Gravity Keeps Airmen Grounded

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chandler Baker
  • Kirtland Public Affairs

Besides being the great discovery that Isaac Newton made in 1687, Gravity is a place where Airmen E-1 through E-4 can hang out and play video games, watch movies, and play table games without the influence of alcohol and drugs.

“When I first arrived here, I asked my shop leadership ‘Where are the airmen at?’ and they told me here,” said Senior Airman Isaiah Galvan, vice president of the Airman Ministry Council. “I’ve made almost all my friends here.”

One example of the activities hosted at Gravity is the Air Force Research Laboratory Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics night, where they brought Tesla Coils and launched small nitrogen rockets.

Gravity also hosts a dinner every Friday night with an event, such as video game tournaments, paint nights, and themed holidays, with the goal of bringing Airmen together.

“I met my husband here,” said Senior Airman Olivia Garcia, Airman Ministry council president. “I know tons of friends who have started relationships and lifelong friendships here.”

Gravity is entirely funded by donations, and is run by volunteers. The jobs vary from cooking to cleaning and more.

“We have a 15 person council that runs the events and we’re funded by tithes and offerings from the base chapel,” said Garcia. “When the council and volunteers cook, we aim for 50 people, but with homemade food we aim for 100 people.”

Gravity is open on Thursday night from 6-8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday nights from 6-9 p.m. The Gravity Airman Ministry Center is located on the corner of Frost Avenue and 1st St, next to the base theater and across from Dorm 20222. The council has a volunteer coordinator, but you can also contact the chapel at 846-5691.