Serving those who serve: FSS offers resiliency through activity

Photo By Staff Sgt. Derek Seifert | A bowler prepares to take his turn at the Bowling Center at Fort Eustis, Va., Aug. 23, 2016. The bowling center is one of several services such as fitness centers, stables and teen centers that the 633rd Force Support Squadron offers to Service members, their families, retirees and civilians. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Derek Seifert)  

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VA, UNITED STATES

08.23.2016

Story by Airman 1st Class Derek Seifert 

Joint Base Langley-Eustis

“Ultimately it’s about mission readiness and creating a resilient member so they can fight and win,” said Donna Fontes, 633rd FSS chief of operating location for Fort Eustis. “[A Service member’s] mission is to defend the nation. Our services are about providing opportunities for building social and personal bonds because we want the military member to go fight, defend and win, and not have to worry about anything back home, so we’re making them more confident and focused on their mission.”

With the aim to develop a resilient community, FSS looks to provide services aimed at enhancing the lives of Service members and their families, said Fontes.

“For [Service members] to stay in, commit to their jobs and travel around with their families we need to make sure their quality of life equals what’s available outside of the military,” said Fontes. “We’re committed to giving them the quality of life they deserve as someone who is willing to step up, defend and make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.”

Along with mirroring services outside of the gate, many of the support activities here are financially self-sustaining.

“Some of our programs like the clubs, bowling and golf facilities are self-sufficient programs that generate revenue allowing us to keep them open,” explained Fontes. “Fitness centers provide physical training and fitness but families can also gather and military members can create unit cohesion through intramurals or pick-up games.”

Installation services not only support morale, welfare and recreation for military communities, it also provides opportunities to develop skills, physical fitness and personal and social bonds with other Service members and families.

For more information on services call, the 633rd FSS at [phone]

• Date Taken: 08.23.2016
• Date Posted: 09.28.2016 14:23
• Story ID: 210850
• Location: JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VA, US