Make your time in Alaska count

by Airman 1st Class Omari Bernard
JBER Public Affairs

1/30/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARSON, Alaska -- Single? Short on cash? Looking for something to do? Check out the Single Airman Program.

Soar through trees on zip lines in Talkeetna, learn to fly planes with the Aero Club and glide down mountains on skis in Girdwood.

Alaska has many adventures to offer and the Single Airman Program can provide these opportunities for free.

SAP is an Air Force initiative, endorsed by the Office of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.

The objective is to provide Force Support Squadron resources to foster a strong culture, mission and sense of community.

Not an Airman? Not a problem. SAP is available to all single service members stationed here. The program helps promote camaraderie.

"Our goal is to get the single Airmen and Soldiers out of the dorms and barracks doing things in Alaska," said Michelle Hartman, 673d FSS major programs director.
SAP offers a variety of free activities year round.

Previous trips included ice climbing, snowmachining, skiing and snowboarding, introductory flight lessons, and jet boat tours in Denali.

"The Single Airman Program is a great way to get out of the dorms," said Senior Airman Alec Carlisle, an interface control technician with the 611th Air and Space Operations Squadron. "My favorite trip so far was when we went zip lining in Talkeetna. Flying through trees and over a lake was one of the most fun things I've done since I've been here."
Events are first-come, first-served, Hartman said, and spots for events fill up quickly.
"A lot of the time we do it in different groups depending on the (provider) that we go through," Hartman explained. "For zip lining, we normally send out six to eight people per group, so then we would send out three groups a day. We normally do them on the weekends and during the summer.

"We did the jet boat experience where 45 people were able to go, and the feedback I received from that was outstanding." Hartman said. "Everyone was laid back and able to have fun."

SAP also funds the wireless Internet, furniture, and fitness equipment available in the Wired Cafe and the dormitories.

According to statistics gathered by SAP here, more than 1,500 single service members have taken advantage of this free program since its start in October 2011. The program advertises trips through Better Opportunities for Single Service Members and the First-Term Airmen Center.

"It's great that it's free," Carlisle said. "Alaska is a pretty cool place and I'm glad that I get to go out and enjoy it."

"This program is about giving back to them," Hartman said. "I feel this is making a big difference. I measure our success from the outcome of everyone coming back from the trip. When they come back and have smiles on their faces - basically that's how I judge it."
For events or more information visit www.facebook.com/JBERSingleAirmanProgram or call 552-8529.