Enjoying the Great Outdoors

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton
  • 341 Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Montana --  Outdoor Recreation recently acquired new equipment, and completed renovations and enhancements to their facility, which was showcased at an Open House Dec. 17.

"We've completely redone the inventory for Outdoor Recreation," said Bonnie Runge, 341st Force Support Squadron community support flight chief. "In the past, we didn't do as good of a job maintaining equipment, but with the new policies and procedures in place, and with all the new interior renovations, we can ensure our customer's satisfaction and safety."

"In actuality," Ms. Runge said, "our goal is to continuously try to determine what the customers want. We plan to incorporate those new ideas to meet all demographic needs to include retirees. There is so much more available and with the customer surveys and focus groups we've implemented, we hope to get back to being the best in Air Force."

Outdoor Recreation has purchased new boots, snowboards, skis, campers, fishing and hunting gear, and reconditioned raft trailers and grills to accommodate the needs of Malmstrom's outdoor enthusiasts.

"I thought that the campers were pretty cool," said Technical Sgt. Kimberly Collyge, 341st Missile Wing Equal Opportunity non-commissioned officer in charge. "It's also surprising how affordable it is for people to rent them. Basically, for less than what people would pay for one night at a hotel room, they could rent a camper for a weekend stay."

"It's all part of experiencing where you are and trying new things in an attempt to enjoy this assignment a little better," she said. "Especially for people who are newer or may feel out of place, it assists those people in acclimating to this area and possibly even find something they like or are good at."

Outdoor Recreation has also hired a new mechanic to make maintenance an easier and faster process, and ensure that broken equipment can receive immediate attention. Having a mechanic available not only helps better maintain Outdoor Recreation equipment, but also provides personal ski/snowboard repair at a cheaper cost.

"People won't have the outdoor opportunities in other states that they have here in Montana," said Chip Davis, Outdoor Recreation small engine mechanic. "It's important, especially for Air Force members, to take advantage of whatever state you're stationed in and see what they have available."

"Montana is a seasonal state," he said, "so there is always something for everyone to do or try. We're looking for a variety of groups from adventurists to board riders, downhill skiers to the steep and deep adrenaline seekers."

When people think of Outdoor Recreation, equipment rental is one of the first things that may come to mind. Outdoor recreation also offers classes to include wilderness survival training, camping classes, introduction to Dutch oven cooking, and instruction classes for fishing and kayaking.

Jim Beisel, Outdoor Recreation adventure programmer, encourages Airmen and their families to take part in outdoor activities.

"We try to focus on activities that families with all age groups can take part in, especially during the winter," said Mr. Beisel. "Sometimes it's difficult for families to get out, especially when a family member is deployed, but these programs are designed for quality time and as a fun learning experience."

"So often people about to PCS will come in looking for things to try before they leave, and they didn't even realize there were so many things available for them to get out there and experience while they were here," Mr. Beisel said. "At Malmstrom, we're blessed with mountains and plenty of open terrain. People have the opportunity to go skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, tubing, and even as the snow melts there's horseback riding, rafting, hunting and fishing. It's just that people have to get up, go out and do it."

For more information about Outdoor Recreation or future activities, call 731-3263, or visit the Web site at www.341fss.com.