673d Force Support Squadron

CHILD CARE CENTERS/PROGRAMS
Warfighter and Family Services Flight provides an extensive child care program for dependent children of authorized families. The JBER-Elmendorf Child Development Centers are:
• Katmai at 7181 11th Ave.,......................... 552-5113
• Denali, at 7377 15th Ave.,......................... 552-8304
• Sitka, at 6376 15th St.,............................. 552-6406
• Talkeetna, at Building 11, 2nd St.,.............. 384-0686
• Kodiak, at Building 6, Chilkoot St.,.............. 384-1570
All five centers have year-round programs and are equipped with large playgrounds, classrooms and kitchens used to serve breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. All child development centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The centers, through the skills of the caregivers using the highest quality child care, focus on the development of the "whole child." They provide many hands-on activities with an emphasis on child-initiated play experiences. The centers participate in the USDA food program and provide nutritious meals and snacks for the children. Infants are provided formula (specific brands only) and baby food through the food program. Reservations may be made at the centers for hourly and daily care on a space-available basis. Children with special needs are mainstreamed into the child development programs on a case-by-case basis based on individual education plans.

A Part-day Preschool Program is available for children 3 to 5 years old. For more information, call central registration, at 384-7483 located in Building 600 the Welcome Center- JBER-Richardson. The Resource and Referral Office for information on Child and Youth Programs is located at Building 600, 6th Street JBER-Richardson, call 384-7483 to make an appointment or stop by, office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call the Family Child Care office at 552-3995 for information on securing child care or becoming a licensed child care provider

ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE
ACS is located in the basement and on the first floor, in the west wing of Building 600. Call 384-1517 for more information. The Armed Services YMCA Military WIC Clinic (384-0261) is co-located with ACS.

The Information, Referral and Follow-up (I&R) Program in-processes and out-processes all newcomers, provides individual and family assessment and assistance, provides information about community resources and outreach assistance, and offers help in problem resolution.

The I&R staff can help clients find answers to unusual problems or find information that is not readily available. Call 384-1517 at JBER-Richardson for information or assistance. Under JBER, the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) became the responsibility of the 673d Medical Group Family Advocacy Program Office, 580-5858.

Mobilization and Deployment Readiness Program The Family Readiness Manager and staff manage this program to promote well-informed, self-sufficient and confident Army families, reducing their stress and isolation by linking them quickly with their new community.

The M&D Program Manager is the primary support person for Family Readiness Group (FRG) training, coordination and liaison. The FRG is a primary communication bridge between unit commanders and family members. The ACS program coordinator presents both regularly scheduled and special rear detachment operations training, Operation R.E.A.D.Y., mobilization and deployment briefings and other special programs for Soldiers and family members. Mobilization and Deployment provides support and resources for rear detachments during deployments.

The M&D staff also promotes self-reliance by educating family members and service members about preparing families for deployment. Unit family readiness groups and rear-detachment commanders are given information and training on strategies for coping with military separation.

The M&D staff provides assistance in preparing units for deployment such as briefings and information on community resources, financial preparedness, maintaining family relationships and what to expect when the deployed Soldier returns home. Additionally, the deployment specialists are the local experts on Military One Source. Call 384-6736 for more information.

The Army Family Team Building program manager and master trainers inform family members about the Army, allowing Soldiers and family members to improve their local community. They work closely with Soldiers and family members to improve the overall readiness of the force, teaching and promoting personal and family readiness through progressive and sequential education for everyone from newcomers to seasoned veterans. Topics vary from military customs and courtesies to leadership skills and group conflict management. Soldiers can earn promotion points by completing AFTB training in a combination of online and classroom settings. Call 384-1513 for information or assistance.

The Joint Army Family Action Plan program gives grassroots support to service members and family members. They work to raise issues as far as Headquarters, Department of the Army; Headquarters, Department of the Air Force and the United States Congress to change laws to improve the quality of life and community well-being when circumstances, finances and/or regulations prevent making changes that can benefit the local installation. Most local AFAP issues are resolved through the local program; those that are not are forwarded up the chain of command as necessary to achieve resolution. Call 384-1513 for more information.

The Relocation Readiness Program (RRP) provides a wide range of services to relocating families. One excellent program is the Standard Installation Topic Exchange Service, an automated database of military installations worldwide. Other services include welcome packets, relocation adjustment workshops, pre-move and post-move workshops for newcomers, travel maps and cultural-diversity programs, including English as a second language.

The RRP also provides a well-supplied lending closet for service members and families in transition that is stocked with a wide range of kitchen and household items for temporary loan. The program provides an outstanding, free newcomer orientation for every service and family member who arrives at JBER. ACS pays for childcare for those attending the orientation. Call 384-1515 for information or assistance.

The Employment Readiness Program offers individual and group services that maximize opportunities for family members to attain initial or better employment. Training on resume writing, interviewing techniques, dressing for success and career planning are among the classes available to ensure family members locate the best possible job with career potential. The program manager is available to assist customers in reviewing current job openings on-and off-post. Call 384-6716 for information.

The Financial Readiness Program provides budget counseling, debt liquidation and credit information, consumer education, checkbook management assistance, and positive, lifetime, financial planning through individual counseling sessions and community education classes.

Consumer assistance with handling deceptive, illegal or unethical business practices is also available. The Financial Readiness Training for First-Term Service Members program is a congressionally and Department of Defense mandated, eight-hour, twice-monthly presentation provided to all first-term service members; family members are welcome to attend. Call 384-7509 for information or assistance.

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) provides social services support, information and advocacy to family members with special needs. EFMP links exceptional family members to proper services and, upon departure, screens them again to ensure proper services will be in place at the next duty station.

