20th FW Chaplain corps hosts block party, boosts morale

Published May 19, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Michael Cossaboom
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Fighter Wing chapel hosted a base-wide block party here, May 17.

The purpose of the event was to boost morale of Airmen by bringing them together in a relaxed environment, explained Chaplain (Capt.) Curt Cizek, 20th FW chaplain.

The party took place at seven locations on base, including base housing and the dorms.

"By 'letting your hair down' with your neighbors over some good food and good music, we hope that it affords our base residents and their coworkers to get to know their neighbors better," said Cizek. "Everyone walked away happy, upbeat, and well fed."

Throughout the evening, dorm and housing residents were able to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, steak, and ice cream while listening to music and participating in various activities with neighbors and co-workers.

"When we get to know our neighbors better, we boost our resiliency," said Cizek. "When we have other people in our life that care about us, it helps us get through difficult times in our life."

Hundreds of Team Shaw members visited the various block parties throughout the evening.

"It was nice seeing so many people come out here to hang out," said Airman 1st Class Alexis Zaio, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons technician. "There was lots of good food and music. It was an all-around great time."

Even though this was the first time an event like this has ever been hosted, the Chapel is hoping to host more in an effort to continue building resiliency.

"Families are God's building block for a healthy and happy society," said Cizek. "When families fail, communities fail. When communities fail, societies fail. It is one of our jobs as the Chaplain Corps and as leaders to strengthen the building block for a healthy community and society."