Potluck dinner brings family time to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Airmen got a taste of home cooking at a dinner held at the Stratofortress dormitory June 20.

The "Almost... Mama's Home Cooking" potluck was sponsored by the Barksdale Top III in an effort to bring Airmen together and show their appreciation.

"The [dining facility] does a great job, but we wanted to provide a home-cooked meal," said Master Sgt. Adolphus Sims, unaccompanied housing superintendent. "We do [potlucks] so anyone can bring their best dish out and share it with Airmen in the dorms"

Entrees provided included pulled pork, grilled chicken, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, desserts and more. Dormitory Airmen were welcome to bring dishes of their own, but contribution was not required for attendance.

With a constantly moving mission, the potluck helps Airmen feel valued.

"We know people are stressed or stretched thin," Sims said. "Just maybe, in this meal, somebody will be encouraged and know somebody cares about them. We want Airmen who live in the dorms, and their leaders, to know we care about them."

"It's nice of them to do this for us," said Airman 1st Class Christopher Walker, 2nd Maintenance Group aircraft hydraulic systems apprentice who lives in the dorms. "I really feel like this is my home, here. It's good to see Airmen networking and coming face to face with each other."

The potluck dinner, which took place right after the dorm council event, was also used to raise awareness of the council.

The dorm council allows dorm management staff and Airmen residents to meet and discuss issues regarding dorm facilities and quality of life.

"The potluck is a labor of love," said Sims. "But if you have issues in the dorms, let us know."

The Top III plan to host future potlucks is to inspire the dorm community to take care of each other.

"Hopefully this will also generate dorm potlucks that Airmen host on their own," Sims said. "I believe we take care of the people that take care of the mission. I truly believe that."

Airmen can't always be with their own families, but thanks to Barksdale's Top III and dorm management staff, they can be with their military family and have a home-cooked meal.