#PetePerformance: Eclipse Cyber Café

Published Sept. 16, 2013
By Michael Golembesky
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Soft lighting, relaxing atmosphere and friendly conversations over a hot cup of coffee that makes you feel like you are in a quaint coffee bistro downtown, without leaving the dormitory?

Welcome to the Eclipse Cyber Café located in building 1164, where single Airmen living in the dorms can mingle and stay socially active after the workday ends.

"It provides Airmen with a place where they can socialize, make friendships, and get out of their rooms," said Lt. Col. Timothy Porter, 21st Space Wing chaplain. "The primary purpose of it is to raise quality of life and morale for the Airmen living in the dorms."

Exercising and going out for a run is a great way to stay in good physical shape, but being social and meeting new people is a great way to stay mentally fit.

"Social networking is a big thing, hanging out and meeting people," said Porter. "They can also do school assignments there, they can use the Wi-Fi to send emails to family and friends," he added when talking about the benefits the Café offers.

"The Eclipse café is a great place where dorm residents can wind down after work, get a boost of caffeine before school or before going out with friends," said Airman 1st Class Andrea Canas, 21st Dental Squadron dental laboratory technician. "I think it's an excellent place to meet new people from other squadrons and through them, get to know a little more about the many different sides of our Air Force."

Eclipse is intended to be a safe, alcohol-free environment that gives single Airmen an alternative to going downtown. The Café also host events like gaming tournaments, karaoke and connects Airmen with social activities both on and off base.

"It is a place to introduce them to a healthy, clean environment. If they are under age, it's an alternative to other things that may not be so good for them," said Porter.

Providing a high-quality internet café for the Airmen residing in the dormitory was the plan from the very beginning.

"Chief Redman (21st Space Wing command chief) was a part of the initial start-up (in 2005) and to me this is the best Airman ministry center that I have seen, because it is right there for them to just drop in," said Porter.

Due to recent budget constraints, many were unsure if the Café would be closed, but seeing the positive impact it has had on the Airmen, the doors have remained open.

"Recently we had that question asked with the flow of money slowing down; what would they do? They (Airmen) still have day-rooms but with the level of morale that it provides, that is a critical part of it; the social portion of it is really what would be lacking," said Porter. "It provides something nice, a quality of life, morale builder."

Even though the café is sponsored by the chapel, no religious affiliation is required to use the services at Eclipse and the internet and coffee are both free. In addition, the café space is available for groups to hold meetings during non-business hours.

Eclipse Cyber Café is open Wednesday 5-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday 1-9 p.m.

Cyber cafe

Cyber cafe

Cyber cafe

#PetePerformance: Eclipse Cyber Café