Attack of the clubs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MONT. --  For some people, the idea of being in a club means that new members have to perform some sort of ridiculous right-of-passage, or be required to wear pink on a certain day of the week.

Do not fear Malmstrom Airmen. There's none of that nonsense here.

Over the last several weeks, Command Chief Master Sergeant Thomas Stiles, 341st Missile Wing, has made the introduction of new clubs to base as one of his main priorities.

These clubs currently include the Movie Club, the book club "Information Snackers", the Natural Science Club and the Swole Patrol weight benching club. However, the list of clubs soon to come is extensive, to include a choir club, a running club, a ukulele club "Nuc-ulele", a fly fishing club, CHOP-The Secret Potluck Society and a live action role-playing club, just to name a few.

"We're wanting to start these clubs, we just need people who are interested to come forward," said Stiles.

Stiles is leading the charge in giving the base more options on positive and entertaining ways to interact with other Airmen on base.

Malmstrom already offers a variety of activities through the 341st Force Support Squadron.

"The idea that there is nothing to do here isn't true," said Stiles. "There are people at this base who are interested in the same things you are interested in. The idea behind the clubs is to get these people together who may not know each other, to improve where you live and work because there is something for everyone."

Here at Malmstrom, the vast majority of the Airmen are young, first-term Airmen who are experiencing for the first time what it's like to be away from home and having to make new friends. Not to mention the Airmen who work in isolated career fields, or post out to the missile fields for days at a time.

"It gives me additional opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities that are offered on the installation instead of just relying on what is offered off base," said Senior Airman Michelle Collins, 341st Missile Wing protocol.

Being a part of a group can be an excellent way to spend time with people who share a common interest. Building relationships is important for everyone to establish and maintain the Whole Person Concept.

"The goal is to offer something for everyone," said Stiles. "The odds are, if you like it, there are other like-minded people who also like it. And if we don't have it, let's get it."

The idea is to contribute to the existing pool of clubs and groups already active through the 341st FSS. The 341st FSS offers dance classes, group exercise activities, a weight lifting club at the gym and numerous opportunities through Outdoor Recreation.

"The base has fantastic base support services already offered through the 341st FSS," said Stiles. "We're just offering another avenue to get involved, offering more choices."

Between the efforts of the 341st FSS and the command chief, the odds are high that every Airman can find something they are interested in.

"There is something out there for everyone: the adventure seeker, the book lover, the body builder, the movie fanatic, great opportunities all around for communication building, team building and leadership perspectives," said Collins. "Through all these amazing organizations you are able to meet wonderful people around base that share your same interest. The people you meet could be a friend for life!"

Participating in a group of fellow Airmen, their families and civilian Airmen who share a common interest can build camaraderie and encourage the personal growth necessary to become well-rounded, capable Airmen.

"By forming these clubs, we are taking care of Airmen," said Stiles. "It's open to everyone, including dependents. Being physically and spiritually ready is necessary to form critical thinkers in our Air Force. Happy people make happy Airmen."

Malmstrom needs critical thinkers. Malmstrom needs resiliency. Malmstrom needs Airmen who are physically and spiritually ready to provide safe and secure operations to our nuclear assets 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

And if jamming out on the ukulele or bench pressing you entire body weight makes you one resilient, bullet-proof precision capable combat ready Airmen, then HUA.