The EFMP manager advocates for and provides direct casework services to EFMP clients and follows up with them and their service providers to ensure they are receiving appropriate services. The manager maintains up-to-date and accurate information on available resources and assists EFMP clients to prepare for their next duty assignments.

The JBER Exceptional Family Member Program manager is located in Building 600 on JBER-Richardson. Being co-located with the JBER-Richardson EFMP manager allows both to deliver top-notch information and service to military families being assigned to JBER. Enrollment, PCS information, school district coordination, and local resources provide a smooth transition for EFM families. Call 384-0225 for information or assistance.

The Army Volunteer Corps is managed by the Army Volunteer Coordinator (AVC) who registers all post volunteers and assists in placing them in positions of their choice. The coordinator also assists supervisors with volunteer placement and problem solving.

The ACS volunteer manager directs the efforts of volunteers in many of the ACS program areas to expand the entire program's service delivery capabilities and provides volunteer job descriptions, training and orientation, recognition and accounting for time contributed. Free childcare is provided to ACS volunteers while they are working at ACS, as funds permit. Call 384-6716 for information.

Military and Family Life Consultant Program (MFLC): Need to talk? Is something different? Feeling out of control? MFL consultants are available to provide short term confidential assistance to Soldiers and dependents. Call 384-1534 for information or assistance.

Army Emergency Relief (AER): The Army Emergency Relief program falls under the Army Support Activity. Call 384-1805 for information.

WILLOW MILITARY & FAMILY READINESS CENTER
The Willow Military & Family Readiness Center (MFRC) is one of the largest and busiest in the Air Force. Its mission is to support readiness and unit retention by helping individuals and families adapt to the demands of Military life and by assisting unit leadership in responding effectively to family needs. The center is located in the oldest building on base, a log cabin built by volunteers in 1942. The staff provides a variety of programs and services designed to help families meet the challenges of Military life in Alaska.

Information, referral, and follow-up counseling keeps members apprised of the numerous human service agencies available in Anchorage. Additionally, the Military & Family Life Consultant (MFLC) program provides short-term crisis intervention counseling.

JBER-Elmendorf has one of the most active Key Spouse programs in the USAF. With more than 100 Key Spouses actively involved, this group meets and trains frequently. These Key Spouses are a valuable resource for commanders and first sergeants ensuring information is available to meet the needs of Air Force families at JBER.

The center's Hearts Apart Program provides support to families whose military member is deployed or serving a remote tour. Hearts Apart offers information and referral, personal support and group activities.

The MFRC's employment education and skills development programs are among the best in the military. A comprehensive employment assistance program provides information and extensive referral to the local job market, a career interest survey, and a top-notch resume assistance service. Additionally, spouses can attend a number of employment seminars on everything from interviewing techniques and professional job search skills to navigating the Federal Governments Employment site, USAJobs.

Closely related is the MFRC Transition Assistance Program (TAP), designed to help active-duty people retiring or separating from the military. In addition to employment concerns, TAP counselors can assist with information on benefits and entitlements and provide links to an established network of agencies in the local area. Working closely with the state Department of Labor and the Veteran's Administration, TAP helps Veteran's get the right information when they need it.

The MFRC also maintains a state-of-the-art resource center. The resource center provides computers and laser printers for clientele to use in completing all aspects of a comprehensive job search. It is equipped with resume software; application software, with information for both federal and state employment; job search software, including the American's Job Bank; and other resources. Help is available for using hardware and software.

The Volunteer Resource Program is designed to provide centralized recruitment, training and recognition. Family members wishing to volunteer can meet with a staff member who will help them review options and can provide information on the wealth of volunteer opportunities available on JBER and in the local community.

Several MFRC consultants are trained in providing information and education on financial matters. Individual consultation is offered for those in trouble financially, people wanting to make the most of their money, and everyone in between. Basic Budgeting, Identity Theft, Saving and Investing, Retirement, Power Pay, Home Buying and Credit Report reviews are just a few of the services offered.

The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) program is also located at the center. AFAS offers loans and grants to help Air Force members meet the basic needs of day-to-day living and emergency situations. They also offer loans and grants for special circumstances, including permanent change of station relocation and scholarships for family members.

The MFRC is the base focal point for relocation assistance. Counselors provide guidance on a variety of relocation concerns. A "kid's smooth move" seminar is offered monthly to help ease stress with children on the move. Information on border crossing into Canada, traveling across the United States and getting established in Alaska or future locations is available. Through referrals to other agencies, they assist in meeting the needs of members in or out of Alaska.

The MFRC also plays a crucial role in base readiness by helping service members and their families, Department of Defense civilians and families prepare for and cope with deployment, extended temporary duty, and remote assignments.

Air Force Wounded Warriors (AFW2) and their families have found the Log Cabin to be a place for help. Our AFW2 counselors are available whenever needed and take care of the warriors and their families, unsurpassed by none. The center's staff provides leadership consultation service to commanders and first sergeants. This includes keeping commanders informed on issues and trends that affect their organizations as well as helping them use appropriate resources to meet individual or unit family concerns.

The MFRC's Family Services Program consists of a loan closet equipped with household items for temporary loan to relocating members waiting for delivery of their household goods. The loan closet is open daily by appointment. The MFRC staff is dedicated to providing timely, professional service to meet the needs of JBER families. For more information, call the log cabin at 552-4943.

FOOD FACILITIES
The 673d Force Support Squadron operates the following food services on JBER-Elmendorf, as part of the Air Force Food Transformation Initiative (FTI), managed by ARAMARK, the FTI contractor:

The Iditarod Dining Facility at 8088 25th St., located in a wooded setting behind the Glacier Hall dormitory, is open to all DoD ID Card holders, at 673d Air Base Wing commander's discretion. Hours are available online at www.elmendorfrichardson. com or at the contract site of www.aramark.com. The menus are also posted on the sites for public viewing. The Iditarod seats 379 customers.

