FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The summer season is over, leaving behind the long, hot days at the beach and humid, Virginia nights. The football season is in full swing, and the mercury is slowly, but surely dropping in the thermometer each day.
Fall may be here, but the 733rd Force Support Division still has plenty to offer Soldiers and their families to keep them active and entertained through the season.
Joe Dumas, the 733rd FSD Community Services Branch chief, said the division runs a majority of their morale, welfare and readiness programs and services year-round, including sports, outdoor recreation and equipment rentals.
Two of the post's most popular sports draws are the Pines Golf Course and the Bowling Center. Dumas said the two complement each other seasonally, with the Pines accommodating most of its guests in the spring and summer, and the Bowling Center catering to cold-weather crowds. However, cooler temperatures won't cause the Pines to close.
"We have a whole array of events throughout the year, like 'glow ball,' winter tournaments, seminars and golf lessons," Dumas explained. "It's a prime time to get your game ready for spring."
Dumas said that while inclement winter weather may force the Pines to close, it is only temporary, and will reopen as soon as the course is deemed safe to use.
The Fort Eustis Mini-Park offers go-karting, mini golf and batting cages, and is a popular destination during the summer months. While normal operating hours are suspended during the fall and winter seasons, Dumas said the park can be rented upon request.
Entertainment options don't stop at sports. Cold weather months provide many with the motivation to take time off and seek warmer destinations, enjoying attractions and sights across the country.
Dumas said he "has those bases covered."
Outdoor recreation rents recreational vehicles that can be taken around the corner or across the country. Each RV sleeps up to eight people, and boasts creature comforts including showers, commodes, sinks, stoves and ovens, televisions, refrigerators, fresh water, generators and fuel tanks.
"We really offer great rates and mileage specials for the fall and winter season," Dumas said. "We've had renters take the RVs completely cross-country before. We have a fleet of more than 25, and they're very well appointed."
For those that want to stay in the area but still want a break from the mundane, Dumas has a getaway solution available right on post. Outdoor Recreation also rents stationary campers and campground cabins.
The five log cabin-style buildings offer the quaintness of mountain living with the convenience of their location on the installation. Wrap-around porches overlook Eustis Lake, and each cabin is appointed with all the furniture, modern appliances and bedding needed to enjoy a quiet weekend away without leaving the state. One cabin is specially designed to accommodate handicapped guests.
Some want to find the balance between getting away and keeping the home fires burning, and others may not be able to take the vacation they want. The Information, Tickets and Travel Office offers tickets and passes to events locally and nationally. The office even arranges bus trips to a variety of different exciting destinations, such as skiing trips, sporting events and tourist destinations.
"Earlier this month, we took 26 people aboard a bus to Baltimore to see a Yankees-Orioles game at Camden Yards," Dumas said. "We need to get a certain amount of people to sign up to do these trips, but when we do, it's a blast."
Dumas said the best way to take advantage of what MWR has to offer is by bundling services into package deals.
"We will definitely do package deals for people. For example, say you want to go to Disney World, but want to take a road trip you can enjoy. You can rent the RV from us, buy the tickets at ITT from us, and even make sure you know where to go hook up the RV once you get where you're going," he explained. "We encourage people to call and tell us what they want to do. More times than not, we can make it happen."
Want to find out more about how to make autumn more awesome? For more information, visit
www.eustismwr.com.
Fort Eustis MWR Locations:
Food & Dining:
The Fort Eustis Club
2123 Pershing Ave.
878-5700
Lakeside Sports Bar
828 Kells Dr.
878-2259
Strike Zone Eatery
675 Jackson St.
878-5482
Reggie's Bar & Grill at The Pines
3518 Mulberry Island Rd.
878-5331
Sports, Recreation and Travel:
The Pines Golf Course
3518 Mulberry Island Rd.
878-2252
Mini-Park
866 Lee Blvd.
878-5883
Bowling Center
675 Jackson St.
878-5482
Outdoor Recreation
828 Kells Dr.
878-2610
Information, Tickets, and Travel
671 Lee Blvd.
878-3694