Club 7 Café opens in new location

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Caleb Pierce
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Club 7 Café officially opened in a new central location with a ceremonial ribbon cutting June 2 to serve the needs of the Airmen assigned to Ramstein Air Base.

Brig. Gen. Mark Dillon, 86th Airlift Wing commander, and Col. Harry Mathis, 86th Airlift Wing head chaplain, officiated the opening ceremony and did the honors of cutting the ribbon to the café in Bldg. 2410.

Club 7 Café is chapel-sponsored and was established as part of the Air Force initiative to provide a way to minister the spiritual and social needs to single Airmen.

With the grand opening in the new location, the club offers a multitude of amenities to Airmen which they might not be able to get otherwise.

Within the new Club 7 facility, there is just under 2,000 square feet of space with three main rooms that can be used for playing games, eating, watching TV and just hanging out.

"Club 7 offers a relaxed environment that has TV, games, phones, Internet, food, drinks, day and weekend trips and it is there for the spiritual needs of Airmen," said Rick Deppe, Airmen Ministries Coordinator for Club 7. "We work hand in hand with the chapel to provide a place to just hang out with no pressures where Airmen can relax and be themselves," he added.

"The club is here to give Airmen in the community a place to go, a home away from home, to feel safe," said Capt. Christopher Conklin, 86th Airlift Wing chaplain in charge of Club 7.

The cafe also provides a spiritual mentorship for those who are interested.

"There is no faith requirement for Club 7, it is simply a portal to open many opportunities for those who are looking," said Col. Harry Mathis, 86th Airlift Wing head chaplain.

The new club relies heavily on volunteers to help make the new venue a success.

"We are very dependent on volunteers to help with Club 7 to make it possible to help build communities and friendships," said Chaplain Conklin.

"There are many opportunities within the club for Airmen who can smile, and training is also provided for positions as well," said Mr. Deppe. "Club 7 is a place to get involved in the community, to be an asset, to be able to give something back by supporting one another. All are encouraged to come and check it out."

Club 7, in Bldg. 2410, is open seven days a week with many volunteer opportunities for those willing to help other Airmen. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 4 to 10 p.m. Sundays.

For more information regarding Club 7 contact the chaplain's office at 480-5753.