CHICAGO - Single Fort Riley Soldiers got to celebrate St. Patrick's Day a little early thanks to a trip sponsored by Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers. Twenty-three Soldiers spent March 13-16 in Chicago for the city's annual St. Patrick's Day celebration and parade.

Soldiers from multiple units on Fort Riley were able to see the dyeing of the river, the Sears Tower, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum with Underground Adventure and Real Pirates the untold story of the Whydah, the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, and many other Chicago landmarks for a minimal amount of money.

"The BOSS trip to Chicago was great. Not only did we visit the museums, but we also heavily embraced the local St. Patty's tradition," said Sgt. Arlington Lindskog a squad leader from Troop A, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team." I will recommend BOSS to the Soldiers of my unit for a great escape from day-to-day activities,"

Fort Riley BOSS President Cpl. Winter Young said, "BOSS is the best way the Army has developed to get single Soldiers out of the barracks and into some fun. There is more to do at Fort Riley than hide in your room, or repeat the same thing every weekend. BOSS provides those chances. "

The BOSS program focuses on the active duty single Soldier, but BOSS activities are open to all Soldiers in the National Guard, Army Reserve, other branches of service, Department of Defense civilians and geographic bachelors.

BOSS will be taking a trip to the Topeka Veterans Affairs Hospital April 15 to meet, greet and learn from groups of veterans under the hospital's care. April 24 will be the annual golf tournament, The Rusty Club Classic, at Custer Hill Golf Course. May 10, BOSS will be sky diving with the Kansas State University Parachute Club. May 30, support BOSS Soldiers by stopping by their car wash and having your vehicle detailed.

A few long distance trips are planned for summer. A white water rafting trip is scheduled for June 26-27, and an Orlando trip is scheduled for Aug. 14-17, where Soldiers will get to visit two of the major theme parks there.

For more information on these and other BOSS activities, contact your unit BOSS representative. You can also contact the Fort Riley BOSS president at 785-239-8147.