Enlisted Luau brings Hawaii to Team XL

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Laughlin Chapel is hosting a free Enlisted Luau Aug 18 at the Southwinds Marina at Lake Amistad and the Whitehead Museum in Del Rio.

Open to all enlisted members and their families, the event is designed to boost morale and increase resiliency by offering a day to relax, laugh, play and eat with family and friends.

"This is a fun, low cost family event with great free food and drinks, and gets people out to do something just a little different than other weekends," said Chaplain (Capt.) Brian Nierman, 47th Flying Training Wing chaplain.

From noon to 6 p.m. there will be a variety of activities available for families to enjoy at the Southwinds Marina including boating and swimming (depending on water levels) and games and entertainment for both adults and children.

Starting at 5 p.m. the Whitehead Museum will serve a Hawaiian themed dinner with both roasted pork and chicken on the menu.

"This offers an alternative to the 'same-old' activities and gets people out to the marina and museum that may have never made the trip yet," Nierman said.

Meant as a way to thank and celebrate the daily work of Laughlin's enlisted, the activities and games planned will be run by Laughlin officers in what Nierman describes as reverse service.

"I believe it is important for officers to celebrate and thank the enlisted corps periodically as it builds teamwork. A little 'reverse' service goes a long way into building positive working relationships," he said.

No reservations are needed to enjoy the marina's activities and the museum's dinner. Carpooling is recommended due to limited parking and a shuttle service is planned to run every 45 minutes from the chapel to the marina and museum.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring necessities such as sunscreen, towels, water clothes and anything else they will need to enjoy their time at the marina. There will be no food at the marina so a packed lunch is recommended.

"This is by far the largest event the chapel has tried to host in my last three years here. I hope and pray everyone has a great time and that we all walk away with a renewed sense of pride, community, and teamwork," Nierman said.

For more information or to volunteer contact Nierman at 298-5111.