Airmen 'Discover the Hills' - safely

  • Published
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Imagine this scenario: you are new to South Dakota (and maybe even new to the Air Force), have never been to the state before, the moving company has delivered your household goods and you've started your new job. Slowly, you are adjusting to the new location but wonder, "What is there to do here during my free time?"

Ellsworth's newly-arrived Airmen, and even those most-seasoned Ellsworth residents, have the opportunity to answer this question, Sept. 30, as local vendors, area attractions and various volunteer organizations help Ellsworth residents to "Discover the Hills," through informational booths and representatives. The event, which is hosted by the 28th Force Support Squadron, will be held in the Bellamy Fitness Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

For personnel with families, especially younger children, there will be information on local parks and area attractions, such as indoor water parks and campgrounds, geared directly for them, said Brenna Van Stone, 28 FSS commercial sponsorship coordinator.

The event will also be combined with the 28th Bomb Wing Safety Day.

"Safety Day is important, because it allows a pause in operations to focus on applying lessons learned to prevent future mishaps," said Lt. Col. Steve Biggs, 28 BW Safety chief. "It is being held in conjunction with the Discover the Hills program so our Airmen can both learn about local activities available to them and how to participate in those activities safely."

For those wishing to give back to the local community, representatives from volunteer organizations, such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America and others will be on hand to answer questions, Mrs. Van Stone said.

The base's Outdoor Recreation and other facilities will also have informational booths and representatives available to talk about upcoming base-sponsored trips and activities with Airmen and their families.

Again, this isn't just for the newly arrived folks, said Jessica Elsass, 28 FSS visual information specialist. 'Discover the Hills' is an opportunity for everyone stationed here to learn more about what our surrounding community offers, plan a trip and go enjoy the area.

For more information on Discover the Hills, contact the 28th FSS marketing department at (605) 385-1589. (Vendors and agencies are subject to change.)