Project CHEER adds spice to life of USAFE Airmen

  • Published
  • By Mandy Smith-Nethercott
  • USAFE Services
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) --  More than 46,000 Airmen throughout the command participated in at least one of 455 high-energy Project CHEER events in November and December 2004.

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

“Most everyone has experienced some degree of sadness and loneliness when separated from family and loved ones, and it can be especially hard around the winter holidays,” said USAFE Services Director, Col Frank Pombar. “That’s why Project CHEER is so important.”

Base Project CHEER activities range from all-night movie marathons to board game nights, to Xbox tournaments, to MASH-themed parties. Buses are regularly scheduled to take groups to view the sights ands natural wonders of Europe , and many facilities provide special discounts or bonus values exclusively available to the Project CHEER target audience.

“Each base conducts a tremendous number and variety of activities for our single and unaccompanied Airmen. We strive to appeal to every interest. The goal is to give folks the opportunity to have some fun, and perhaps make friends with others who are feeling the distance from the people who are special to them,” Col Pombar said.

Command Project CHEER programs are also offered to supplement those conducted by each USAFE base. He continued, “Headquarters Services is proud to support the program by offering several command programs like Fitness Clue, Xbox challenges, the 8-Ball Pool Shark Shootout Tournament, Cosmic Bowling and Fitness Survivor”.

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.

“We’ve had phenomenal support from sponsors this year,” said Mandy Smith-Nethercott, USAFE Project CHEER point of contact. “We have a lot of prizes to give away, including a flat screen TV, loads of DVDs, digital cameras, board games and Armed Forces Vacation Club certificates.”

Airmen across the command are participating in numerous Project CHEER events.

A1C Sean Reynolds, 52 CMS, has participated in a number of CHEER events the past year. “I think the Project CHEER program offers a lot to our single Airmen in the dorms. It gives us something to do when we are lonely or missing our family and here at Spangdahlem there are lots of CHEER events to do,” he said. “Most importantly, CHEER programs are fun and are a great opportunity to meet other Airmen.”

Contact your base’s Project CHEER coordinator for detailed information on what’s happening at your installation.