DVIDS – Information – Third Annual Chapel Block Party combines enjoyable with fellowship

The Travis Air Force Base Chapel hosted its third annual Chapel Block Party, bringing collectively Airmen, dependents and native religion communities to construct connections and additional strengthen Travis’ bond with native companions and residents, Aug. 7, 2025. The occasion was held on the First Street Chapel car parking zone and featured a bounce home, video games, meals and outreach tables from a number of organizations with participation together with many faith-based teams primarily based in Vacaville and Fairfield.

According to U.S. Air Force Col. Heather Bodwell, sixtieth Wing Staff Agency chaplain, the occasion started in 2023 to assist service members assigned to Travis join with off-base religion communities. She emphasised that “connecting members to off-base resources supports the chaplain’s core mission.”

When requested how the organizations had been chosen and invited to base the chaplain defined “We have a compiled list of local clergies from both cities, and we send invitations out annually through those groups,” the chaplain defined. “Security forces also helped us vet and sponsor attendees through the base entry process.”

“Key logistical support came from across the installation,” stated Bodwell. “The Knights of Columbus, our Catholic outreach, have volunteered every year; they were the ones on the grill. The Military Family Readiness Center loaned tables, chairs and the bounce house. And for the first time this year, we had the band participate, which added a great element.”

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Coby Green, an avionics upkeep technician assigned to the 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, volunteered on behalf of Thrive Church. “I like that there’s a connection between the faith-based community and the military community to support people’s spiritual journey,” he stated.

Justin Alix, a veteran and private ministry coordinator from the Fairfield Community Seventh-Day Adventist Church, emphasised outreach: “We want individuals assigned to the base to have a resource or opportunity off base to learn more or find a place of worship and community.”

Bodwell shared hopes for future enlargement, together with a doable clergy day sooner or later to broaden outreach. “We’d love to invite local clergy to spend time on base with our staff, build relationships and even tour facilities like aircraft. That kind of engagement deepens mutual understanding.”

“The primary focus is to build relationships and uphold the First Amendment rights of service members: the free exercise of religion is our top priority,” stated Bodwell. “We’re here to support all faiths, not to proselytize or evangelize, but to ensure that every Airman has access to the spiritual care they need, especially during times of stress or crisis.”

According to chapel workers the occasion drew 600 plus attendees. “Feedback and participation are our main benchmarks for success,” the chaplain added. “Our hope is that events like this make it easier for people to find connection, support and community; both on base and beyond.”

For extra info or assets please contact the chaplain’s workplace: 707-425-3217/[email protected]