Home away from home

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class David Bernal Del Agua
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Breakaway, a new location for Airmen E-1 through E-4, opened Oct. 9 here.

The center is expected to be run primarily by Airmen volunteers, and it's a place for Airmen to network, relax, and recharge during their time off work.

"What makes this center special is that no one above the rank of senior airman can go inside, making it a true safe haven for these Airmen," said Airman 1st Class Kyle Wilson, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire fighter and McConnell's Airman's Council president.

The main room will include a theater area, a reading and study corner, air hockey, foosball, card and pool tables.

"I feel like it's going to boost morale," said Wilson. "It's going to bring us all together. A place just for us, not work related, to come out and really unwind."

A bar area with a TV, Blu-ray and DVD player, dart board, popcorn maker, refrigerators, and a microwave is part of the $50,000 in equipment purchases.

"This new center is a great chance for our Airmen to pull together and enjoy a unique opportunity to relax away from their dorms," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Morris, 22nd Air Refueling Wing command chief.

Two side rooms will house the latest video game technology, with Xbox Ones and PlayStation 4s for Airmen to play.

"We've always had a strong group of Airmen at this base, whether it's from the way they manage themselves at the dorms or the incredible work that the Airman's Council does, so it's only fitting that they have an extraordinary area to congregate in," said Morris.

The funds for The Breakaway came from the reward money McConnell received from coming in second place in the 2012 Commander-in-Chief's Installation Excellence Award competition. The construction cost approximately $80,000.

Future improvements and maintenance will be provided through the Single Airmen Initiative Fund from the 22nd FSS.