New cyber cafe opens

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Wesley Wright
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  A new cyber cafe officially opened for business at the Dakota Inn Dining Facility during a ribbon-cutting ceremony here Jan 9.

The new cafe, conveniently located where many Airmen eat there meals, features 10 new computers work stations, each with internet access.

According to 2nd Lt. Chad Frey, 5th Force Support Squadron, The Cyber Cafe is designed to offer Airmen a place to socialize and access the internet. Users can surf the web, access personal email, social networking sites and much more.

"The Cyber Cafe is beneficial for Team Minot because it allows everyone a place to interact with one another in a positive way," said Lieutenant Frey.

The construction of the cafe began in late July 2007. People from the 5th Force Support Squadron, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron and 5th Communications aided in the project. More than $54,000 was spent on the project including more than $10,000 in computer equipment.

On hand to do the honors of cutting the ribbon was Col. Joel Westa, 5th Bomb Wing commander, and Col. Greg Tims, 91st Space Wing vice commander. 

"A lot of hard work went into this project," Colonel Westa said. "I'm proud of everyone that put effort into this cyber cafe. This is just one of the many things we do to make Minot Air Force Base a better place to be."

"On behalf of Col. Marty Whelan [91st Space Wing commander], I'd like to say this is another great win for Team Minot and for our Airmen," Said Colonel Tims. "Now, let's get this ribbon cut and get on the internet!"

Currently, the cafe is open only during the dining facility's operating hours --

Monday through Friday: 6 to 8 a.m., 11:10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 4:30 to 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., 4:15-5:45 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 12:45 a.m.

However, the cafe will be open 24/7 following the completion of a monitoring system.