The Flight Kitchen is located within the Kenai and provides flight meals to aircrew (officer and enlisted) departing JBER and passengers (officer, enlisted, retiree and dependents) on these aircraft. Ground support box meals are also available for enlisted personnel unable to eat at the dining halls due to working conditions. Civilians are not authorized to use this facility unless a waiver to policy is approved by the 673 ABW commander. The Flight Kitchen is open for box lunch meals 24/7.

The Hot Pit is located on the flight line, Building 16710, and is open to all personnel with flight line access. It is a "grab and go" facility providing hot and cold meals, snacks and beverages, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Hot Pit is also open on UTA weekends and is an authorized ESM facility.

The following NAF food facilities are open to all ID card holders and also are authorized dining areas for ESM Airmen:

T-Bar Grill is located at the Hillberg Ski Area, operated during ski season only.
Paradise Café is located in the Arctic Oasis Community Center and operates year-round.
Fairways is located in the club house at Eagleglen Golf Course. It is open daily during the golf season and Monday through Friday during the off season.
The 673d Force Support Squadron operates the following food on JBER-Richardson and are not part of FTI:
The Gold Rush Inn (Building 655) and Wilderness Inn (Building 647) are dining facilities open to all DoD ID Card holders, at 673 ABW commander's discretion. Operation of these two facilities is contingent on deployment status of JBER Soldiers, although at least one is always operational. See the website for current information. For menus and other information go to the website www.aramark.com or www.elmendorf-richadson.com.

LEISURE & RECREATION
The 673d FSS hosts of many programs and activities for the JBER community. Regulations allow all active duty, retired, Reserve, Guard members, and Department of Defense and non-appropriated fund civilians, as well as all family members the opportunity to use all JBER facilities and programs. Some contracted entities are also authorized by JBER commander to use the facilities. The 673d FSS consists of: Manpower and Personnel Flight, Sustainment Services Flight, Warfighter and Family Services Flight, Force Development Flight and Community Services Flight.

The Manpower and Personnel Flight includes: CPOCivilian Personnel Office, HRO-Human Resources Office, Manpower Office, Army Military Personnel, and the Air Force Military Personnel Center-MPF.

The Sustainment Services Flight includes: Lodging, Elmendorf Fitness Center, Buckner Physical Fitness Center, Food Operations, Laundry, and Arctic Chill Club. The Warfighter and Family Service Flight includes: Child Development Centers, Military Child Education Program (School Liaisons), Outreach Programs (Family Child Care, Central Registration and Outreach Programs), Youth Programs (youth and teen centers, SKIES and SAP), Eagle Family Center (ACS), and Willow Military & Family Center (MFRC).

The Community Services Flight includes: Equipment Rental Centers, the Seward JBER Recreation Camp, Outdoor Adventure Programs, Hillberg Ski Area, Dyea Ski Hill, Information, Tickets and Travel, family recreation campgrounds (Otter Lake and Family Camp), Paradise Cuts, Paradise Café, Polar Bowl, Eagleglen Golf Course, Moose Run Golf Courses, Equestrian Center, Arctic Oasis Community Center, Warrior Zone, Skeet Range, Aero Club Flight Training Center and the Arts and Crafts Centers, which includes framing, auto hobby centers, ceramics, resale, and engraving programs.

The Force Development Flight consists of the Air Force Education and Training, Library, and Professional Development.

Clubs:
Arctic Chill is located in the basement of The Warrior Zone (Building 655). The Arctic Chill is a great location for fun, parties, and other events. We specialize in Football Frenzy during football season. The summer brings outside parties with our seating area outdoors. The Chill can do special food events with catering available. Visit the website for details: www.elmendorf-richardson.com

Membership card holders for the clubs will be happy to know there is a 10 percent FSS benefit card in place at JBER for clubs. The Cave, located at the Arctic Warrior Events Center, Building 9387, is available for special events, commanders' calls, and private parties. Call 384-7619. Club card transfers and other card issues are handled at the Admin Office, Building 8124, JBER-Elmendorf.

Elmendorf Fitness Center
The spacious 107,000-square foot fitness center is located at 9510 22nd St. The facility offers three full-length basketball courts; six racquetball courts; and a 9,000-square-foot weight room that includes 54 weight machines, 98 pieces of plate loaded/benches and eight dumbbell sets from 5 to 150 pounds. There are three specialized training areas with 162 treadmills, cross-trainers, upright/recumbent bikes, and stepmills/steppers. Stretching and sit-up areas are available as well as a boxing room. A 1/10th-mile indoor, running track with Olympic-quality running surface and banked corners was added with the renovation. The track has been certified for physical training testing. Aerobic conditioning includes 27 classes per week in spinning, circuit training, kick boxing, water aerobics and step aerobics. Other classes offered include yoga, fitball core conditioning, and Pilates. The locker rooms have new stadium lockers with two lockable areas to secure your valuables with 133 lockers in the women's locker room and 212 in the men's locker room. There are saunas available in both locker rooms.

The fitness center is also the point of contact for all intramural, extramural, and varsity sports. The center even has a 25-yard, seven-lane swimming pool that features open and lap swim times, a youth swim team, and swim lessons for infants through adults. A giant slide, diving board and other pool equipment is available to create a fun atmosphere for everyone. Outdoor fitness facilities include a football/soccer field, and two softball fields. Call 552-5353 for more information.

