JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
It may seem like learning how to salsa dance, laughing during a stand-up comedy show or enjoying southern cuisine are activities you have to travel far and wide to enjoy, but luckily for Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. community members, these opportunities are at their doorstep.
For award-winning service and superb entertainment, Service members do not need to look any further. Offering many different summer events and activities, JBLE clubs provide Service members and their families the chance to seize what the summer has to offer.
The Langley Club is unique in that it services both enlisted and commissioned Service members. Since it first opened its doors in May 2011, the club has hosted more than 1,200 special functions spanning from retirement ceremonies, squadron parties and promotions to non-military events such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and private holiday parties.
Although private parties are popular events at the Langley Club, it also provides themed events open to everyone. Different festivities throughout the summer include Comedy Night, Soul Food Night or Boss and Buddy Night.
"With our excellent staff and amazing atmosphere, we have a lot to work with to make our people happy," said Ann Pabón, Langley Club manager.
The club's amenities include two full bars during evenings and lunch dining during weekdays. With so many events and options available, the Langley Club was recognized for its service by winning best food service operations in Air Combat Command for 2011 and 2012.
"ACC is a huge organization. To receive the award not only once, but twice, was a huge honor," said Pabón.
In addition to being known as the best in ACC, with more than 3,550 members, it is also known as the largest club in the command. Despite being so large, its members say the club still provides everyone with top-quality services.
Being a regular at the Langley Club has its advantages and for club member Randy Elder, general contractor, the convenience of the club has always been a benefit to him.
"I come [to the Langley Club] about three times a week," said Elder. "The meals are nicely priced and the staff has always done an exceptional job. I've always really enjoyed myself here and that's what keeps me coming back."
Service members can also take advantage of the Fort Eustis Club which also has many different special events throughout the upcoming season, including Latin Night every Friday night, Father and Daughter Dances, and Big Band's Night.
The Fort Eustis Club was established in 1960 and serves active duty, retirees, family members and contractors.
"The [Fort Eustis] club was established to promote and foster esprit de corps and enhance the morale and welfare of everyone who is welcome on post," said Azeb Aweke, Fort Eustis Club manager.
With the special-event office open seven days a week, the Fort Eustis Club offers many different amenities such as a lunch buffet Tuesday through Friday, giving units and other authorized organizations the ability to dine, socialize and relax in a morale-boosting atmosphere, said Aweke.
Similar to the club on Langley, the Fort Eustis Club offers non-military event hosting, including weddings and receptions.
Regardless of where Service members and their families may find themselves on JBLE, the clubs are a convenient place for the military community to unwind and enjoy summer activities.
For more information on how to become a member of the JBLE clubs, visit:
www.langley.jbleforcesupport.com/clubnew.com or
www.eustismwr.com.