WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- If one would like an education on snakes or perhaps a 'how to' on stepping stones after playing a hearty game of Halo 3, then the Whiteman Community Activities Center is the place to be. From Easter egg hunts to crochet classes, Connie Coch and Laura Brunner are your ladies.
"It's just us gals," said Ms. Brunner, 509th Force Support Squadron recreation specialist. "If there is something you want to do or a program you would like revisited, just ask."
The 'gals' at the CAC are very proud to be a part of the Air Force mission. Ms. Coch and Ms. Brunner have worked together going on 20 years now. Connie is the 509th Force Support Squadron senior recreation specialist and Laura has been with the CAC for five years. According to Laura, most of the Airmen who enter the doors refer to her as mom and she likes being there for them.
The First Term Airman Course holds meetings for newcomers and spouses to Whiteman with an overview of all the services the CAC offers including a place of refuge. It can be an overwhelming feeling at a new base with no familiar faces that is where Laura and Connie come in.
"The CAC is a place Airmen can come so they are not so alone. They can relax or mingle, it's their choice." Ms. Brunner said. "When officers enter these doors, they shed rank- they are here to relax as well. Knowing we make a difference by letting Airmen know there is life outside the dorm."
It is the only alcohol free facility for Airmen to utilize. A game room with pool tables, air hockey, foosball and big screen televisions allow for healthy competition. The Spirit Café, sponsored and manned by the Base Chapel and volunteers, is a meeting place for young couples. There are board games, snacks and a poker table so that they can mingle with others in an intimate setting.
Among its many accomplishments, the CAC at Whiteman sets the standard for Air Combat Command. It completes twice as much programming as other bases in ACC and they have the scrapbooks to prove it. One of the programs proudly displayed is Build a Boat. Last year's contest had more than 150 'sailors' armed with only cardboard and duct tape, teams of five or more congregate at the base pool to create vessels. Once completed, they set sail in chlorine at the base pool in hopes of winning the treasure.
"For me build a boat was a great experience," said Tiffany Hart, 509th Force Support Squadron." I really enjoyed getting to know my teammates a lot more. I truly believe it was a great team building exercise and we worked well together."
A hidden jewel of Team Whiteman is the marriage of local resources and the CAC. Partnerships with the Department of Natural Resources, University of Central Missouri Children's Theatre, Youth Center and Mission's End help add variety to its already full schedule.
Part of the Air Force mission is to take care of its own, both home and away. There are activities for anyone with base access from babies or retirees to pets. The auditorium seats 200 people and has sound, a stage, and lighting. Retirements, weddings, meetings, are all events that can be accommodated.
"We support the mission of Whiteman AFB by providing products, recreational programs and services to meet the needs of our guests, while providing excellent customer service," said Ms.Coch.