SAM: Connecting Airmen to others, life Published Aug. 25, 2006 By Karen Abeyasekere 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- With so much to do in Europe, the Single Airmen's Ministry, or the SAM, is giving young troops an alternative to just hanging out on base. Micah Steinwandt, a 100th Air Refueling Wing Chapel contractor, runs the organization with the support of Chaplain (Capt.) Eric Boyer, and stresses that it's "definitely not 'just another program.'" "Our aim for the SAM is to provide an opportunity for Airmen to be involved," said Mr. Steinwandt. "It's not about having a mission statement, vision statement, or keeping track of numbers. It's about the best way to help out our young, single Airmen - whether they're stationed here or at RAFs Lakenheath and Feltwell - and providing an outlet for their experience here." Along with trips throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, the SAM hosts social events like barbecues and movie nights. "If it seems fun, we'll probably do it," said Mr. Steinwandt, recalling a recent 36-hour, four-country trip from which he and some of the Airmen recently returned. "We visited Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, but we have also traveled to Ireland, Spain, France, Wales and Scotland." Many of the trips are run through outdoor recreation, which regularly offers trips to Scotland and Wales. And, while the cost depends on the trip, Mr. Steinwandt said since it's mainly two- or three-stripers going on the trips, he does his best to keep it as cheap as possible. "Some Airmen tell me, 'I can't afford to go on that trip,'" he said. "But when I ask them how much they spent at the club or pubs last month, most of them realize that if they just save that money, they can go on the trip instead of spending the weekend drinking at the club." Airman 1st Class Amanda Morrin, 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron, spends her spare time helping with the SAM events. "I saw the chaplain's sign and came to his door to find out more," she said. "Cookouts on Friday nights were the first things I participated in. Now I help out and do as much as I can, as often as I can." Airman Morrin said she encourages all single Airmen - those new to RAF Mildenhall and those who've been here a while - to get involved. "It's a good place for Airmen to meet others for good, clean fun," she said. "You know you're with people who, when they take you out, aren't going to get you drunk or get you in trouble. We get to do different things, and everything is affordable. You're not judged while you're here, and I like the connection I have with the others involved." The SAM office is located in Dorm 210, Room 131, but the Airmen meet all over base, including the Bob Hope Community Center for a coffee or game of pool, and the food court so they can eat together. "We want Airmen to connect with others and connect to life," said Mr. Steinwandt. "I want to show them life is about more than just existing; I help them to find ways to explore, and to live life to the fullest. "My job isn't to come up with stuff to fill metrics - I'm here to serve the Airmen. It's more about relationships and gaining an experience, than paying your money and going on a trip," he said. As an Air Force senior airman, Mr. Steinwandt was an avionics specialist working on F-15s at RAF Lakenheath before he left the military to do ministry work. "Being prior-enlisted means I understand what these people are going through," he said. "I've worked on the flightline, and I've deployed, so I've been through some of the same experiences they go through. "I want to show them there's more to life than getting drunk," he added. "We regularly take trips to places such as Scotland, Spain and Germany. I tell people I want to help them through life, whether times are good or bad, they can talk to me. There's a lot going on here, and I can just be there for them, to listen and offer advice if they need or want it." Someone else who has high praise for the SAM is Airman Dennis Weiss, 100th Services Squadron. "I first got involved when Micah invited me to go on some great trips," he said. "Not long after that, I found myself going to his office almost every day, just to talk with him and others who were there. "The SAM became a home away from home for me - I've been on some great trips, and have made some good friends along the way." Airman Weiss said he encourages other Airmen to get involved with the group, as it provides the opportunity to get off base and have fun. Working with the chapel, the SAM offers a faith element to anyone who wants or needs it, but all single Airmen - whether religious or not - are welcome to get involved.What to know: Any single Airmen wishing to become involved with the SAM can contact Micah at 238-3710, e-mail theSAM@mildenhall.af.mil, or stop by his office at Dorm 210, Room 131.