FORT RUCKER, Ala. (March 13, 2015) -- The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program offers organized recreation for participants, but volunteers also understand the importance of hard work and the value of positively impacting the community.
"It is not about zip-lining through the woods," Command Sgt. Maj. William D. Lohmeyer, Fort Rucker garrison command sergeant major, said. "We are building their leadership skills and sharpening their professionalism. Soldiers get something out of the experience and they have the opportunity to rub elbows with senior NCOs."
According to Lohmeyer, recent and upcoming community service projects have been aimed at boosting the program's visibility among the post and surrounding community.
BOSS volunteers support DFMWR events such as the Travel Extravaganza and Freedom Fest, but they also lend their time to other efforts like a recent outing for Gold Star Families, he added.
"Saturday, a small group of BOSS volunteers and I treated some Gold Star Families to a tour of the simulators in Daleville," Lohmeyer said. "It is a kind of 'Gold Star' day."
Pfc. Goya Kanyinda, 164th Theater Airfield Operations Group, took the reins as Fort Rucker's BOSS program president.
"BOSS is an incredible program for single Soldiers," she said. "I started in the BOSS program as a volunteer, I saw how great of an impact this program had on me and pursued for a council position. I later on earned the position as secretary and ultimately the president.
"I would like for BOSS to be a program to be in a place where more Soldiers are involved. My goal is to educate the Soldiers in the three pillars of BOSS: Quality of Life, Community Service, and Recreation and Leisure," Kanyinda said. "I want the Soldiers to be involved in enhancing their living quarters, contribute to their community, and yet find time to have fun and network with their fellow Soldiers."
Lohmeyer said he shares Kanyinda's sentiment, adding that the program became a personal point of focus when he assumed command sergeant major duties in June.
"I am a single Soldier, myself," he said. "I am at every meeting every Wednesday. It takes a lot to get me to miss that. BOSS is high on my priority list. I like to be involved with them and invested in the things they do. But I also demand the same level of commitment from them.
"Since I became a battalion [command sergeant major], I've tried to turn BOSS into a big brother, big sister program," he added. "When we do events, I try to get other CSMs to volunteer and come out to work with BOSS volunteers. It becomes a mentorship opportunity for these young Soldiers."
BOSS can be an integral tool to help young Soldiers find valuable mentorship, and good direction for their military career and personal life, according to Lohmeyer. "It's more than just a leisurely, volunteer experience. There is quality mentorship to push Soldiers in a positive direction."
According to Kanyinda, the next big BOSS event will be a 32-team dodgeball tournament May 30. Team registration fees generated from the tournament will support future BOSS volunteer projects. More information will be available as the event approaches.
For more information about future events or the BOSS program, visit http://www.ftruckermwr.com/recreation/boss/ or call 255-9810.
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