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While many Airmen might think of the TV show “Cheers” when talking about “a place where everyone knows your name,” that comfy environment can be found at Ramstein’s Club 7 Café.
In response to an Air Force initiative, the wing chaplain got the ball rolling in starting Club 7 to provide an effective venue to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of single Airmen. Since its opening in May, Club 7 has been providing Airmen a place to hang out with no pressures.
“Club 7 strives to provide a place where you can be comfortable in your own skin. It is there to help all Airmen develop lifestyles that are physically and spiritually healthy,” said Rick Deppe, Club 7 manager. “Airmen who are physically healthy and spiritually connected to their creator consistently display the core values of the Air Force both on and off duty.”
While Club 7 offers a great atmosphere, it also offers amenities Airmen might not be able to get otherwise.
“We are a gourmet coffee shop; we also offer free drinks and food,” Mr. Deppe said. “We have full Internet capabilities and a video arcade with Wii, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. Not only do we offer just games, but we have a wide variety of movies and cable, and it is all free to the Airmen.”
Though the comfy couches and the free gourmet coffee are nice, the café provides more than just material things for Airmen.
“We sponsor weekend trips and provide career and spiritual mentorship, Bible studies, service opportunities and discussion groups. Twice a month, home-cooked meals are provided by various volunteer organizations, and nothing beats a home-cooked meal for these Airmen,” Mr. Deppe said. “The best part of all is that it’s all free of charge to the Airmen.”
To provide such a variety of services, Club 7 relies on a volunteer staff.
“Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds, but are just people who want to help our Airmen,” said Mr. Deppe.
Open seven days a week, there are always oppor-tunities available to help out. Club 7 is open from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 4 to 10 p.m. Sundays.
“We welcome anyone who has a heart to serve our Airmen and is willing to provide a few hours for them. We look for people who like being around people and are friendly. If you are interested in volunteering, contact us or the chapel. The great thing about it is that training takes only 20 minutes,” said Mr. Deppe.
Although the volunteers are there to serve the Airmen, they have also gotten rewards out of Club 7.
“Club 7 is a really good place to get away from the party scene. It is an environment where you can be safe and still have a great time. There are not all those
pressures that Airmen have to deal with when going out downtown,” said Airman 1st Class Nick Tappa, 86th Maintenance Squadron precision measurement equipment lab technician. “I would urge Airmen to come and check Club 7 out.
There are a lot of people that pass through and there is tons of stuff to keep you
occupied.”
Many of the volunteers find Club 7 a safe haven to enjoy themselves.
“I used to live in the dorms, so I know how the environment can be,” said Airman 1st Class Heather Pagan, 721st Air Maintenance Squadron PAX service specialist. “I volunteer now because there is a place where you can come and enjoy yourself without all the craziness. This is a good hangout for Airmen to gather and not have to worry about DUIs and ARIs. The people here are like family, and I am glad that there is a place like Club 7.”
Though Club 7 is sponsored by the chapel, it is open to everyone who wants to stop in.
“Although this is a chapel-sponsored venue, we are open and friendly to all,” Mr. Deppe said. “Don’t let the fact that we promote individual spiritual development keep you from stopping by and enjoying the company of others.”
