GRAFENWOEHR, Germany - Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers presidents and representatives for various U.S. Army installations throughout the Installation Management Command-Europe region gathered in Heidelberg during a week-long conference April 26 - May 2.
The subjects of the conference included dealing with the unique issues concerning single Soldiers, ways to improve the BOSS program to make it more appealing and conferring of several awards, in which U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr walked away with two: best large installation with a single soldier population over 2,000 and best event from a large installation with a single soldier population over 2,000.
USAG Grafenwoehr gained the title of best large installation in part from a video created by BOSS members highlighting the quality of life at the garrison.
Criteria for the best installation award were judged by best looking and most improved installations. USAG Grafenwoehr’s recent expansion in construction projects and beautification including larger shopping facilities and construction of new barracks buildings weighed into the win.
The garrison has the intention to bring single soldiers and married- but-geographically-separated Soldiers closer to the “1+1” ideal. This means one soldier to one room, as part of the Army Family Covenant for quality housing.
The award for best event for a large installation recognized an August 2008 rafting trip to Austria that the club organized. BOSS, however, does more than provide excursions to single Soldiers, “We support the single Soldier through quality of life, community service, and recreation,” said USAG Grafenwoehr BOSS president Cpl. Robert Shomper.
Any Soldier can report a quality of life issue to BOSS, who then will notify Command Sgt. Maj. William Berrios directly. One quality of life issue brought to BOSS’s attention that is in the process of resolution is the installation of screens in barracks windows. BOSS also encourages community service, not only from single soldiers, but any community member who wants to make a difference. “We are trying to encourage more people to volunteer, so we keep track of volunteer hours and want to recognize volunteers.
The Army has a Volunteer Medal we would like to start giving away. It’s a medal that is rarely seen and difficult to get, and it takes more than just volunteering for a couple of hours,” Shomper said.
BOSS is currently looking for volunteers for Netzaberg Middle School’s first annual Field Day on Friday. BOSS is most widely known for their recreation and events. Shomper hopes that in the future they will be able to issue a BOSS membership card that will be recognized by venues such as the on-post bowling alley to bring discounts to card-holders.
USAG Grafenwoehr BOSS also hopes to hold more activities in Europe outside Germany to locations such as Italy. They will be hosting many activities in the upcoming months.
To learn more about upcoming Grafenwoehr BOSS activities, contact the BOSS Coordinator at DSN 475-8822, CIV 09641-83-8822. |
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