New program gets Airmen out of dorms Published Nov. 2, 2011 By Senior Airman Natasha Stannard 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Spangdahlem AB is getting its dorm dwellers out of the dorms by giving them the opportunity to explore Europe through the 52nd Fighter Wing's Single Airmen Excursion program, or SAX. "We just want to give them a ride; there's no mentoring," said Master Sgt. Jaquett Nickens, 52nd Force Support Squadron. "It's a way to get Airmen to where they want to go and have a good time. We drive, and you're free to roam all day." SAX provides free transportation for up to 30 Airmen to go on monthly trips within two hours of the base. Any E-1 to E-4 dorm resident can go on these trips and meet with the SAX committee to discuss future trips. Committee meeting times are sent out via email to all dorm Airmen. If Airmen can't attend these meetings, they can send feedback to the following email 52FW/SAX@spangdahlem.af.mil. Additionally, information will be sent from this email to all dorm Airmen with information regarding each trip. If less than 10 Airmen sign up for a trip, they will also be notified via email the trip has been cancelled. Airmen can also sign up for trips via a link sent out in the email and must sign up at least two days prior to the trip. There is no sign up fee, but Nickens asks Airmen to commit if they do sign up. If a person decides not to go, that means there's an unoccupied spot that could have gone to someone else. "The wing's intent is to get Airmen out of the dorms," Nickens said. "If you live off base, you already have a means of transportation. Airmen in the dorms may not have that. This gives them a chance to get out at least once a month and experience the local culture." Along with experiencing Europe, Nickens hopes Airmen will build new relationships on these trips. "Airmen are in a foreign county, this may be their first base and it may be their first time away from home," she said. "It's important they get out and meet people to build a support system especially with people in the same situation." Recently, on a trip to Vianden, Luxembourg, Airmen experienced just what Nickens envisioned SAX would accomplish. "It was nice because you meet new people with similar interests," said Mary Andom, 52nd Mission Support Group knowledge operator. Airman 1st Class Douglas Young, 52nd Communication Squadron radio technician, and Andom were two Airmen who walked through Vianden's castle, ropes course, restaurants and tourist shops thanks to SAX. "I liked the trip a lot," Young said. "It was a great opportunity for us to explore because there was no schedule; we had free reign to do what we wanted. They drove us, and we just did our own thing. I saw the advertisement for the castle and ropes course and thought it was right up my alley. The castle was actually the coolest place I've been to since I've been here." Along with getting Airmen together, base agencies are working hand-in-hand to help get Airmen out to enjoy what Europe has to offer. "Everyone is working together to make sure Airmen are getting out of the dorms and enjoying the Eifel region and outdoor recreation and information, tickets and travel have really helped us with that," said Nickens. Working with 52nd Force Support Squadron agencies not only helps with coordinating these trips, but shows Airmen all the travel opportunities available to them, Nickens said. "With this program, we hope Airmen will take advantage of all the programs like outdoor recreation and Information, Tickets and Travel and all the trips and activities they provide," Nickens said While the Airmen can plan to go where they desire, they can't get there without a ride. "Any noncommissioned officer willing and with a vested interest in getting Airmen out and about can [volunteer] because we are in need of drivers," Nickens said. To volunteer, NCOs can email SAX or call DSN 452-6722. Nickens asks that Airmen be on the lookout for information on upcoming trips through the emails sent out, like the next one to Belgium during Veterans Day Weekend.