Detour expands hours, serves Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katrina Heikkinen
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Taco Tuesday, breakfast burritos and foosball Friday were just a few activities held at the Malmstrom Air Force Base Detour to celebrate their new hours during the kick off week Feb. 18 to 21.

Centrally located within the Malmstrom Dormitory Complex, the Detour's previous hours were limited to 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. The new hours are increased by more than 300 percent - from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m.

"It was definitely a chapel decision," said Chaplain (Capt.) Robert Mohr, 341st Missile Wing chaplain. "We wanted to better serve the Airmen and wanted to have the opportunity to serve the shift workers on Malmstrom - that way they can utilize the Detour all day instead of only the evening hours."

The Detour provides an alcohol-free environment for first-term Airmen, free food, free internet access, video games and can play music in a soundproof room.

"It's a great alternative to other places that are around town," Mohr said. "Not only is it a great place for Airmen to relax with their peers, it's a chance to get out of the dorm rooms and build healthy friendships - and there's no cost for any of the services provided."

By providing an alternative setting for Airmen to socialize, the Detour staff aims to foster relationships by promoting a culture of responsibility, as it is maintained by enlisted Airmen in the ranks of E-1 to E-4 and is partly funded by the Malmstrom Chapel.

"We are also looking to increase the Detour hours on the weekends, but in order to do that, we are looking for more volunteers to help maintain the facility," Mohr said.

Making the transition from the civilian world into the active-duty world of the Air Force can be a struggle, especially for Airmen arriving to their very first duty station where they don't know anyone. By expanding their hours, the Malmstrom Detour now provides even more opportunities for Airmen in a any Air Force Specialty Code, including shift workers, to enjoy free food, internet and socialize in a healthy environment.

For more information or to volunteer at the Detour, call the base chapel at 731-3721.