Buckner Physical Fitness Center
Buckner Physical Fitness Center, Building 690, is located at Sixth and D streets on JBER-Richardson. It offers a six-lane, 25-yard indoor swimming pool with a three-meter platform, onemeter diving board, water slide and hot tub. It also offers three basketball/volleyball courts, two racquetball courts, water aerobics, yoga, karate classes, two circuit weight training areas, free-weight area and a wide variety of cardiovascular exercise machines. Sauna and steam rooms are available in both men's and women's locker rooms. Four tanning booths, massage therapy and certified personal trainers are available on a fee basis. The equipment issue counter and staff can meet most equipment needs within the fitness center. Also available are various items for resale, including weight training, racquetball and swimming equipment and specialized fitness drinks.

The sports office conducts a complete intramural sports program for Soldiers, which includes 29 sports events for men and women in the annual Commander's Cup competition. The fitness center operates year-round and includes the more popular seasonal sports like flag football, basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, racquetball, swimming and broomball. The pool offers various swimming classes for adults and children including water aerobics, swim lessons and a swim team. Other programs include lap swim, military trainingrelated activities, family pool parties and private pool party reservations. For more information, call 384-1308 (front desk), 384- 1304/1306 (sports office) or 384-1301 (pool office).

The fitness center is open Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pool hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Youth Programs
JBER youth programs help active duty military personnel and DoD civilians perform their duties more effectively, with confidence that their children are in good care. Diversified youth programs provide opportunities for youth to develop their physical, social, emotional and cognitive abilities and to experience achievement, leadership, enjoyment, friendship and recognition.

Kennecott Youth Center
Kids will be kids, and the Kennecott Youth Center, at 6104 Carswell Ave., seeks to make the experience as fun and rewarding as possible for preteens ages 9 through 12. The trained staff has designed programming with preteens in mind to give them a safe and positive outlet for their free time. Sports programs include baseball, flag football, basketball, cheerleading, indoor and outdoor soccer, girls softball, gymnastics, dance, and Tae Kwon Do. Other programs at the youth center include field trips, open recreation, camp-ins, dances, clubs, arts and crafts, games, holiday events, the Family Easter Eggstravaganza, and much more. For information, call the Youth Center at 552-KIDS or 552-2266.

Ketchikan School Age Program
JBER-Elmendorf Children in kindergarten through sixth grade can take advantage of a School Age Program located at 7163 11th St. It offers before- and after-school care during the school year. The School Age Program also offers a summer camp program to provide care for the children of working parents. All-day camps are also provided for non-school days and school break periods over Christmas and spring break. Call 552-5091 for more information.

School-Age Services JBER-Richardson
School-Age Services provides before- and after-school care programs for school-age children when school is not in session. Care is offered from 6 to 8:30 a.m. and 3 to 5:30 p.m. when school is in session, and 6 to 5:30 p.m. for teacher in-service days, school closure days and school vacations.

All SAS programs are developmental and recreational in nature with activities ranging from field trips to homework assistance, as well as the opportunity to develop new friends. Drop-in and daily care is also available in all programs for families who do not need monthly care. Breakfast and an afternoon snack are served during the school year with lunch served during full-day sessions. Parents and youth are welcome to visit the program at any time. Fees are based on family income. Registration for the program is though Central Registration.

SAS provides escort to and from school with transportation provided on bad-weather days. SAS also offers a wonderful camp program in the summer known as Camp Hoowah. For more information on SAS call 384-1068.

Teen Center-JBER-Elmendorf
As today's teens are becoming more independent, it's important for them to have a place they can call their own. The Elmendorf Teen Center provides teens with the opportunity to participate in positive programming based around their creativity and aspirations. The center is located in the Arctic Oasis Community Center at 9497 20th St. and offers activities, clubs, skateboarding, field trips and a newly renovated soundproof music center. There is also computer and Internet access, opportunities to earn funding for college, and plenty of space to just chill with friends. Call 753-2371 for more information.

Two Rivers Youth Center JBER-Richardson
Youth Services (YS) offers a wide variety of programs to meet the social, recreational, physical and cognitive development needs of youth and teens.

Youth Services is a member of the Boys and Girls Club of America and has national affiliations with BGCAs all across the country and overseas.

Contact YS for detailed program information at 384-1508. The sports program offers health and nutrition workshops, sports clinics and both intramural and group sport activities. These include tee ball, baseball, softball, indoor and outdoor soccer, basketball and cheerleading, along with a wide variety of adventure activities such as rock climbing and white-water rafting.

The arts, leisure and recreation program at both posts includes arts and crafts, and offers a snack bar. The SKIES (School of Knowledge Instruction) Program has ballet, gymnastics, jujitsu, guitar, piano, and hula instruction. YS is famous Army-wide for its excellent Outdoor Adventure Program, which provides two ski and snowboard weeklong camps during Christmas and spring break, and weekly off-post adventure camps during the summer to fishing sites, kayaking and rafting areas, as well as rock climbing and backpacking locations.

Youth Services staff makes sure all inbound youth feel welcome; they also manage the college scholarship search program and work with teens in special programs such as Teen Discovery and job fairs, as well as assisting the Torch and Teen Supreme Clubs as they plan future programs and community events. Additional activities include Rent-a-Youth, Promise Passport (a youth volunteer initiative), arts and crafts, dances, cookouts, field trips, workforce preparation and sports and game competitions.

The Youth Center, on the corner of 6th and Dyea streets (Building 297) houses a large gymnasium, computer lab, teen room, snack bar and three activity rooms for arts and crafts and other programs. The outside grounds feature areas for picnics, soccer, basketball and many other activities on the lawn or in the gazebo. A Challenge (Ropes) Course with both high and low elements is located across the street from the youth center. YS also has a state-of-the-art computer lab and homework center that offers tutoring for youth in grades 7 to 12.

