BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq –
For deployed Airmen, good morale is critical. The fact they work 70-to-80 hour work weeks for months on end makes maintaining morale a challenge. Fortunately for Airmen here, the 332nd Expeditionary Services Squadron is up to the task.
According to 2nd Lt. Zachary Bass, 332nd ESVS Sustainment Flight commander, services is charged with regenerating the most important weapon system in the Air Force inventory -- our Airmen.
He said they provide Airmen with fuel (food), preventative maintenance (fitness), crew rest (recreation) and upgrades (library/education center). In addition, the services squadron provides honor guard oversight, mortuary affairs and a means for Airmen to communicate with friends and family back home by way of the cyber cafe.
With a variety of activities going on at the recreation and fitness center Airmen here are never without options.
332 ESVS offers more than 40 fitness programs, 25 recreation programs and shows more than 45 movies at the theater, all on a weekly basis. These activities are available free of charge, day and night to accommodate servicemembers, civilian contractors and coalition forces.
"The activities at the recreation center and gym help people get their mind off their jobs for a while," said Staff Sgt. Brian Wingo, 332nd ESVS Recreation Center staff. "It helps them separate the duty-day from off-duty time and relieves stress. When people have had time to breakaway and unwind, they go to work the next day refreshed."
Capt. Cynthia Madac-Clark, 332nd Expeditionary Air Evacuation Flight, says having Services' facilities and programs here definitely increases morale.
"They help us maintain physical and mental fitness," she said. "It keeps you grounded and makes you feel closer to home. It's also a good way to unwind, relax, have fun and meet new people. I know it's made my deployment a lot easier these past two months. I've got no complaints!"
Though already a successful program, Lieutenant Bass said they are constantly looking for ways to make the program even better.
"We continually assess our programs, the number of programs offered and solicit feedback and suggestions from our customers," he said.
"This may wind up increasing or decreasing the number of programs offered or the frequency of the program."
Airmen with suggestions or comments should drop them in the suggestion box at the front desk in the recreation center.