HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The UNITE program offers organizations here opportunities for team-building and recreational activities to foster stronger bonds within units.
UNITE provides commanders with funding to initiate events that benefit all members of the workforce in their unit.
“It’s nice to have opportunities to mingle with teammates and build that camaraderie for those who were previously working virtually,” said Courtney Cann, Hanscom AFB community cohesion coordinator.
All assigned Air and Space Force active duty, Reserve, Guard and civilian (appropriated and non-appropriated) members are authorized to participate.
The Air Force-wide program allocates $10 per person for recreational activities, with an additional $6 per person for food. This funding is based on event attendance, rather than a total budget, according to program officials.
“The funds cannot be used for just a food-centric event,” said Cann. “You need to focus on the recreational activities and then enhance that event with food.”
Susanne Fothergill, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Engineering Directorate and Cyber Resiliency Office for Weapons Systems executive administrator, serves as her unit’s UNITE representative. She coordinated a volunteer event with a local horseback riding organization she has worked with for many years.
“It’s very important to have team building,” said Fothergill, “I wanted to get more people together, and I am very big on volunteering.”
Fothergill and her team volunteered for the same local organization two years in a row, assisting with tasks such as moving bales of hay, cleaning, planting flowers, and general yard work.
“From my own personal standpoint, I know how important volunteering for these kinds of organizations can be,” said Fothergill, “As human beings, it is important to be kind and generous and to give back from the heart.”
To utilize UNITE funds, unit leaders must coordinate with their designated UNITE point of contact and submit a request to Cann for approval.
Events must adhere to specific guidelines, and certain functions are excluded, such as holiday parties and end-of-year events.
For more information about the UNITE program at Hanscom AFB or to inquire about a UNITE point of contact, email Cann at Courtney.Cann@us.af.mil.