Services with a smile

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If youre bored here, its your own fault.

At least, thats what Master Sgt. John Perry says. He knows a little bit about staying entertained, too. Hes the superintendent for the 380th Expeditionary Services Squadron, and keeping Airmen deployed here busy is exactly what he and the rest of the squadron are all about.

Whether its organizing trips to a water park, showing movies at the bases theater, planning sporting events and tournaments or keeping the latest Xbox and Playstation 2 games on hand for game enthusiasts to enjoy, the 380th ESVSs goal is to make every Airmans deployment here as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

People really want something to do and we try to give that to them, said Capt. Sirena Morris, the squadrons commander. Every day or night of the week we have something going on that is fun. All people have to do is sign up and play.

The squadron operates on a 24-hour schedule to accommodate the personnel who work during the nighttime hours. Tournaments and events are often held in the early morning hours to give these Airmen a chance to participate and have the same experiences as their daytime counterparts.

Theres really not much on base that were not involved in, said Sergeant Perry, who is deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. From operating the dining facility to running both the Oasis and Hideaway Community Activity Centers we have our hands in just about everything.

The squadrons reach is even off base. Using established contacts with businesses and individuals in the surrounding area, the squadron also organizes many trips to local hot spots that allow Airmen to relax and experience the customs of the area.

Golf, fishing, water slides, shopping if you want to do it, we probably offer it, said Captain Morris, who is also from Davis-Monthan.

And if they dont, they are open to the suggestion.

Well always listen to ideas of what to offer, said Captain Morris. If there are individuals who really want to do something or have a great idea for a trip, then just tell us. Were here to make this an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Keeping everyone entertained is not an easy job, however. It takes a lot of time, manpower and organization to make any event a reality. Being in a deployed environment only adds to this pressure.

Here were the only game in town, said Captain Morris. Whereas at most home bases people can simply drive off base and go see a movie or whatever, here all they have is what we give them.

For a large part of the squadrons 44-person staff, this is their first deployment a fact that hasnt hindered them at all.

I think weve done a terrific job and well continue to, said Sergeant Perry. Its a great chance to put all of our training to use, and its great to see it paying off.