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Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

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Base helps members, families enjoy a day on the slopes

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Burke
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  Members of the 914th Airlift Wing participated in a Single Airman Programming Initiative/Rec On sponsored event Feb. 16, 2015, at Holiday Valley Ski Resort in Ellicottville, New York.

The goal of Single Airmen Programs is to give unaccompanied military members fun things to do to interact with friends and peers. Additionally, the Rec On program offers high adrenaline adventure trips intended to give Airmen of all ranks, and their families, a safe and fun way to relieve stress from deployments and the demands of military life.

"My staff and I select the type of activities and then we work out all the details," said Mike Williams, recreation director, 914th Force Support Squadron.

The Single Airman Programming Initiative is an Air Force initiative, endorsed by the office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and operated through the 914th Force Support Squadron. The program is funded at the Air Force level and is designed to help offset the costs associated with these type activities.

"A ski rental and lift ticket would normally run upwards of $60 today," said Williams. "By utilizing these programs, the cost was reduced to around five dollars."

Due to extreme weather conditions the turn out for the Holiday Valley event was lower than anticipated.

"20 below today," said Williams. "We were supposed to be 165 people coming here today and the weather brought it down to 50 brave souls."

Overall, the event accomplished its goals and provided an enjoyable opportunity for members of the 914 AW and their families.

"My family and I are so grateful for the opportunity to take part in the REC-ON Ski Trip President's Day weekend," said Meg Calero, Director of Airman & Family Readiness, 914th FSS.

"Despite the freezing temperatures, there were a lot of familiar faces from base on the slopes," added Calero.  "This trip is one for the memory books because it was the first time my children have skied--they did great! Mike Williams and the Outdoor Recreation team outdid themselves in the planning and execution of this event and I hope there are more like it in the future."

At NFARS, monthly activities commonly include: indoor go-karting, skiing and trips highlighting the Niagara region. Personnel can sign up for future events by calling Outdoor Recreation at 236-2450.


For more information visit: http://niagarafss.com/services/single-airman-programs/