LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. - –
Even with temperatures below freezing, U.S. Air Force Airmen from Langley Air Force Base, indulged in the fresh air while hitting the slopes during the third annual "Ski Trip to Snowshoe Mountain," Jan. 18-20 IN Snowshoe, W.Va.
Single Airmen Initiative provides programs to meet the needs and interests of single Service members through leisure activities, including go-carting, bowling and other recreation trips.
"I see Service members working hard every single day at Joint Base Langley-Eustis," said James Murrell, Langley Community Programs director. "The trips and events that SAI offers give Airmen a chance to play hard too."
Nearly 50 Airmen and their families attended the trip which was hosted by the SAI and 633rd Force Support Squadron and also introduced the Family RecOn Program. The program is an Air Force initiative similar to the SAI, which is designed to address the challenges faced by Service members reintegrating into regular social networks, family life and local communities after returning home from deployments.
"[The trip] was a great opportunity to implement both programs and bring more Service members to enjoy the event," said Murrell. "The expenses of skiing and snowboarding can deter a lot Service members from [enjoying] the sport, but this is our chance to pick up a part of the bill."
Participants enjoyed skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, off-road snowmobiling and resort restaurants. The resort also offered group or private lessons so beginners could get a feel for the sport.
For Airman 1st Class Ryan Leonard, 633rd Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintainer, the trip to Snowshoe Mountain was one to remember.
"I jump at the opportunity to get out of the dorms without spending a lot of money," said Leonard. "It was a chance to do something I love, while meeting people that I wouldn't have normally met outside of the office."
The SAI and RecOn have a calendar full of activities for the year, including the SAI camping trip, vacation to Myrtle Beach, the Singles and Strikes bowling league and many others in the making.
"I look forward to this trip every season," said Murrell. "It was a great way to start the new year, but there is much more to come through SAI and RecOn in 2014."
For more information on upcoming trips through SAI or RecOn, contact Langley Information, Tickets and Tours at 764-7176.