Unite program funds free fun

Photo By Zachary Hada | Jennifer Miller, 55th Force Support Squadron community cohesion coordinator, poses for a photo on Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, March 13, 2019. Miller's position was recently created to help with revitalizing squadrons. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration)  

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, NE, UNITED STATES

03.15.2019

Story by Zachary Hada 

55th Wing

Air Force bases globally are hiring Community Cohesion Coordinators, a new position meant to aid with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein’s focus on revitalizing squadrons.

Among their duties is the Unite program set up by the Air Force Services Activity, allowing commanders to facilitate unit cohesion by implementing and developing team builder events and community-based activities and programs.

“This program is designed to benefit all Airmen in a unit to include active-duty, reserve and appropriated and non-appropriated civilian employees,” said Jennifer Miller, 55th Force Support Squadron community cohesion coordinator.

Miller said that her favorite thing about working with the Unite program is her ability to provide units with an opportunity to let loose and have some fun.

There are countless options both inside and outside of the installation.
The Base Lake recreation area offers a location for Squadron Fun Day, which can include activities such as paddleboat races, sand volleyball, nine-hole disc golf, archery, horseshoe pits, yard games and more.
Peacekeeper Lanes has bowling options such as nine-pin no tap, cosmic bowling, a brand new team building bowling program, various personalized bowling and pizza.

The Warhwak Community Center offers Bubble Ball, Archery Tag and event space.

Squadrons can utilize the DoD’s largest fieldhouse to host a unique fitness challenge, fun run or swimming competition.

“I have been doing Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs since 2003,” Miller said. “This is my passion and I love knowing that what I do helps people build morale and can bring a sense of joy to our military community. I truly believe that building unit cohesion is essential to building a good team.”

It can also increase resilience and readiness, she added.

To get started, units will need to appoint a point of contact who will work closely with Miller through the approval process.

“The squadron Unite POC will have to fill out a request form for each Unite event and submit it to me to submit AFSVA,” Miller said. “Units will receive funding once their request is approved. Then the Unite POC and I work to get everything set up for the squadron to execute their event.”
The funding is allocated based on each units end strength numbers. Due to funding constraints, the program will eventually be phased in over the next three years.

• Date Taken: 03.15.2019
• Date Posted: 03.17.2019 17:24
• Story ID: 314341
• Location: OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, NE, US