Outreach Services
Outreach Services offers a variety of child care support services for families and agencies of the community. An element of OS is the Central Registration Office, which provides a onestop center where parents can enroll children ages six weeks through 5 years of age, for programs offered by CYP. For safety and health purposes, children and youth of all ages must enroll before use of this service.

Staff members are available to help parents determine which programs can best meet their family's needs. For those parents needing off-post child care, the Central Registration staff can offer information and referral services.

For information regarding enrollment procedures or any other OS information, call 384-7483. The Central Registration Office is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Children with special medical or educational concerns are referred to the Special Needs Assessment Accommodation Process prior to being allowed to attend CY programs. The primary function of the SNAP team is to ensure each child is placed in the environment that most appropriately meets all of his/her needs. Special emphasis is placed on providing consistent care for each child in a safe, healthy, non-restrictive environment. Parents are invited to attend and participate in the team meeting scheduled to review the child's needs. The EFMP Coordinator and the Army Public Health Nurse are integral members of this team.

Short-Term Alternate Child Care programs and Special Child Care Openings can be made available to meet the surge child care needs of the community. Surge care is provided when an excessive number of children need care during a specific time period, such as during a community meeting like the Army Family Action Plan conference or during a special unit function. The OS director will work with the unit or agency to meet special unit childcare needs during most functions, such as a unit ball or field day. For information, call the OS director at 384-7484.

Volunteer Child Care in the Unit Setting provides training for unit members who volunteer to provide child care during Family Support Group meetings, fundraisers and other unit functions. Training should be requested at least four weeks prior to the anticipated need date unless it is an emergency. The Central Registration Office also maintains a teenage babysitter referral list. Sitters must be at least 13 years of age and must complete babysitter training prior to being placed on the referral list. CYP instructional Programs provide teenage babysitter training classes several times each year. If space is available, youth as young as 11 years of age may participate in the training. However, they will not be included on the referral list until after their 13th birthday.

Arctic Oasis Community Center
The Arctic Oasis Community Center, located at 9497 20th St., provides a meeting place for a host of activities, including table tennis, foosball, video games, pool, darts, board games, micro golf, an indoor archery range, an indoor skate park, indoor playgrounds for big and small children, full swing golf, and a 24-foot rock climbing wall. The center also features Nautilus equipment, stair steppers, treadmills, and lifecycles. The center provides a location for the Teen Center; Information, Tickets and Travel; the Paradise Café; and Paradise Cuts.

The center has yearly activities for the entire family, such as Breakfast with Santa, the Fall Fest, the Holiday Photo Shoot, Holiday Card Contest, Mission Audition for Tops in Blue and more. Many classes are offered throughout the year for the entire family or the military member such as martial arts, music, dance-belly or ballroom, circuit training, and piano lessons. The Ballooney Bin is a specialty balloon service located within the Arctic Oasis Community Center offering a wide variety of extra special balloons. Choose from five special bouquets or create your own. There are more than 60 special Mylar balloons to choose from, as well as a wide variety of latex balloons. The "Hut" resale store features collectible logo items.

If keeping in touch with those far and near through email is your cup of tea, then the Cyber Café is the place to be. The café has computers with online access to any net-based personal email account. While the computers are an excellent means of keeping in contact with others, they are also a great way to browse the Internet for research or for fun. Call the center at 552-8529 for more information.

Outdoor Recreation Center-JBER-Elmendorf
The Outdoor Recreation Program has recreational activities, equipment and services for everyone. It is located at 7301 13th St.

The large Outdoor Recreation Center offers both winter and summer recreational items for a nominal fee. You can choose from items such as fishing gear, picnic supplies, cross-country skis, camping accessories, campers, sleds, snow blowers and ice skates.

The center is open seven days a week during the summer. Winter hours vary go to www.elmendorf-richardson.com for current hours and information. Before renting boats and motors, people must take a boating safety course. The courses are offered through the Outdoor Recreation Center.

The Outdoor Adventure Program prides itself on scheduling trips to meet specific customer needs. Beginner through advanced excursions are available for a variety of activities. OAP provides day, overnight, and extended stay trips in canoeing, kayaking, rafting, fishing, biking, hiking, All-Terrain Vehicle riding and float fishing. Gear is provided for most OAP trips. The Outdoor Recreation Program also encompasses several other facilities on base. The recreational vehicle storage lots are maintained by the staff. Six Mile Lake has boats available to rent as part of the program. The family campground located by the base hospital is part of the Outdoor Recreation Program. Call 552-2023 for more information.

Before renting boats and motors, people must take a boating safety course. The courses are offered through the Outdoor Recreation Center.

The Outdoor Adventure Program prides itself on scheduling trips to meet specific customer needs. Beginners through advanced excursions are available for a variety of activities. OAP provides day, overnight, and extended stay trips in canoeing, kayaking, rafting, fishing, biking, hiking, All-Terrain Vehicle riding and float fishing. Gear is provided for most OAP trips. The Outdoor Recreation Program also encompasses several other facilities on base. The recreational vehicle storage lots are maintained by the staff. Six Mile Lake has boats available to rent as part of the program. The family campground located by the base hospital is part of the Outdoor Recreation Program. Call 552-2023 for more information.

Skiing/Snowboarding,
Ice Skating and Tubing
JBER-Richardson's Dyea Ski Hill is located on Dyea Street behind Building 470. The ski hill includes a towrope and adjacent cross-country trails. Inner tubes, ice skates, crosscountry, downhill skiing and snowboarding equipment are available for rent. Dyea opens for the ski season around Nov. 15, depending on snowfall, and closes at the end of March, depending on weather conditions. There are also many off-post ski resorts and cross-country trails. Call 384-2960 for information.

