BOSS improving troops' morale

By Tim Cherry, Belvoir EagleFebruary 9, 2012

The Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers program aims to help single servicemembers enjoy their experience on post.

BOSS leadership encourages and assists members in identifying leisure activities geared towards their desires.

The organization hosts free dinners, movies and game-nights among other events.

BOSS's main target is Department of the Army active-duty single Soldiers, but BOSS activities are open to the National Guard, Army Reserve, the sister services, Department of Defense civilians, foreign service members and geographical bachelors and bachelorettes.

"Soldiers should participate in the program because it enables them to create friendships, and get out of the barracks and do things in the area that wouldn't normally come to mind," said Sgt. Steve Kirrene, Army Cyber Command cyber analyst and president of BOSS, who listed obstacle course competitions, skiing, snowboarding and distance runs as examples of different activities in which the group participates.

Kirrene said Soldiers can also enjoy discounted events throughout the Washington D.C. metro area such as Washington Redskins' home football games.

According to the organization's page on the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation's website, BOSS originated in 1989 to support the recreational needs of single Soldiers in the Army.

The program later expanded to include improving Soldier's community engagement and quality of life.

BOSS members assist in a variety of community service projects on and off post such delivering cookies to single Soldiers during the holidays and volunteering at the installation's golf club.

Quality of life improvement consists of helping Soldiers enhance their morale, living environment, personal growth and development.

Kirrene said one example of BOSS improving the quality of life for Soldiers is that it provides servicemembers a comfortable environment for voicing their complaints about any subject.

These grievances are addressed by the 1st Sgt. Barracks Program, the servicemember's sergeant major and Fort Belvoir Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Berhane.

"Soldiers that feel pressure pursuing problems in the barracks feel more comfortable talking about these issues with their peers, rather than their units," Kirrene said. "We take their complaints and bring them directly to the attention of senior leaders of Fort Belvoir."

As president, Kirrene's goal is to increase the BOSS's membership. Kirrene encourages servicemembers to speak with their unit representative to receive information on upcoming events and how to participate in the program.

"I want to know that every Soldier on Fort Belvoir is aware of the opportunities that BOSS has to give them," Kirrene said.