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Giving back to the community like a BOSS

By Alexander GagoDecember 21, 2021

Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) Week 2021 concluded on Dec. 12, as Soldiers took part in various competitive recreational on-post activities and volunteered to serve the local community.

Established in 1989, BOSS is open to all Soldiers of all ranks and ages. Its members are well-respected in the community for the countless hours they dedicate to volunteering.

During Boss Week 2021, members participated in these five competitive recreational activities, one per day: paintball, archery tag, a gaming tourney, trap shooting, and physical fitness, while volunteering for the House of Heroes, a local charitable organization.

BOSS members and House of Heroes volunteers
FORT BENNING, Ga. (Dec. 20, 2021) – BOSS members and House of Heroes volunteers teamed up to complete new outdoor home siding repairs for local Army veteran Clayton Hodge and his wife, Marguerite (center, sitting) during BOSS week 2021. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Alexander Gago) VIEW ORIGINAL

According to Command Sgt. Maj. Brett Johnson, Fort Benning leaders are committed to improving Soldiers’ and their Families’ quality of life.

“Improving the quality of life on the installation is important for all leaders, and this is one way we get after people first,” said Johnson, who went on to stress the importance of community.

“Community is another important aspect of our purpose and calling to serve. It’s important that we give back to our community,” he said.

FORT BENNING, Ga. (Dec. 20, 2021) – U.S. Army Spc. James Labranche, left, and the House of Heroes volunteer attached outdoor fiber siding during BOSS week 2021 and the House of Heroes event on Dec. 12.
FORT BENNING, Ga. (Dec. 20, 2021) – U.S. Army Spc. James Labranche, left, and the House of Heroes volunteer attached outdoor fiber siding during BOSS week 2021 and the House of Heroes event on Dec. 12. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Alexander Gago) VIEW ORIGINAL

“I just volunteered to give back to the community and to use my skills in a positive way,” said U.S. Army Spc. James Labranche, an Army Medic attached to the 194th Armored Brigade and a carpenter by trade from New Hampshire.

Community resident Marguerite Hodge thanked the volunteers for taking time from their weekend to make a difference.

“I want to thank the Soldiers and volunteers who worked on our home. I am so happy we are able to thank my husband (Clayton) for his service to the Army,” said Hodges.

For BOSS president U.S. Army Master Sgt. Mike Kerr, it was a memorable week for our veterans and volunteers alike.

FORT BENNING, Ga. (Dec. 20, 2021) – Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) members assigned to units across Fort Benning pose for a group photo to show their team spirit during the BOSS week 2021 paintball event.
FORT BENNING, Ga. (Dec. 20, 2021) – Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) members assigned to units across Fort Benning pose for a group photo to show their team spirit during the BOSS week 2021 paintball event. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Alexander Gago) VIEW ORIGINAL

“As the BOSS president of Fort Benning, events like this have been by far the most rewarding part of the job. We have the opportunity to get out and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the local veterans living here in our community,” said Kerr.

BOSS meetings are held in the Main Post Recreational Center, 7611 Sightseeing Road, Building 2784, on the third Wednesday of each month.

For more information on Fort Benning’s BOSS program and its upcoming events, visit www.facebook.com/FortBenningBOSS.

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