JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C.,
It’s a part of the 628th Force Support Squadron’s mission to enhance the quality of life through diversified services that provide force development, sustainment operations, unit management and organization, family readiness, and morale welfare recreation programs. Keeping that part of the mission going during the COVID-19 pandemic is what Laura Abell, director of marketing and Donna Basnett, sponsorship and special events coordinator, both assigned to the 628th FSS, aim to accomplish.
“We take care of people. We're here to support the troops and their families,” said Abell. “We cover everything from child development to honors and funerals and everything in between.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic people have been urged to physically distance and the 628th FSS has experienced some challenges. Hosting events while maintaining physical distancing can be difficult, but one way they aim to overcome this is with drive-in movies. While drive-in movies may seem like a blast from the past, they are making a comeback.
Since April, the 628th FSS has hosted drive-in movies on the Air Base and Naval Weapons Station.
“It provided great grassroots community spirit,” said Basnett. “It was all very community minded and had a great atmosphere.”
During this time some people have found their morale to be low. The drive-in was an event to help boost the morale of JB Charleston residents or anyone with a DoD ID.
“These are morale events that observe physical distancing. It's so popular that [many other] installations are gearing up and getting into it,” said Abell. “There's a lot of bases that are hosting them as well because they've become so popular.”
JB Charleston is open to mission-critical personnel Mondays through Fridays. However, Saturdays and Sundays the installation is open to anyone with regular base access. The drive-in is open to all DoD ID card holders.
“Anyone who holds a Department of Defense ID card is able to come,” explained Abell. “We understand that Monday through Friday is mission-critical personnel only, so we host the drive-in for the air base on Saturdays to allow our retirees and other cardholders to attend.”
With physical distancing being so important, the 628th FSS has attempted to boost morale and adapt to this new normal.
“We are about emphasis on community,” said Basnett. “We want to get that message out, that's why we're here. We want to share our programs with families and spread the word.”
Concessions are not available, so grab your popcorn and come on down to one of the 628th FSS’s drive-in movies. Just park your car and enjoy the film.
For more information about these events and others visit: www.JBCharleston.com