LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
EDITOR'S NOTE: Staff Sgt. Ian Hoachlander contributed to this report.
The 633rd Force Support Squadron recently began participation in the Air Force Personnel Center's "MyAirForceLife" mobile application, providing Service members with information about various services across Langley Air Force Base, Va.
Once users install the app, which is available on Apple iOS and Google Android devices, they can access features including hours of operation and locations of FSS facilities and services, including GPS integration, and other events happening on base.
Services covered in the "MyAirForceLife" app include the bases' FSS-operated dining establishments and eateries, Outdoor Recreation, Information, Tickets and Tours, Eaglewood Golf Course, fitness centers, youth programs, and the Airman and Family Readiness Center.
"This mobile app gives force support squadrons tools to better communicate facilities and activities offered on base," said James Anderson, the AFPC Services Integrated Marketing and Branding Branch chief. "Additionally, customers will be familiar with and are more likely to download a branded consolidated application that provides information about bases throughout the Air Force."
Capt. John Scheuren and Eric Deagle, 633rd FSS Marketing visual information specialists, manage Langley's information in the app, and said customer response has been positive, giving the community an easy-to-navigate, "one-stop shop" for information on the go.
"When customers want to know where something is, need an address, or are curious about a menu, they can just open the app," Deagle said. "It gives our customers the information they need on a device they always have with them."
"Our leadership's biggest priority for marketing is to help Airmen and their families stay informed about all their opportunities, whether it's by using Facebook, the website or most recently the app," Scheuren added. "This app is a game-changer in bringing us closer to that goal."
"MyAirForceLife" also integrates non-appropriated fund (NAF) job listings, allowing users to search for available jobs by facility, Anderson explained. Users can also rate facilities, save contact information directly to their contact list or phone book, and call or e-mail facilities by clicking on the link.
In the future, Scheuren said the app will ideally support push notifications, sending real-time updates about events and offers to app users. Additionally, plans for social media integration are in the works.
"There are so many possibilities with this app. One day, we may even be able to use this as a vehicle for commanders to deliver messages to personnel and families," he said. "We're just beginning to see the potential for what we hope the app will become."
More than 20 Air Force bases are now live on the "MyAirForceLife" app, with 25 more planning to add content. Eventually, every Air Force installation will participate in the program.
"It's useful beyond Langley. Say you [go on temporary duty] to another base, or even [permanently change station]," Scheuren said. "You may not know where things are, but you can find the information easily with the app."
Airmen interested in seeing their base added to the "MyAirForceLife" app should contact their installation's force support squadron. For more information about the "MyAirForceLife" mobile app and force support squadron morale, welfare and readiness activities, visit service's website at
www.myairforcelife.com.