ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Helping Airmen wind down is the mission of the Community Support Flight with the 78th Force Support Squadron at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.
Fun and relaxation means different things to different people. As such, the CSF offers a variety of activities and outlets for spending free time.
“It’s all about morale. We are known as the fun flight,” said Timothy Case, Community Support Flight chief, 78th FSS. “Our job focuses on leisure and recreational activities on base. That can be boating, bowling, golfing, the arrow club or the skeet range. We want to enhance the well-being of our Robins family.”
But how people have fun is now a challenge because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Case admits the virus has impacted entertainment and the bottom lines for many outlets on the base, like the Heritage Club.
“Bingo was a big money generator,” said April Harris, Heritage Club manager. “We averaged 200 people, shoulder to shoulder, on game nights. The games came to an end because of the necessary social distancing restrictions in response to COVID-19. Hopefully we will figure out a safe way to resume soon.”
That game of chance was one of several CFS activities made possible through the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund.
“That’s why we encourage anyone who can access the base to spend here and play here. We put that money back into the MWRF,” explained Case. “The fund helps us pay for everything in the facility and the more money generated, the more services we can provide. It can help us buy new campers, new boats or purchase better equipment.”
Recently, the Heritage Club ushered in a new pastime activity, a virtual ‘whodunit’ game.
“February’s theme was ‘A night at the Masquerade’ and participants received some really nice masks for the game,” said Harris. “Participants will get a really nice dinner and game props to take home. They will log on to a dedicated site and the game is led by professional actors. Those actors will assign characters to some in the audience to encourage interaction.”
According to Harris, the murder mystery dinner series will take place once a month and with a different theme.
Joann Nguyen, a clinical pharmacist with the 78th Medical Group, was excited to participate.
“This will give us a different way of hanging out and spending time with family, friends or have a date night,” said Nguyen. “I love murder mystery games and it is a great activity since we can’t really go out to socialize very much.”
Case said the squadron meets weekly to brainstorm for ideas to attract more people to base activities and services.
“A lot of people are not aware we have an engraving and framing shop,” he added. “The bowling lanes are about to open again soon and we want people to come visit all our facilities. Check out what we have to offer before you go off base. Chances are we provide that same services, but at a better price.”
To find upcoming base events or activities go to https://robinsfss.com.