day trip to Aleyska for unaccompanied senior airmen and below to help get them out of their rooms and connect with other Airmen in a positive environment. The trip also provided Airmen time to grow spiritually with opportunities to talk to the chaplain in a relaxed environment and the opportunity to pray with friends.

"The main reason for the trip was to get Airmen out of the dorms to connect with each other," said Chaplain (Capt.) Phillip Griffin, chaperone. "It's important not to isolate yourself far away from home. A lot of people get caught up in working and staying inside where it's warm and don't interact with many other people, which isn't healthy, I stress the importance of making friends and connecting with other Airmen."

The chapel picked up the cost of traveling, lodging, and lift tickets. The only fee to Airmen was a reservation fee of $15 and food. The sign up for the trip was limited to the first 20 Airmen on a first come first serve basis. Airmen were able to get away from base, heading further south to warmer weather. They were also able to enjoy the amenities a larger city offered, such as a greater variety of stores to shop in.

"I found out about the trip from attending refuge, a social bible study held at the North Star Café at 7 p.m. Tuesday," said Airman 1st Class Tyler Barresi, 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance and one of the Airmen that went on the trip. "It was nice to get away from what can sometimes be a stressful environment and be able to fellowship and make friends with other Airmen."

During the trip there were several chances to stop along the way to stretch as well as time to go to many restaurants and shopping centers in Anchorage. One of the rest stops along the way was Denali National Park and Reserve, a glaciated landscape with  views of Mount McKinley, the highest mountain peak in North America at a height of approximately 20,320 feet. Another favorite stop was the Moose's Tooth Pizzeria in Anchorage, Alaska, where they are known for their handcrafted pizza.

"My favorite part of the trip was joking in the van with the other Airmen both to and from Alyeska," said Airman Barresi. "I also enjoyed learning how to snowboard at a beautiful resort, and just being able to hang out."

Airman Barresi encourages other Airmen to participate in the upcoming trips and experience what Alaska has to offer while making friends with people who have common interests.

The chapel plans on offering more trips that will take advantage of Eielson's special location for Airmen to participate including a rafting trip later this summer and another ski trip next winter.