The Hillberg Ski Area, located at 23400 41st St., is nestled on the back side of the base and features beginner to intermediate slopes with a dual chairlift, sledding tow and a handle tow. A spacious lodge offers a lounge with a fireplace, snack bar and ski rental section. A small pro shop provides goods such as hats, goggles, gloves and accessories. Certified technicians can take care of all your ski gear maintenance needs.

Hillberg offers skiing and snowboarding lessons by appointment. Lessons are catered to meet the needs of the customers. Our goal is to get the skier on the hill to enjoy skiing. The ski area is open from November to March.

Cross-country skiing enthusiasts will find about 11.5 miles of marked and groomed cross-country ski trails traversing the Eagleglen Golf Course in the winter. The trails are groomed on top of our cart paths at Eagleglen. Pet owners must leave their pets at home and skiers are required to stay on the groomed trails. Lessons are available through Outdoor Recreation. An ice skating rink, ice fishing, and a tubing hill with its own lift system are also available at Hillberg.

Down-hill ski equipment is available to rent at the hill as a daily, weekly or seasonal rental. Skis are available for the entire family. Snowboarding equipment is also available. Limited ice skates are available to rent at Hillberg and Outdoor Rec.

Equestrian Center
The center provides modern stables for privately owned horses, located next to the Hillberg Ski Area. The facility has 18 stalls with paddocks, hay and grain storage, secure tack room, large outdoor lighted arena, schooling arena, hot-walker, hunt course, pastures and endless trails. Also, Western and English class shows are held frequently. The Midnight Sun Trail Riders Club is open to active-duty and retired military, their families and certain Department of Defense and government civilian employees. For more information on our center contact the Outdoor Recreation Center at 552-4599/4838/2023.

Seward Air Force Recreation Camp
The scenic 125-mile trek to Seward is worth the drive alone and features mountains, rivers and lakes lining the road to the quaint little harbor town on Resurrection Bay. The camp offers rental cabins, recreational vehicle parking spaces with electrical hookups, and camper and tent sites. Seward Air Force Recreation Camp is located just up the road from downtown Seward.

The camp lodge is being renovated and will be undergoing renovations until 2014, when the new lodge will be completed. There are showers, a fish house, and freezer facilities on location to use.

Wildlife is abundant in the bay: leaping porpoises and whales, colorful puffins, adorable sea otters, playful sea lions, majestic eagles, agile mountain sheep and reclusive bears are just some of the animals that may be seen.

The area surrounding Seward is adorned with lakes, rivers, hiking trails, campgrounds and picnic areas. The recreation camp operates from May to September. Brochures and other information is available at www.elmendorfrichardson. com. Reservations may be made for all authorized personnel by calling the Seward office at (907) 224-5425 or DSN (317) 552-5526 during the open season and limited hours during the winter months. Check the website for details.

Seward Military Resort
The Seward Resort is an affordable retreat for military, retirees, National Guard, Reserves, DoD civilian employees, their families and guests. The resort has 56 motel rooms, 12 townhouses, a log cabin, six yurts and 40 RV sites. It's open yearround, seven days a week and reservations can be made up to one year in advance.

The resort is 125 miles south of Anchorage on the beautiful Kenai Peninsula, just inside the city limits of Seward and adjacent to Resurrection Bay. It is accessible by car, RV, (approximately a two-and-a-half hour drive from Anchorage), the Alaska Railroad, cruise ship and charter flights.

En route, you'll travel the Seward Highway, a "National Scenic Byway" famous for scenic views along Turnagain Arm. Watch for moose, Dall sheep, beluga whales, bald eagles, black bear and the many glaciers tucked in and around the Chugach Mountains.

The magnificent Kenai Fjords National Park and the incredible natural beauty of the Chugach National Forest surround the Seward Resort. While visiting the resort, tour spectacular Resurrection Bay, gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, on our eight-hour wildlife and glacier cruise to Holgate Glacier. Look for majestic bald eagles, colorful tufted and horned puffins, mountain goats and a variety of seabird colonies. Enjoy a deli-style lunch while watching for Alaska's famous marine mammals: killer whales, humpback whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters and Dall's porpoises.

Anglers can book deep-sea charter fishing adventures and experience the thrill of fishing in the Gulf of Alaska while enjoying the unique beauty of the Alaska coastline. Fishing charters and glacier cruises operate daily from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

Discount tickets are also available for a variety of the best activities the area has to offer. Summer amenities include the Freedom Fighters' Bar & Grill; 40 RV sites with water, electrical, and cable TV hookups, six yurts (12-foot, round-framed tents); a covered picnic pavilion with a large grill, a playground, fish house and freezer, showers and laundry facilities. Winter recreation includes snow machine rentals, backcountry tours, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, winter bay cruises and dog mushing. Seabolt Hall is available to rent for conferences, weddings, banquets and holiday parties. The Alaska SeaLife Center is a short drive from the resort in downtown Seward. For resort reservations, call (907) 224-2654/2659, or (800) 770-1858. Visit the website at www.sewardresort.com.

Valdez Glacier Campground
The Valdez Glacier Campground is located in scenic Valdez. Operated though Fort Greely's Outdoor Recreation program; the campground is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Valdez is approximately 260 miles south of Fort Greely. The campground is located at the base of the Chugach Mountains beneath the famous Valdez Glacier. The glacier run-off provides a beautiful waterfall that cascades into a crystal clear creek. Visitors to the campground will be struck by its beauty and grandeur. Campers can watch mountain goats graze on the steep slopes overlooking the campground. Amenities include 70 standard camp sites, 14 pull through sites, 13 RV pads with electric, sewer and water hook-ups, and well as eight Rental RVs with full hook-ups. Coin operated shower facilities are also available.

Each site has a picnic table and fire grill. A covered pavilion and two day-use areas are available to all patrons. Six outhouses and garbage dumpsters are provided. We have a full stock of rental equipment on site including tents, sleeping bags, bikes and more.

