Base Chapel's Gathering Place provides a little piece of home

  • Published
  • By By Staff Sgt. Betty J. Squatrito-Martin
  • 154th Wing Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  After eight months of renovation and expansion, the Gathering Place celebrates its grand reopening in King Hall Dormitory here at noon, Thursday.

The Gathering Place is a comfortable alcohol and smoke free home like environment where young Airmen can socialize with their peers, said Chaplain Maj. David DePinho, 15th Airlift Wing.

Approximately six years ago, Chaplain Capt. James Richey came up with the idea that young single Airmen needed a place to hang out and get to know one another.

Bolstered with his idea and armed with a group of volunteers, Ch. Richey sought a haven for young Airmen. He eventually found it in an old day room of Vosler Hall dormitory. Thus, the Gathering Place was born.

"It has since become an essential part of our programs here at Hickam Chapel.," said Staff Sgt. Melissa McKenzie, 15th AW chaplain assistant.

As a result of its growing popularity and the closing of Vosler Dorm, the new home in King Hall was established, and it is bigger and better than ever.

According to Ch. DePinho, the new home of the Gathering Place is double its original size.

Logistics were difficult, and it took a lot of work to renovate the Gathering Place, according to Ch. DePinho. "It couldn't have been done without the help of dedicated volunteers, civil engineering and the contracting office," he said.

The new home of the Gathering Place is furnished with six computer stations with internet capability, a laser printer, a gaming room with a large LCD television, video game consoles, games, a movie lounge area with a large LCD television, surround sound, cable and a large selection of DVDs. A lounge area with books and board games is also available.

According to Sergeant McKenzie, who is the NCOIC, Financial Resources, for the chapel, a large amount of the equipment was purchased with appropriated funds; however, she said the day- to-day supplies are purchased with chapel offerings collected at the weekend chapel services.

In addition to the entertainment, the new Gathering Place offers a fully operable kitchen and coffee bar.

"We plan on having small treats like cookies, cinnamon buns and brownies," added Sergeant McKenzie. "Everything is free of charge."

Places like this don't run on their own, and this place is no exception.

According to Ch. DePinho and Sergeant McKenzie, the success of the Gathering Place goes to the wonderful spirit of volunteers who give their time to help keep it up and running.

"Volunteers provide valuable mentorship," said Ch. Lt. Col. Robert Nagamine, Hawaii Air National Guard chaplain, who is filling in for the 15 AW wing chaplain who is deployed.

Six years ago Ch. Richey floated an idea about a "safe" place for young Airmen to hang out. Through the effort of a group of dedicated volunteers, the Gathering Place was born.

"We hope that the Gathering Place will been seen as a home away from home, a space where dorm residents can get to know each other in a safe environment," said Sergeant McKenzie.