Photo By Neal Uranga | Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Pouls, an 8th Medical Operations Squadron ambulance...... read more read more
Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea -- There’s a hushed silence at the table. Then, a crackle of dice hits the plastic polyethylene top. Then, another pause before those sitting around the table erupt in joyous revelry.
This scene is just one of many played out for Wolf Pack members who immerse themselves in one of several tabletop role playing games hosted on base. For one Wolf Pack member, it allows him to mentally unwind and practice resiliency.
“There are many stressors on us as service members,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Pouls, 8th Medical Operations Squadron ambulance services medical technician. “Coming to the Sonlight Inn and spending a few hours amongst friends, becomes my refuge and something I look forward to weekly.”
The Sonlight Inn, managed by the base chapel, is a facility that is used as a gathering place for airmen and features a free small café, wireless internet, music and gaming rooms.
“I was originally looking for a group to join because I heard there was a robust gaming community on base. I had always been interested in playing games like ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ but I never had the time. It’s [time] one of the things I have plenty of at Kunsan,” said Pouls.
Pouls had seen various groups playing different card and tabletop games at the Sonlight Inn, but was hesitant to join.
During his initial visit, he was quickly invited to pull up a chair and join a game already in progress. “It was intimidating at first because they’re so many rules and I wasn’t sure of what I was doing all the time, but everyone was quick to help out and help me learn, said Pouls. “It was great to feel welcomed.”
Week after week, Pouls went back. Now, an avid ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ player, he’s quick to bring new people into the gaming fold on Kunsan.
“It really is a close knit community. We play, we laugh and it’s all in a relaxed environment,” he said.
Working in ambulatory services and responding to emergencies comes with its own stressors, but Pouls said his experience at the gaming table helps him mitigate those. “My shifts go on for twelve hours at time and during that, we [he and his ambulatory service partner] might have to respond to a number of scenarios, but I know that I have something to look forward to at the end of a hard week.”
“This place, these groups, they’ve helped me cope with some difficult times. I think they’re so important, I’ve made it a point to volunteer at the Sonlight Inn as often as I can so whoever walks through the door feels welcome,” Pouls said.
| Date Taken: | 02.20.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 04.07.2020 22:54 |
| Story ID: | 363454 |
| Location: | KR |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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