Pets are welcomed in the campground on leashes but are not allowed in the rental RVs. The MWR fishing boat is also available during the summer season and operates out of the Valdez small boat harbor. Valid Alaska fishing licenses are required for all persons above the age of 12 participating in a fishing trip.

For all trips there is a minimum of four and a maximum of six people per trip. Sightseeing trips are booked only upon the availability of the boat and may not be reserved in advance. The campground is open to the public, however military and affiliates receive discounted rates. Fishing trips and rental RV's are available to military and affiliates only. For resort reservations, call (907) 873-4058, or (907) 322-1930. Visit the website at www.fortgreelymwr.com/glacierview.aspx.

Outdoor Recreation-JBER Richardson
The military in Alaska are well known to be avid adventurers. The command has a wide variety of equipment for those who want to be outdoors; from fishing, skiing and camping gear to ice augers (for cutting holes for ice fishing) and trailers, service members and family members can challenge the outdoors at a moderate price.

The Recreation Equipment Issue Office (REI) is at the Outdoor Recreation Center (Building 794). Boater safety training (mandatory for motorboat rental), life jackets, fishing rods, hip boots, tents, stoves, bouncy houses, and camping gear are all available, as well as snow machines. For more information, call 384-1476/1475.

Boat Rentals
The installation rents boats and canoes, but anyone wanting to rent these boats must attend the boating safety course. Boaters in Alaska must give special consideration to the water temperature, generally in the 40-degree range, and to the tides, which can have a difference of more than 20 feet. For ocean-going boats, riverboats and canoe rentals at the Outdoor Recreation Center; call 384-1475.

Lakes
The Otter Lake complex is a picturesque outdoor recreation area nestled amid spruce and birch trees, boasting a beautiful view of the mountains. It is an ideal place for unit and family parties, picnics and camping. The focal point of Otter Lake is a lodge overlooking the lake and the Chugach Mountain range. The lodge is available for parties throughout the year and may be reserved by calling the reservation office at 384-1475 or 384-1476. The issue hut rents rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats for use on the lake during the summer. When the lake freezes in winter, it becomes a fantastic spot for skating and ice fishing. Also available at Otter Lake are rental cabins overlooking the lake.

Other lakes open for fishing include: Sixmile and Hillberg lakes on the JBER-Elmendorf side and Clunie, Gwenn and Waldon lakes on the JBER-Richardson side. For lakes all other than Otter on the JBER-Richardson side, you'll need a Recreational Access Pass. To obtain a RAP, visit the visitor center at the Richardson Gate.

Paintball Field
The Warrior Extreme paintball facility has a 2.5-acre wooded course offering training for conceal and cover techniques. This facility is also offered to our military community for great recreational fun. The field opens in-early May and closes in September or when the weather turns. The field is located just past Otter Lake Boat Facility. For more information please call 384-1476 or 384-2645.

Information, Tickets and Travel
Information, Tickets and Travel is a full-service leisure travel office that also has information on tours and activities in and around Anchorage. ITT is located at 9497 20th St. in the Arctic Oasis Community Center. Services include information on air reservations, car reservations, hotel accommodations, tours and cruises. Among the many opportunities offered, usually at a discount, are Alyeska Ski Area tram and lift tickets, Hilltop Ski Area tickets, movie passes, Seward cruises, Alaska Railroad tickets, Anchorage Museum tickets, Alaska Native Heritage Center tickets, and many more leisure attractions. If you're planning a vacation in Alaska or the Lower 48, visit ITT for tickets and travel information. Travel services can also be accessed at www.aftravelonline.com for those who want to take advantage of ITT's services from the convenience of home. For more information, call (907) 753-2378 or DSN (317) 552-0297.

Family Camp
The Family Camp is a campground area located on base near the hospital. It has 60 camper spaces, 10 tent sites and an overflow area. Electric and water hookups are available. Pets are allowed, and there is a camp host on site, should you have any questions or need any assistance during your stay. Facilities include laundry, playground, sewage dump and showers. The camp operates from May to September. No advance reservations are taken.

JBER-Richardson Arts and Craft/Auto Shop
The Arts and Auto Crafts facility is centrally located in Building 755, at the corner of Second and D streets. It is open Thursday and Friday from noon to 9 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The facility includes a wood shop with numerous power tools and various woods for sale. The multi-craft shop includes equipment for creating ceramics, pottery, clay items, stained glass and fine arts.

The picture-framing shop allows for frame-it-yourself and custom framing with molding, glass and a colorful selection of matte boards for sale at reasonable rates. Framing classes are held weekly. The Engraving Shop is available for custom orders, awards and name tags. The sales store offers equipment and supplies for almost any artistic endeavor. Assistance and advice is available from our well-trained and friendly staff members. Classes and one-on-one instruction are provided. For more information and schedules of events, call 384-3717.

Aero Club
The best way to get out and see "The Great Land" is by air, and the best way to get airborne is with the Aero Club. No matter if it's hunting, fishing, flight-seeing, or training, the Aero Club is the best choice on "getting there." The Aero Club is an FAA certified flight training center (FTC) and provides aircraft rental opportunities for the recreational pilot. The club is located in Building 10-286 Taxiway P in Hangar 7. The Aero Club offers services similar to a full-service Fixed- Base Operator. Membership in the Aero Club allows a person to use the airplanes and facilities to pursue general aviation interests. Currently the Aero Club fleet consists of: Three Cessna 172's, one Cessna 182, one Cessna 172RG (retractable gear) and one Cessna 172 floatplane. These are all four place aircraft. The club also has a Piper Seneca II six-seat twin engine aircraft. The fleet is available for recreational flying and flight training.

