Connect at the café Published Feb. 6, 2017 By Airman 1st Class Aubrey M. Barringer 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The grand opening of the California CAFé took place Feb. 3, 2017, at the Beale Community Activity Center. Col. Christopher Stricklin, the 9th Reconnaissance Wing vice commander, hosted the grand opening. The CAFé is a modern and relaxing lounge for Airmen to hang out, watch movies, study, and connect with others.The new facility offers several amenities designed to appeal to dorm residents.“It isn’t Starbucks, but we wanted the CAFé, which stands for ‘Comprehensive Airmen Fitness Experience’ to be a nice place for Airmen and others to socialize,” said Doctor Michael J. Stacy, the 9th RW community support coordinator. “The lounge offers free coffee and Wi-Fi, and if you have some time to stop by or meet up with your friends you can watch the game or movies on the television with full surround sound, or even hold group events like a chess club if you want.”One of the goals of California CAFé is to be open as often as possible for Airmen to enjoy. It will be open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.A great deal of time and thought went into making California CAFé happen for Beale Airmen.“We started planning it back in September of last year,” he explained. “We put in new carpet, blinds, furniture; everything in that room is brand new.”All the new furnishings and embellishments add to the relaxing and modern lounge.“It was a convergence of ideas in hopes of building the community,” he said. “We hope it will be a great new place for all Airmen to relax and connect with others.”Col. Stricklin, spoke with the audience in attendance, and expressed his excitement he felt for the Airmen who will benefit from the CAFé.“I could not be more proud about it,” said Col. Stricklin. “I’m excited for the Airmen to have a place to hang out and work on their comprehensive Airman fitness.”The Air Force places a large emphasis on the overall fitness and tools that can be used to help aid Airmen during stressors that may arise in their lifetimes. The four pillars, or the four elements are guidelines that can help you and your fellow wingmen maintain all around fitness.“There are four elements of overall fitness;” said Stacy. “Mental, physical, social, and spiritual; here we are particularly focused on social fitness.”