ABOUT AIR FORCE CLUBS

In the past, an Air Force Club membership simply meant an elite private club where one could relax with colleagues and enjoy a good meal or drink. Depending upon its location, the club could be a small and simple style hangout or one much more elaborate boasting a Las Vegas-style atmosphere. Military tradition wove them all together--club membership was considered an integral part of military life and a worthwhile investment, no matter where one was stationed.

Since 1947, the Air Force has made available an Air Force club system "second to none" in the U.S. military. But is this club membership as worthwhile today as it was 10 or 20 years ago? Or is it a dying entity, thought by some to be an unnecessary frivolity of military life? Considering the following numerous benefits for both military members and their families, belonging to either the enlisted or officers' club is even more important today than it was in yesteryear. Just as the U.S. Air Force is a living and breathing system - improving, evolving and changing so too, is it's club system.

Today, club membership means more than merely belonging to an exclusive club. For the price of a few fast-food meals each month, military members can enjoy multiple benefits for themselves and their families. No matter what the location, certain key threads weave all the clubs together: mentorship from senior personnel, networking among colleagues, and a safe environment to bring the entire family.

Whether one is new to military life or adjusting to a new assignment, Air Force clubs provide constancy helpful to the integration of members and their families into the fold of the wing, its commanders and its operations. Today, clubs provide a casual atmosphere where one can gain a sense of "belonging" in the community and knowledge of the new surroundings and friendships with others in similar situations.

A young lieutenant has the ability to gain knowledge and experience from those who have walked similar or totally diverse paths. For example, one member from engineering might gain helpful knowledge from someone in maintenance about what works best in different situations based on the other person's vantage point. Success in one squadron can be passed on to another squadron, thus making the wing stronger and more successful, whatever its mission might be. Clubs provide an opportunity and environment in which members can consolidate different ideas or solutions that can benefit the entire wing. It may be through an encouraging word, the story of a professional or personal victory, or a successful strategy passed on by a senior enlisted or officer that helps in the success of a newcomer to military life. In turn, it may be that in the neutral and relaxed atmosphere of a club a newer military member can express ideas and needs to his senior members. If, as they say, we are only as strong as our weakest link, clubs provide a safe oasis in which to strengthen individual links and thus the entire wing itself.

In a similar manner, clubs provide an environment to network among colleagues of the same rank but perhaps different squadrons. Just as "steel sharpens steel," military personnel might solve problems easier, avoid mistakes by learning what doesn't work in another department or squadron and/or find ways in which to work together in a more efficient manner to accomplish similar goals -- by taking advantage of another format in which to communicate with one another. Just as it is said in the business world that more contracts are made or begun on a golf course, military clubs provide a casual environment in which its members can cut through the formalities and get straight to the solutions.

Service clubs continue to evolve and change. They are working harder to benefit the member's family and not just the members themselves. By providing a safe and fun environment wherever the base may be located, clubs contain a "home atmosphere" where new friends are made and old friendships are nourished. In addition, the special club functions provide an affordable venue in which to laugh, play and enjoy one another's company.

At Homestead, we are working to make the club experience better than ever for our members. Food selections are being evaluated for improvement -- children's programs have been added; luncheon and dinner menus are updated. New programs will continue to include family participation. Whether it is a Luau, Oktoberfest, New Year's party or Mardi Gras function, spending time with colleagues and friends adds to the military member's quality of life experience. Opportunities still exist to improve our club, and we welcome any suggestions or ideas from our community.

Air Force clubs not only continue the traditions of the Air Force and its warrior spirit, but they add to the quality of military life by providing the common thread from base to base, wherever the member might be stationed. They are not meant to be the only place to spend time away from work, but they are one of the few places in which like minds can gather together with similar goals and desires; gain strength and knowledge from one another to pass on to the others; and remember why we chose an Air Force career.

Maj. Nicholas DeMarco
89th Services Squadron