Club memberships hold many benefits

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kylsee Wisseman
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Air Force clubs could soon become a thing of the past. Without enough members and under the Air Force's current fiscal constraints, they will disappear slowly.

Becoming a club member not only supports club operations but all other force support squadron non appropriated fund recreational activities as well.

"For example, if more Airmen became club members, we could possibly generate enough revenue through the club system enabling the club to help support the swimming pool operations on Dyess," said Manzel McGhee, Dyess Event Center and Hangar Center Commons manager.

Club memberships support many of the services provided on base including the auto skills shop, outdoor recreation, arts and crafts center, bowling center and golf course. Additionally, they have added benefits like special discounts at force support squadron facilities and receiving 10 percent off food and beverages they sell.

"Becoming a club member provides a revenue stream toward hosting bigger and better events to help boost morale, welfare and readiness," McGhee said. "By supporting the club, you're supporting your force support squadron activities that are provided to you."

McGhee also noted that he urges Dyess Airmen to become members and make use of all the benefits available. He included that it would help bring bigger and better events to Dyess.

"If 50 percent of the base populace became club members, the club would be operating in a much better financial state," McGhee added. "This would allow us to enhance our programming and provide more reinvestment opportunities into other force support squadron activities."

Since Dyess has had to shut down other clubs, other morale, readiness, and welfare services are threatened.

"I feel that it should be a strong obligation for Airmen who aren't members to join and support the expectations of our leadership," said Bob Sayer, 7th Bomb Wing community support coordinator. "It makes me sad to see that Airmen do not want to support the club because we are losing a part of the rich heritage that makes the Air Force and Dyess Air Force Base unique."

Club membership fees range from $3-$7 for enlisted personnel and $17 for officers and civilians on a monthly basis.

"Airmen can pay their dues monthly, quarterly, bi-annually and annually," McGhee said.

"The morale, welfare, and readiness services that are supported by our membership support activities that younger Airmen use as a replacement for what they gave up to join and serve in the Air Force," Sayer said. "We owe them the best support we can give them. In some small way, I believe my membership helps."

For more information on how to become a club member or new services provided, contact Manzel McGhee at (325)696-4305 or (325)696-2405.