Grand opening of Sven's Kitchen continues sense of belonging effort

Published Oct. 21, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Rachel Martinez
319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- In the continuous effort to create a sense of belonging for all Airmen, the 319th Air Refueling Wing and the base's Chaplin Corps Team unveiled Sven's Kitchen Oct. 21 during a grand opening, ribbon-cutting ceremony here.

Sven's Kitchen is a place for all Airmen, family and friends to gather while cooking in a state-of-the-art kitchen.

"In this year honoring the Air Force family, we have a new home for the Warriors of the North to gather, cook and dine as a family," said Chaplain (Capt.) Eugene Theisen.

The grand opening began with an open house, where Airmen, family and friends were able to admire Sven's Kitchen for the first time. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, a restaurant sized stove, two dishwashers, two sinks and countless amenities. Outside the kitchen area is a breakfast bar where Airmen can prepare an espresso or tea while waiting on their food to finish cooking.

"We created this so we can rediscover the lost art of looking each other in the eyes and appreciating who we are as fellow human beings," said Col. John Michel, 319th Air Refueling Wing commander.

Sven's Kitchen also features Sven's Playground, a play area for small children to have fun and relax while their parents are preparing a meal.

"It was a labor of love and sweat by a lot of folks to put this place together," said Chaplin (Lt. Col.) Gerald Snyder. "I'm excited for what is going to happen here."

Following the open house was the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ribbon was cut by Colonel Michel, Mary Giltner, 319th Civil Engineer Squadron, Chaplin Schneider and Airman 1st Class Alex Weaver, 319th Communications Squadron.

"I like the term sanctuary, that's what this place is, where people can come together, small groups or large groups," said Colonel Michel. "The point is, it's our space."

The kitchen was built so Airmen can come together, cook and build relationships.

"It feels good to have the kitchen open," said Airman 1st Class Wes Orr, 319th Communications Squadron. "It will be a great success."

Base personnel and family members will be able to take gourmet cooking classes in Sven's Kitchen from the 319th ARW Chef Julie Bass.

"I am definitely planning on taking cooking classes," said Airman Orr.

There will be three types of classes offered. The first class focuses on teaching basic knife skills and how to maintain and work in the kitchen. The second class will be a six week series on preparing a five-course meal based off of French cooking techniques. The last class will be a specialty class where each class focuses on a different theme, ingredient or style of cooking.

"This is a special place and the story starts today," said Colonel Michel.

Sven's Kitchen is the first of its kind in the Air Force and the base is looking to continue that trend.