Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. -- The Rec-On program took five Schriever Airmen on a snowmobile ride through the slopes of Monarch Mountain at the San Isabel National Forest, Colorado, Feb. 23.
The Rec-On program organizes adventures like this all-year round. Often heavily discounted, giving Airmen the opportunity to explore Colorado while making friends along the way.
Seth Cannello, 50th Force Support Squadron fitness center and Single Airman Initiative director, believes Airmen benefit tremendously by not only saving out of pocket expenses but by also having the chance to develop new connections and camaraderie with other participating Schriever Airmen.
“I personally think the biggest benefit for Airmen is to take part in recreational adventures/trips they normally wouldn’t do on their own,” he said.
Juli Yim, Director, Outdoor Recreation tends to focus on outdoor activities.
The program’s activities are open to active duty, active reserve and family members with a valid ID.
Yim encourages Airmen to take full advantage of these Rec-On professionally organized trips by signing up ahead of time as some events may require special arrangements like lodging, or buying appropriate clothing or accessories for the weather ahead. She also highlighted how the Schriever community benefits from the trips as they offer a space to relax outside of work.
“We try and find things that are either unique to the state, area or type of landscape that we have and give people that might have been stationed in other states or lived in areas with different climates the opportunity to experience Colorado in a new and exciting way,” Yim said.
For Senior Airman Cory Winston, 50th Space Communication Squadron client systems technician, this adventure was filled with many first-time experiences. It was his first time signing up for an Outdoor Recreation hosted activity and his first time riding a snowmobile.
“I was really excited to experience one of the many outdoor activities that are available in our state,” Winston said. “I really enjoy snowboarding but I have never been able to try anything like snowmobiling.
“I was actually surprised by how fun it was driving the snowmobile. It was unlike anything else I’ve ever done. The location was also extremely beautiful.”
Even though there was a guide directing the trip, Airmen were given the chance to run freely in some specified areas, with special attention to safety at all times. For Winston, it was exhilarating and fun to have this freedom.
“I had the most fun during the part where they let us free ride in a large open area, experiencing everything the snowmobile could do,” Winston said. “I also really enjoyed taking in the view of Monarch Mountain from the highest elevation of the tour.”
Trips like this not only help Airmen to experience sheer adrenaline and fun, they also make them re-affirm their commitment to the area and to their work place as it gets them excited for further adventures and to continue exploring Colorado while creating bonds with other Schriever Airmen.
“Personally, this trip helped me stay excited about living and working in Colorado. Even if we are away from family, we can have great experiences with our team here at Schriever. After having such a great time on the trip, I would definitely recommend my friends to take advantage of opportunities like this so we can have affordable, fun things to do in our down time.”