Free movie rental program morale booster for Airmen

Staff Sgt. Anastasia Miller, Airman Dorm Leader, unwraps a new release requested by the Airmen living in the dormitory housing July 23, 2015, at Malmstrom AFB, Mont. Airmen are welcomed and encouraged to hang out in the CDMO office to watch movies on the office TV during their free time. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves)

Free movie rental program morale booster for Airmen

Published July 23, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Magen Reeves
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- The Central Dorm Management Office offers a movie rental program free to Airmen living in dormitory housing.

Over the last year and a half, Airman Dorm Leader Staff Sgt. Anastasia Miller has been working diligently to expand the movie rental program from a small, unexciting bunch of movies to a formidable collection of films and video games in a variety of viewing compatibility formats.

"When I first came to Malmstrom as a new Airman, I received bedding from the bed-in-bag program and my sponsor handed me a cardboard box of DVDs," said Miller. "I never would have gotten through my first weekend here without those movies."

When Miller joined the CDMO team, she took on the task of improving the movie rental program. Miller spends about $400 a month out of the CDMO quality of life fund, which is part of the office budget.

"New items are purchased around Tuesdays because that's when new video game and movie releases drop," said Miller. "I try to go at least twice a month. We always try to get new releases."

Miller monitors new releases through various websites and takes suggestions from Airmen living in the dorms on CDMO comment cards. She collects the ideas and suggestions and builds a list, which she steadily makes her way through, crossing off acquired movies and video games.

The program has about 30 items rented out at any given time. The demographic of renters consists of new Airmen and those familiar with the program.

Airmen can view the rentals in their dorm rooms or they can utilize the dayrooms in the dorm buildings, which are fully equipped with large flat screen TVs, DVD and Blu-ray players, and surround sound technology.

The allowable rental periods for the different categories are available in mix-and-match packages of two items for seven days. Airmen can rent movie titles such as "The Avengers" and "Jurassic Park". Game options include "The Last of Us" and "Assassins Creed". TV series like "Game of Thrones" may only be rented alone and one at a time. Exceptions are made and approved by the CDMO staff.

"We are looking into expanding our movie program even more and looking to expand the Anime collection," said Miller. "We are also working on developing a movie area in Building 640 as an alternate area for Airmen to hang out."

Also, beginning Sept. 15 the CDMO will have PlayStation 4 consoles available to Airmen to rent out for a period of seven days.

Airmen can go to the CDMO office located in Building 640, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to rent items. Airmen must complete a renter's agreement form prior to renting.

"The CDMO mission primarily is to mentor the Airmen," said Miller. "Our main responsibility is when an Airman comes into our office we stop what we are doing to help them. The movie program is solely for their benefit. We want to accommodate them."