Politics & Government
BOSS serves dinner at Salvation Army
The event has generated such interest, other future dates are already on the calendar for BOSS.
Yesterday, military service members from Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base visited the Fayetteville Salvation Army to feed and serve the homeless. While this was not the first time the Fayetteville Salvation Army has benefited from the service of volunteers from Fort Bragg, it is the first time the volunteers represented the Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers (BOSS) Program.
The mission of BOSS is “to enhance the morale and welfare of single soldiers… through planned and execution of community service, recreation and leisure events....”
“When soldiers think of BOSS, they mostly think of the social activity,” said SGT Madison Chambers, President of the Fort Bragg BOSS program.
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SGT Chambers hopes to change the mindset of BOSS and focus more on community service this year. One way she plans to do this, is by introducing volunteer opportunities at the Salvation Army.
“BOSS made a resolution for 2012 to volunteer at the Salvation Army once a month,” Chambers shared. “This is our first time.”
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After announcing the trip, SGT Chambers received an overwhelming response from soldiers and airmen interested in volunteering for the trip. Because of limited work positions in the kitchen at the Fayetteville location, however, the number of volunteers for the first Salvation Army trip was reduced to 10.
One of the 10 volunteers was Technical Sergeant Tabitha Davis who represented the Air Force. Though Davis has volunteered in other places in a similar capacity, this was her first trip with BOSS.
“This program is unique because it’s geared toward single military members helping our community,” said Davis.
With over 30,000 single soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg, the Fort Bragg BOSS program is the largest in the Army. The large volume of interest should help them fulfill their resolution to volunteer once a month and help fill a need through community service.
The Salvation Army kitchen is run by volunteers. LaTisha McCrimon, Assistant Cook at the Fayetteville Salvation Army. Prior to BOSS’s initiative, McCrimmon saw military volunteers serve the homeless every other month, but there is still a need for more help.
“There is a need for more volunteers on the weekends,” said McCrimmon.
For more information on how to volunteer at the Fayetteville Salvation Army, call 910-483-8119.