Airmen visit Grand Canyon

  • Published
  • By Austin Thomas and Airman 1st Class Melanie Holochwost
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Twenty-nine servicemembers took a trip to Grand Canyon Sept. 24 to 26 to see the beauty and grandeur of Arizona's most famous national park.

The base chapel and the Oasis, a Christian group at Luke, planned the trip so single Luke Airmen could have a fun vacation with Christian fellowship.

According to Airman 1st Class Roman Weber, 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs broadcaster, the trip began with a four-and-a-half-hour drive to Camp Mather, which is situated on the South Rim of Grand Canyon.

Upon arrival, Luke Airmen met up with several Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Cali., who stayed with them for the remainder of the trip.

"After a good night's sleep, we woke at 6:30 a.m., ate a small breakfast, packed our lunches and headed out for a six-mile hike in Grand Canyon," Airman Weber said. "We took Skeleton Point, a trail that was steep and long, but easy to keep your footing."

Airman Weber said Grand Canyon was a site worth seeing.

"It was so deep, it looked like a reverse mountain," he said. "It was so gorgeous, and I'm glad I got the opportunity to see it."

Grand Canyon was very motivational and inspiring for Airman 1st Class Troy Britton, 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics apprentice, who is both new to Luke and Christianity.

"The trip was not only recreational, but spiritual too," Airman Britton said. "Before coming to Luke about two months ago, and getting involved with the Oasis, I wasn't a religious person. I didn't have any sort of spiritual education or experience. But, now I do."

Airman Britton said the Oasis is an asset to Airmen who live in the dorms.

"The Oasis offers fellowship with other Airmen who are looking for the same thing I am with the Lord," Airman Britton said. "They're there for anything in your life you don't know how to deal with whether it's friends, work or family. They're always there to talk to you and help you get through the things you're struggling with. It's not so easy being an Airman alone in the dorms and they are always there providing a positive environment."

The Oasis has Bible studies at 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays in Bldg. 542 and offers free homemade dinners for singles at 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

To view the broadcast story, click here.