TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma -- -- Since Dec. 28, 2007 more than 3,800 people have walked through the doors of the Latte Lounge located in the Vanwey Recreation Center within the Vanwey Dining Facility on Tinker AFB.
The Latte Lounge concept was created to give Airmen a place to come together and have fun. "Patrons enjoy a relaxed, safe, and positive environment. We offer free hot and cold espresso drinks, iced-blended beverages, hot teas, muffins, and cookies. We have up-to-date games for the Wii, Xbox360, and the PS3 systems," said Capt. Kelly Stahl.
Captain Stahl is a chaplain for the 507th Air Refueling Wing and frequently assists the Base Chaplain's office. "The Latte Lounge came to life while I was across base helping our active-duty counter parts. The 72nd Air Base Wing Chaplain, Lt. Col William Toguchi, proposed the idea for a place where Airmen could come together. He had started similar programs at other bases and thought our Airmen could benefit from this," said Stahl.
Armed with an idea, a small amount of funds and donations, and the support of several volunteers, Stahl set out to create the Latte Lounge. "We are so pleased with the response so far but we are quickly outgrowing our current facilities," said Stahl.
"Our short-term goals are simple: We want to add to our products in hopes of growing our numbers." The Latte Lounge does not focus on a particular group of individuals but is concerned with two different demographics. "We want to provide a place for under-aged Airmen where alcohol isn't a factor. The second group is the person that may be dealing with depression. We want this to be a community that they can come to and are a part of something that is upbeat and gets them plugged into something outside their dorm room and work environment," said Stahl.
"Our long term goal is to open up a new facility. We are remodeling a building just to the Northwest of the current location. We will still be in a great centralized location and the facility will be ours alone. We have really appreciated that the Force Support Group has allowed us to use the facility but having our own place will allow us to expand the program in many ways."
The Latte Lounge plans to expand services to include live music, karaoke, and Xbox and Wii game tournaments. "On the days the Latte Lounge is closed we will use the facility to host Bible studies for the Protestant Young Adult group as well as the Catholic community," said Stahl.
The lounge is supported by a group of Team Tinker volunteers and local businesses that want to see this service succeed. Approximately 30 volunteers help make each experience in the Latte Lounge a memorable one. Stahl and friends wrote the training manual, recipe cards, and procedure manuals. He is also responsible for training volunteers on the art of making the liquid treats the Latte Lounge is known for.
The efforts of Chaplain Stahl and the force of volunteers have paid huge dividends. "I have had the opportunity on several occasions to speak to Airmen that may not have come to see me in my office. That is what we want to offer," said Stahl.
Hours of the Latte Lounge are Fridays and Saturdays from 1800 to 2200 hours, excluding some holidays.