GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Imagine having an entire sporting goods store at your disposal. If you are a card carrying member of Grissom, you have just that.
Tom Bellamy, 434th Services Flight outdoor activities recreation specialist, recently filled a newly created position designed to manage Grissom’s outdoor recreation program.
“I chose Bellamy for the position because he had the most knowledge about the program and career field,” said Will Somers, 434th Force Support Squadron recreation director. “He’s done really well so far and has already grown as a supervisor.”
Bellamy, who has worked with the program since 2010, hit the ground running with high expectations.
“A lot of people on base don’t even know we’re here or about the services that are available to them,” said Bellamy. “My number one priority it to promote the program and educate the base on what we have to offer.”
Grissom’s MWR program provides a variety of rentals including: boats, canoes, kayaks, travel trailers, games, camping equipment, lawn and garden tools and party equipment.
“Our rentals are very affordable, and we have several items that can’t be rented anywhere in this area without traveling to one of the larger cities,” added Bellamy. “It’s a huge benefit for Airmen.”
In addition to Airmen, all active duty, reserve and retired military members can utilize the rental services.
“We really try keeping [Airmen] busy, and the rentals available provide safe recreational activities designed to reduce stress, increase physical activity and build esprit de corps,” explained Bellamy.
In addition to managing the rental equipment, Bellamy also manages Grissom’s Recharge for Resiliency program.
The program, also referred to R4R, focuses on building and sustaining ready and resilient Airmen and families by helping provide some relief from unique challenges Airmen and their families face.
“We offer a variety of trips and events that are designed to reduce stress and build positive relations,” said Bellamy. “We’re here to support the Airmen and their families.”
Past trips have included canoeing/kayaking, zip line courses, skydiving, white water rafting and charter boat fishing.
“For me, the best part of the job is seeing the enjoyment people get from the services and trips we provide,” said Bellamy. “We’re getting people together from different areas of the base who might not otherwise had an opportunity to do so.”
For more information about future events and rentals contact Bellamy at 765-688-2000 or click here for a detailed list of rentals and pricing.
The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.
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