CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Members of the 437th Force Support Squadron are often asked, "What do you do with the money that you charge at your activities?"
We are always excited to explain those funds are our Airmen's dollars. The money we charge at the golf course for green fees, at the bowling center snack bar, the Charleston Club's lunch or Low Country Bar, the Aero Club for renting a Cessna, outdoor recreation for a bass boat, or the base pool for entry are called non-appropriated funds, or also nicknamed our Airmen's dollars. Basically, anywhere in the FSS where you are charged for a service or for a product those funds ultimately come right back to you, our Airmen, civilians, retirees and families.
The force support squadron manages these funds on behalf of the wing commander in what is called the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund. This fund is carefully managed by wing leadership and the proud professionals in the 437 FSS. There are overhead costs of operating the activity which include labor, utilities and purchasing the products for sale or rent. These are subtracted from all the charges and fees you pay at our great activities as a customer. After this, 100 percent of the money is reinvested back into Charleston AFB. This money is reinvested for the purposes of sustainment, reinvestment and community programs.
The most visible ways you see the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund come back to the base is through our "FSS Bucks." These "FSS Bucks" are distributed to each squadron once every year. They can be used to purchase services or products for squadron-wide events throughout the year. Examples include picnics, golf tournaments, bowling tournaments or a squadron trip planned through the Outdoor Recreation Center.
In addition to "FSS Bucks," another great example of our reinvestment are base-wide events. Earlier this month, Charleston held its base picnic which provided a free lunch and fun activities for all who were fortunate to attend. This event was paid for through the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund.
The Airmen's dollars are also used to improve and upgrade the equipment, facilities and products for our base FSS activities. This past fiscal year, Air Mobility Command non-appropriated funds paid for a $180,000 renovation of the fairways and bunkers at our Wrenwoods Golf Course, a much needed upgrade, which was a direct reaction to your feedback. Presently, we are working a $146,000 upgrade to the Youth Center kitchen, which will enhance meal preparation for Charleston's children.
In addition, the fund is used to make capital investments back into your 437 FSS activities. Most visibly, at the Outdoor Recreation Center we buy and upgrade new campers, kayaks, camping equipment and all the items available for your use. Improvements at the golf course from new course maintenance equipment to sod for the green are also paid for through the fund. All equipment and maintenance used behind the scenes is bought with MWR Funds too from the kitchen equipment in the Charleston Club to the buses used by the Youth Center for after school care and field trips.
The next time you pay for lunch at the club, green fees at the golf course or a kayak at outdoor recreation, know that not only are you getting a great tax free value for your dollar, but your dollars will be reinvested back into the activities and base through morale funds and events. The professionals in your force support squadron take pride in managing these services for Charleston AFB and have a passion for providing morale, welfare and recreation to our Airmen. We strive to provide superb customer service, a great value for your dollar and constantly work to earn the business of our base community and our Airmen.