JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Single service members gathered at the Warrior Zone on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Aug. 7, to have a day of relaxation and entertainment.
The Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers Program hosted the annual Single Service Members Day to show appreciation to the non-married Soldiers and Airmen of JBLM.
“By hosting an event bringing single service members together, we hope that they will walk away knowing they’re appreciated,” said Spc. Jennifer R. Helm, JBLM BOSS president. “The key is to boost morale. By boosting morale, we are directly affecting the U.S. Army’s mission.”
Part of the Army’s mission is to build resiliency among the ranks and create cohesive teams built on trust and mutual respect. According to Helm, BOSS events play a major part in achieving that mission.
The day of celebration held a much deeper meaning than simply showing Soldiers a good time.
“There are many programs for married service members and their families,” Helm said. “Suicide on JBLM is a very real thing, mostly occurring because the service member felt alone, unappreciated, and unwanted.”
Helm believes by hosting the SSMD, service members from all around JBLM have the opportunity to make new friends they may not have met if they did not leave the barracks.
“I think this kind of thing is great and keeps morale going,” said Spc. Danielle K. Williamson, C Company, I Corps. “It gives us something to look forward to.”
Spc. Williams was just one of the approximately 2,800 attendants at SSMD. She took part in many of the activities offered at the event alongside a few of her friends and coworkers.
There was a rock climbing wall, car shows, karaoke and a giant water slide for the service members to enjoy. Free food was given to all who attended and a basketball tournament was held at the Wilson Fitness Center. Throughout the day, Soldiers and Airmen entered raffles and won various prizes.
Sgt. Brian M. McCalla, I Corps, HHB enjoyed the festivities offered and even did a bit of karaoke for the audience to enjoy.
“I’m enjoying it,” said McCalla. “You get to meet new people and that’s cool.”
Both McCalla and Williamson agree the event is something they would like to do more often.
Through funding from multiple sponsors, the BOSS executive team and BOSS representatives were able to host a successful event for the service members to enjoy. The activities lasted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The BOSS Program displayed what they can do for single service members assigned to JBLM.
The BOSS Program offers many different activities like high adrenaline events and trips to many different locations. Helm believes single service members should take advantage of what BOSS has to offer and find adventure and fun outside of the barracks without fear of negative consequences.
“The BOSS Program is a great way to kick off the boots, relax, and enjoy life safely,” Helm said. “The atmosphere is safe with the executive team ensuring there are zero alcohol related incidents, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention issues, or event related injuries.”
The mission of the BOSS team for the SSMD was to get single service members out for a day of fun and show them their military branches appreciate them. With the high attendance volume and good times in the Warrior Zone, the BOSS team has successfully completed the mission and the service members look forward to next year’s event.
Date Taken: | 08.07.2014 |
Date Posted: | 08.18.2014 11:07 |
Story ID: | 139640 |
Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, US |
Web Views: | 39 |
Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Single Service Members Day, by SGT DJ Borden, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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