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Force Support Squadron serves service members

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Force Support Squadron fulfills many niches at Dover Air Force Base, Del. One of those niches is the services section, which focuses on supporting service members through a variety of programs and services they can use on a daily basis.

The 436th FSS runs the Patterson Dining Facility, Outdoor Recreation, the Auto Hobby Shop and several other base services. These facilities are all located on base and offer services at prices comparable to those off-base, said April Crampton, a marketing assistant with the 436th FSS.

"We offer convenience for the Airmen on base," said Crampton. "Our services are usually cheaper than off-base, and since we are located on base, it is easier for our Airmen to utilize them. We look to promote a sense of community; our Aero Club brings in students from Polytech High School, and the Youth Center hosts a 4-H program."

Of the services provided by the 436th FSS, perhaps the most used would be their food services. The Landings Club provides catering services and meeting space for Airmen, allowing them to plan squadron or section events like retirements and going-away parties.

There is also a café located in the bowling alley and a sports bar at the golf course. There has been a shift in customers from The Landings Club as people are trying out Mulligan's Sports Bar and Grill, but it will balance out, said Crampton. The important thing for people to remember is to be aware of upcoming events.

"We have our website and the "At Your Leisure" magazine, which offers a good look at what 436th FSS has going on. In fact, the best way to compare any of our services with those in Dover would be to check out our website at www.doverafb436FSS.com," said Crampton.

"Of course, as the services offered by 436th FSS continue to grow and change so too will the opportunities for Airmen to benefit from them," said Maj. Thomas Abell, commander of the 436th FSS.

"It's tough to say exactly what the 436th FSS will look like in five years since we are currently undergoing a Services Transformation. The overarching goal of this transformation is to focus on a core set of community support programs and activities, and evaluate those that are duplicated in the local community. This will allow the 436th FSS to provide more resources to the community support programs and activities we ultimately end up with for our Airmen and their families," said Abell.