BOSS lines up fun summer activities

By Michael Norris, Pentagram Assistant EditorAugust 6, 2013

BOSS lines up fun summer activities
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - With a new president at its helm, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall's Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program has lined up a series of recreational activities for the remainder of the summer.

Staff Sgt. Daniel Hood, the operations NCOIC for the regimental aid station at the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), was elected president of JBM-HH's BOSS in May, replacing Spc. Erika Williams, who served for two years.

On Aug. 22, BOSS is slated to hold a laser tag event from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Ultrazone facility in Falls Church, Va.

A paint ball competition is also in the works for this summer, said LeRoy Harris, BOSS civilian adviser, but the organization is waiting to hear back from Henderson Hall's Single Marine program to lock in a date that works for both organizations.

Hunter said BOSS will hold a Soldier Appreciation Day Aug. 30, from noon to 5 p.m. in Spates Community Club. The event will include a performance by The U.S. Army Band's Downrange popular music ensemble, a talent show with an open microphone, games, prizes and other entertainment.

"Out of all our events, the biggest event will be Soldier Appreciation Day," Harris said, explaining that based on previous years' attendance, he expects 200-300 people. He said various games would be a highlight of the event, including horse shoes, card games and volleyball.

An overnight group trip to New York City will take place sometime in September. Hood said the trip is likely to have 50 slots, and will include scheduled group activities like a tour of "ground zero" where the 9/11 terrorist attacks took place, as well as unstructured time where groups can break down into smaller units to pursue special interests like theater, museums or sightseeing. Although details are still being worked out, travelers are tentatively scheduled to stay at military lodging in the city.

In previous years, Harris said, BOSS has taken day trips to New York City, where travel time took up the bulk of the excursion. He said the expanded trip would allow participants to do and see more.

Many of the summer events are old favorites, Hood said, "things that soldiers always want to do."

Other events being planned as the summer progresses include trips to an amusement park and community service events. You don't have to be single to participate in BOSS community service events, Hood stipulated. In such cases, "mass participation always helps out," he said.

Hood first became involved with BOSS in 2008 when he was stationed in Japan. Although some couples do pair off in the organization, he said it's not meant to be a dating pool for service members. "The program was put in place to give them something to do," he said.

BOSS is a fraternity of soldiers, Hood explained. "It provides an opportunity to be a mentor to younger soldiers."

For additional details on upcoming BOSS events, call 703-696-3471.