BOSS celebrates 20 years of service

By DELAWESE FULTON, Fort Jackson LeaderSeptember 3, 2009

BOSS celebrates 20 years of service
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FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson's Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program celebrated its 20th anniversary in August. And, BOSS -- as the program is commonly called -- continues to be relevant for the post's community.

Charles Stoudemire, the group's civilian adviser, said he believes the program helps single and divorced Soldiers adjust to and become part of the community -- inside and outside the gates.

"BOSS continues to (have) major impact to the Soldier and community because of (the) three pillars that it operates under," Stoudemire said.

Community service, recreation and leisure, and quality of life issues are core to the program.

"BOSS has taken part in carrying groceries at the commissary to reading to kids in the schools. This is probably one of the most meaningful activities that BOSS Soldiers take part in," Stoudemire said.

Sgt. Arnita Miles, BOSS president, added that the program's initiatives and other social programs give the single Soldier a sense of communal ownership and responsibility.

"BOSS is important because it is the voice of the single Soldier," she said.

BOSS tackles tough issues such as sexual harassment, suicide and alcohol abuse prevention. Miles said the group also has plans to adopt one of the 27 on-post cemeteries and help keep it maintained.

Its more than 900 members also do barracks maintenance and clean-ups to support units. Its members also support post families and education by reading to children at schools.

Each year, Miles said, BOSS sponsors or hosts 30 to 40 social events for Soldiers, including weekend trips and theme nights in the barracks, featuring food and games.

Spc. Eric Hemphill, a volunteer and regular BOSS program participant, recently went with the group on a weekend trip to Myrtle Beach. The 25-year-old Washington state native said it was a worthwhile trip.

"It was fun," Hemphill said. "It's helped me to get out and about the area," he said.

Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Culbertson, senior enlisted adviser for BOSS, said the program's staff has done an outstanding job of providing opportunities for single Soldiers.

"And our BOSS president has been asked to serve as BOSS (ambassador) at a convention in Washington," he said. "She was selected out of all of the Army installations."

Miles will serve as a BOSS Ambassador for the 2009 Army 10 Miler and the AUSA Symposium being held Sept. 30 through Oct. 9 at the Washington Convention Center and the Pentagon.