LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
In an effort to better support single Airmen, the Air Force is rolling out the Single Airman Initiative, designed to provide programs to meet the needs and interests of the Airman community.
The goal of the initiative, which kicked off Oct. 17 and runs through fiscal year 2012, is to provide resources that foster a strong culture, mission, and sense of community for single Airmen. At Langley, the 633rd Force Support Squadron will coordinate the programs and activities that Airmen want most, as deduced through suggestions and survey feedback.
According to Jeffrey Tessler, the 633rd FSS community services flight chief, the programs implemented will be categorized in four core areas: Wi-Fi, FSS programs, equipment and morale, welfare, and readiness life skills classes.
"Based on these core areas, FSS will provide a wide variety of social and recreational opportunities, improve technology and communication with our Airmen community, and offer instructional programs that support a healthy lifestyle," Tessler explained.
Langley's SAI budget of $22,000 will be applied to leisure activities, such as outdoor adventure trips like kayaking, snowboarding and camping. In the area of entertainment, Airmen suggested concerts, comedy shows, and themed parties.
Tessler said Airmen have suggested trips to major sporting events, shopping outlets, amusement parks, and night clubs. In addition, Airmen have expressed interest in life skills classes, including cooking, basic vehicle maintenance, self-defense and single parenting tips.
The Air Force developed SAI after receiving feedback from the 2010 Caring For People Forum, Single Airman Summit, and single Airmen focus groups indicating there was a need for programs to support single Airmen. The Office of the Secretary of Defense provided funding for the Air Force to develop the program.
Now that the 633rd FSS has the funding, Tessler said more feedback from Langley's Airmen is needed to continue designing and offering the right programs.
There are several different ways for Airmen to make suggestions of new programs and services. Airmen can visit the JBLE FSS website at www.jbleforcesupport.com and fill out the SAI survey there, post suggestions on the SAI Facebook page, or email SAI@jbleforcesupport.com. For Airmen interested in being a part of the program selection process and coordination, they can attend the SAI Committee meetings, entitled "SAI What," held every second and fourth Monday at the Langley Community Center at 4:30 p.m.