The Aero Club also offers services to those members who own aircraft. Some of these member services include: Tiedowns, 24-hour fuel availability and a heated hangar for winter pre-heating.

The Flight Training Center (FTC) offers flight and ground training from Private Pilot through Airline Transport Pilot and offers single engine seaplane training. The Flight School is a Federal Aviation Regulations part 141 FTC authorized for education benefits by the Veteran's Administration (G.I. Bill), Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA) and Alaska Student Loan Program. More detailed information is provided on the Aero Club website: http://elmendorfaeroclub.com.

Polar Bowl
The Polar Bowl is located at 7176 Fighter Dr., across the street from the North Star Inn. It is the largest bowling center in the Air Force and is the only bowling center for Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. It offers 40 lanes with automatic scorers, lockers, an A&W and a Godfather's Pizza. Xtreme bowling is available for family fun. Other weekly events include Pizza and Pin Sunday's, Dollar Days, 2-for-1 Night, Spin-to-Win, Unlimited Bowling, and more. Also, come and check out the drink specials at The Igloo lounge, located in the center. The "NEW" PolArcade offers such fun arcade games like Deal or No Deal, Big Buck Hunter, GoldZone, NASCAR Racer and more for the kids to enjoy while mom and dad are bowling!

The Polar Bowl also offers a variety of league bowling, including mixed doubles, intramurals, and children's leagues. Open bowling is available seven days a week, with lunchtime and monthly specials. Bowling tournaments are scheduled throughout the year and packages are available for birthday parties. For more information, call us at 753-PINS.

Moose Run Golf Courses
The Moose Run Golf Course has two 18-hole courses, making Moose Run the "Northernmost 36-Hole Golf Course in the World."

Moose Run's original 18 holes is the Hill Course, constructed in 1952 as a 9-hole course with an additional 9-holes added in 1955. This wooded course has spruce and birch trees, and was rated by "Golf Digest" as the third "Best in State" in 1995-96 and 1997-98.

The Creek Course was built with the most up-to-date construction techniques. This 7,324-yard, par-72, 18-hole course crosses Ship Creek several times, offering challenging golf and incredible views of the Chugach Mountains. The Creek Course has been ranked among the top 10 military golf courses worldwide, as well as being ranked number one in the state of Alaska. In addition to the playing courses, Moose Run offers a driving range, three practice putting greens, a chipping green and two short-iron hitting areas. The clubhouse has a large deck offering unrestricted views of Mount Susitna and the 18th hole of the Hill Course, a snack bar, fully stocked golf shop and rental clubs, carts and cars. The facility typically opens in mid-May and closes between late-September and mid-October Moose Run is located east of the main gate on Arctic Valley Road. For more information, call 428-0056.

Eagleglen Golf Course
Eagleglen is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed Golf Course. Opening in 1972, the 18-hole, par-72 track has been ranked by Golf Digest as the "Best in the State" numerous times. The course is conveniently located near the Post Road Gate, just minutes from Downtown Anchorage. The golf shop features top of the line equipment from all of the major manufacturers and will match most advertised prices from the Internet. Our fleet of golf carts utilizes a state-of-the-art GPS system for course navigation that provides useful information whether it is your first time to Eagleglen or you are a recurring customer. Eagleglen provides golf instruction to all ages and abilities in both an individual and group setting. We are host to several local AGA events and USGA qualifiers, corporate events and our own Eagleglen-sponsored events. Eagleglen hosts the Eagle's Nest café that is a full service snack-bar and has a variety of menu items for all palettes.

Off-Road Trail
An off-road trail system for ATVs and BMX motorcycles is located on the north side of the Davis Highway. When riding, always watch for hikers and wildlife. Remember to stay off the cross-country ski trails in the winter. Permits for an ATV may be obtained at the Richardson Gate visitor's center. For more information, call 384-2961. Fishing and hunting permits are also available at the visitor's center.

Black Spruce Park is at Quarter-Mile Loop Road on the way to the picturesque backwoods of JBER-Richardson. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to service members who need accommodations due to PCS moves. The park is open May through September. There are 45 sites with complete hookups and tent camping, and sites are equipped with barbecue pits and picnic tables. Full RV hookups are provided; the camp also has shower and laundry facilities and a playground. For more information and reservations, call the Outdoor Recreation Office at 384-1475/1476.

Skeet, Trap and Archery Ranges
Shooting sports in Alaska provide Service Members and family members a healthy, fun way to stay sharp, enjoy the outdoors and share important time together. The installation provides intramural and recreational leagues, shoots sponsored by the National Skeet Shooters Association and plain old 'fun' shoots. Our ranges are equipped with outdoor lights to keep the fun happening year-round. Shotgun sales, reloading equipment, gun rentals and shooting supplies are available, as well as a five-stand, sporting-clays range at both posts. The range is located on the Davis Highway. Four skeet and two trap ranges are on site, as well as a snack bar. An archery range with 10-, 20-, 30- and 40-yard target boxes is available for use (field points only). Target rentals are available from the skeet range or you can use your own. For schedule and information, call 384-1480.

Ice Rinks
Buckner Physical Fitness Center has a lighted outdoor ice-skating rink located behind the gym. There is another Ice Rink located on JBER-Elmendorf, directly behind Kashim Club and Ketchikan School Age Program, maintained in the winter with lights.

Warrior Zone-JBER-Richardson
The Warrior Zone, located on JBER-Richardson is for adults 18 years old and older. The facility, located in Building 655, includes a Cyber Zone with free Internet access, 14 gaming computers, 15 business computers, a pool table/gaming room, arcades, a home theater room, three private TV rooms, TV gaming room to support PlayStation 2 and 3, X-Box, X-Box 360 consoles, and extensive movie and game check-out is available.