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Landing Zone provides Airmen great seat for big game

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Nearly 80 Airmen ate free pizza, won raffle prizes and watched a professional football championship during a party held at the Hurlburt Field Landing Zone Feb. 7.

The center's staff partnered with the base chapel to provide free pizza, soda and other snacks for Airmen to enjoy the game in a safe and alcohol-free environment.

"We wanted to give them a positive, alternative place to go where they didn't have to pay a cover charge or for food and transportation," said Robert Scott, community center supervisor. "That's what this place was built for."

Mr. Scott said the purpose of the center was to offer junior enlisted Airmen a place to spend time with friends and counter the risks of getting involved in an alcohol-related incident.

"For every Airman that comes here to have fun, I see that as one less chance for them to get into trouble downtown tonight," Mr. Scott said. "That's to their benefit as well as to the Air Force."

Spectators saw the game projected on two large screens as well as several televisions in the building. Landing Zone staff gave out a raffle prize for every point scored during the game.

According to Mr. Scott, there could be more sports-related events at the Landing Zone in the future.

"The potential is there if we utilize it," Mr. Scott said.

Airman Basic Damian Barnes, a tactical air control party candidate, was one of the many Airmen who came for the free pizza and a chance to see the game on the big screen.

"This is an awesome atmosphere to hang out in, too," Airman Barnes said.

Airmen could also visit the video game room where they could play alternate versions of the football game with teams that didn't make it to this year's championship.

Airman 1st Class Justin Powers, 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, came to the party after hearing about it during an orientation at the Commando Pride Airmen Center.

"I really appreciate them putting this event on," Airman Powers said. "I've had a good time meeting people from different career fields. This is an awesome base."

He and his wife Andrea came to Hurlburt Field from southwestern Virginia less than two weeks ago.

"I enjoyed the free food and cool decorations for the game," Mrs. Powers said. "Everyone has been really nice here. I love it."