Getting connected, earning promotion points with BOSS

By Mr. Karl Weisel (IMCOM)July 14, 2015

Getting connected, earning promotion points with BOSS
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Getting connected, earning promotion points with BOSS
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Getting connected, earning promotion points with BOSS
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WIESBADEN, Germany - Many single service members feel disconnected, alienated or overwhelmed by an overseas duty assignment. Finding one's way around, making new friends and discovering the intricacies of a new culture all take initiative, time and energy.

That's where Wiesbaden's Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers comes into play.

"BOSS helps build esprit de corps and a good foundation where single service members feel comfortable to be around new people," said Sgt. Julia King, Wiesbaden BOSS president and a member of the 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment.

"A lot of people don't have their families with them overseas," said King.

"It's intimidating to get out there," added Spc. Daniella Canal, BOSS vice president and assigned to the Wiesbaden Health Clinic. "No one wants to be stuck in the barracks not knowing what to do."

"BOSS can help," King explained. "We help build a little family overseas."

As her first duty station overseas, Canal said getting involved with BOSS has helped make her feel connected to her greater community. "Germany isn't just a place to serve; I feel a part of it now."

"Help us help you," said King, explaining that the Wiesbaden BOSS team is always open to new ideas.

A bi-monthly BOSS meeting, held at 3 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the Warrior Zone on Clay Kaserne, gives single and unaccompanied service members the opportunity to voice their opinions about programs, services and other aspects of the military impacting their lives. Unit representatives share BOSS news and issues with their fellow unit members.

"It's all about communicating -- just trying to get the word out," said Canal.

A new Wiesbaden BOSS pilot program saw members headed to Austria in June to participate in a Life Skills Survival Course.

"We're the first BOSS program to do this," said Stevan Eclavea, Wiesbaden BOSS and Warrior Zone program manager. "We put our heads together and came up with the program -- showing members how to survive in the wild on their own."

Eclavea said he received "excellent feedback" on the trip from the BOSS members and hopes it will be adopted theater-wide.

Besides contributing to nearly every event that occurs in the Wiesbaden military community -- volunteering at monthly runs, helping out at the German-American Friendship Fest, bringing presents to young cancer victims at the Mainz Children's Cancer Clinic during the holidays -- BOSS members also enjoy a wealth of fun activities and trips.

"It's kind of like a circle," said King, about community involvement. Besides helping Soldiers earn valuable promotion points through volunteering, close networking with local organizations generates special benefits such as a recent trip to a men's World Cup soccer game where BOSS witnessed the United States victory over host Germany.

"We got tickets donated by Child, Youth and School Services," Eclavea said, "and our members experienced the thrill of U.S.-German soccer and German-American friendship. Soldiers made comments such as 'this is a dream.'"

In the coming weeks BOSS members can look forward to competing in the BOSS Paint Ball Championship July 25, a deep seas fishing and scuba diving trip to Croatia on Aug. 6, a free BOSS/USO Taco Night Aug. 27, Call of Duty Tournament Sept. 12 and a free BOSS/USO Italian Dinner Sept. 24.

"I love the program," said King. "It's very good for Soldiers. I think it's a big privilege to be a part of the program -- networking and getting to know the different organizations."

"I get the satisfaction of giving back and helping guide Soldiers as they advance in the military," added Eclavea. "It's an honor to work with BOSS -- to help keep Soldiers on the right track to success."

To get involved with the Wiesbaden BOSS program, stop by the Warrior Zone in Clay Kaserne's Building 1214, attend a BOSS meeting or call civ (0611) 143-548-9816. (Karl Weisel writes for the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Marketing Office)

Related Links:

Wiesbaden BOSS