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McConnell community center wins AMC-level award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  In 2010, the McConnell AFB Community Center brought Santa, princess and masquerade balls, bingo and the Air Mobility Command Community Center Program of the Year award to McConnell -- again.

The Community Center Program of the Year award is an AMC award that recognizes outstanding performers in the field of personnel and services.

"It is a great honor to be recognized and one we don't take lightly," said Fe Vorderlandwehr, 22nd Force Support Squadron Community Center director. "Our goal is to provide quality of life programs and events [that] strive to provide a fun and safe environment for Team McConnell."

The community center hosted numerous events in 2010 to support Team McConnell and its families. Events included Pizza, Pumpkins and Pop, Family Night, bingo, Tops in Blue, AMC Icon, retiree bingo, Father-Daughter Valentine's Day Princess Ball, turkey pin decorating and many more events.

"My husband is constantly deployed with security forces so we participate in the community center activities quite a bit," said Bobbie Schwartz-Elliot, wife of Staff Sgt. Scott Elliott, 22nd Security Forces Squadron patrolman. "There is always something family friendly going on there."

This year alone, the community center implemented 12 new programs, targeting all ages.

"The center is a one stop entertainment complex that has something for everyone, and it is operated professionally," said John Moore, EnvisionXpress Base Service Store manager.

However, with only a staff of three, the community center requires the support of Team McConnell.

"We rely heavily on volunteers from the base to help us host our programs and events," said Mrs. Vorderlandwehr. "Without their support, it just wouldn't be possible."

With the help of volunteers, the community center hopes to produce more events for 2011, said Mrs. Vorderlandwehr. Some of these events include Blingo Bingo, hiring a band on Valentine's Day, hosting quarterly 18 and over parties, a Mardi Gras party and much more.

"For 2011 we have great events planned and we will continue to support Team McConnell with monthly family nights, free movie Mondays and more," said Mrs. Vorderlandwehr. "Hopefully we go on and win at the Air Force level. If we do win I will throw a big party for the base."