Photo By Pvt. Kelvisha Worth | Fort Drum Soldiers practice their roundhouse kicks on kick pad targets at the Magrath...... read more read more
Subscribe
Solomon Dunsten, a supply specialist under Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion was a new Soldier here at Fort Drum when he was first introduced to the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Program, better known as BOSS. On his first trip with the Fort Drum BOSS center, Dunsten traveled to Niagara Falls. Transportation, hotel rooms and food were provided to all those that attended the trip.
“The entire scenery was so beautiful. I still remember it like it was yesterday,” Dunsten said.
After the tour the Soldiers were released to their rooms for the night. The real adventure would begin the next morning. The day started with a seminar organized by the BOSS program explaining the origins of Niagara Falls. Soldiers were released afterwards to explore the area. The weekend trip ended with Soldiers getting a closeup view of the waterfall from underneath with only a few feet between themselves and the roaring waters.
“Being able to visit one of the seven wonders of the world was a life changing experience. I would’ve never gotten to experience that if it wasn’t for BOSS taking me out of my comfort zone,” Dunsten said.
The BOSS program is dedicated to taking single Soldiers out of the barracks and showing them what there is to experience in the area.
“Soldiers come in all the time and say wow, I wish I would’ve known about this place two years ago,” said Spc. Kimberly Mena, Vice President of the Fort Drum BOSS program.
The program has also brought in new Soldiers and showed them the ropes.
“BOSS has really offered me a lot of things to do in order to make adjusting to Drum easier. I feel every Soldier should turn to the BOSS center as a guide and even if they just need a friend,” Dunsten said.
The center personalizes the environment for its Soldiers and creates a serene and secure atmosphere for everyone that visits. Video games, snacks, computers, and even a movie room are just a few of the favorites the BOSS center has to offer. If that doesn’t peak your interest the staff will work with you accordingly to make sure your BOSS experience is gratifying.
“We’re by Soldiers for Soldiers. We recommend Soldiers to tell us what they’d like to do, we want them to be involved in planning activities they want to be a part of,” said Mena.
Mena says the group-oriented activities the program sponsors encourage teamwork and good sportsmanship and teaches Soldiers better life habits.
Dunsten testified that the BOSS program has improved his social skills as well as helped him become a more patient individual. He began attending the BOSS Tae Kwon Do class held every Tuesday. He said it has taught him self-control and has helped him with maintaining his composure under pressure.
“We try to offer events for Soldiers to look forward to after a stressful week or month of work. Our ski trips and sports tournaments held every month are a big hit amongst our Soldiers,” Mena said.
Dunsten explained it was fun playing in the basketball tournament BOSS held last Saturday with Soldiers he’s never met before. The sport brought them all together. He said the BOSS program personally gave him a positive outlook on Fort Drum.
Dunsten described his first encounter with Fort Drum as being a lonely one. He appreciates the BOSS program for giving the opportunity to explore outside of his barracks and also open him up to all the benefits the program offers to their Soldiers.
“I’ve learned a lot from participating in the things BOSS has to offer and would definitely recommend anyone with nothing to do in the barracks to come out and get involved.”
| Date Taken: | 01.16.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 02.05.2019 16:28 |
| Story ID: | 307233 |
| Location: | FORT DRUM, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 62 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Army Program Gives Soldiers Better Opportunities, by PV2 Kelvisha Worth, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
