Project CHEER helps brighten holiday season for Airmen

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More than 72,000 Airmen throughout the command participated in at least one of the 1,200 Project CHEER events in 2004 - 2005.

CHEER, which stands for Creating Hope, Energy, Enthusiasm and Recreation, runs from November through March annually to provide additional support to Airmen ages 18 - 25 during the winter months and holidays.

“There are hundreds of different activities bases offer as a part of their Project CHEER program,” said Mandy Smith-Nethercott, USAFE Project Cheer point of contact. “Each base is hosting a variety of fun activities for Airmen such as ski trips, fitness runs, Armed Forces Entertainment concerts and movie nights.”

The special interest program develops and implements special events and programming that provide Airmen with various opportunities to socialize, relax and enjoy themselves.

“Services is proud to play a big part of the program by offering several command programs such as X-box gaming challenges, pool shark tournaments, cosmic bowling and three-on-three basketball,” she said.

During the holiday season, single and unaccompanied Airmen are treated to a variety of special events and programs designed especially for them.

More than 10,000 USAFE Airmen enjoyed free movies, popcorn and a soda at Army, Air Force Exchange Service theatres during Project CHEER’s Merry Movie Magic program over the holidays in 2004.

In 2005, Airmen can enjoy a free movie at a USAFE movie theater on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

“We’ve had phenomenal support from sponsors this year,” said Smith-Nethercott. “We have a lot of prizes to give away including Edelweiss Lodge and Resort trips, CDs and games, and Armed Forces Vacation Club certificates.”

For more information on Project CHEER, military members can contact their base Project CHEER coordinator.