Airman single mingle: Get out, socialize Published Feb. 23, 2016 By Tech. Sgt. Manuel Martinez 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Cannon Chapel is scheduled to host a Single and Mingle Dinner in the base chapel beginning at 5:30 p.m., Feb. 25. The event will provide free meals and an opportunity to for unaccompanied airmen to network. “I believe our single airmen face many challenges being stationed at Cannon,” said Tech. Sgt. ShaDonna McPhaul, 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron command support staff assistant NCO in charge. “I am a single Airman myself, and, like everyone else, I face the challenges of being far away from my family and loved ones.” Based on success of the event, coordinators hope to hold these mixers every last Thursday of the month. The social event is part of a base-wide initiative to improve the quality of life for Air Commandos stationed here. “One of the positive benefits for our airmen will be a sense of belonging,” said McPhaul. “Since I have been here, I have met some of the nicest people in my entire career; I want newer airmen to know that sometimes all it takes to meet people is getting out there and taking part in base events like this one.” McPhaul, with help of the chapel and local sponsors, was able to collaborate and make this event possible. However, organizers stressed that the success and continuation of the Single and Mingle Dinner will depend on those who choose to take advantage of the opportunity. “Now is the time to get out of your dorm room and connect with other airmen,” said Airman 1st Class Ryann Holzapfel, 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs broadcast journalist and event sponsor. “If you have said there is not enough to do at Cannon or complained about not knowing enough people, start giving events like this a try. We are contributing to the problem if people work diligently to host events specifically for us and no one attends!” For more information about the Single and Mingle Dinner, contact McPhaul at 575-784-8521 or the chapel at 575-784-2507.