Air Force Clubs: A Fading Legacy and its Resurgent Future

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt Daniel Sloss
  • 436th Force Support Squadron
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The legacy of a wall of uniforms lining the bar, laughing, bonding and draining the worries of the day with every freshly full glass is a foundation of our history. To this day, The Club is where we host promotions, graduations, inductions, award ceremonies and celebrate all our accomplishments. The Club has shaped us and our expectations of what it means to be an Airman.

However, the titanic tradition is sinking. Club membership, and its importance to us, has faded. The majority of you who read this are not club members, but by the end of this article you will want to be.

People point to a corrosion in camaraderie, or even an apprehension to alcohol to explain the social shift away from The Club. But that's not why your wallet is missing a Club Card. You don't have a Club Card because The Club never left its four walls. Sitting down in The Club's bar on Friday after a week of deadlines and do-outs is great, but it is not enough.

The Club needs to be the people in “People First, Mission Always.” We need to provide the events, entertainment and memories that help define your Air Force experience. That is what we are doing and why we are expanding The Club out of The Landings.

Our new walls reach from waterfall hikes with Outdoor Rec, to the blank canvases of Arts and Crafts and the footless halls of air where our Aero Club soars. Membership matters from our bowling alley lanes, to our driving range and our Auto Hobby garage. The new club membership program includes a 10 percent discount at all locations, complementary or exclusive monthly club member events, direct event notification so you can sign up before a trip or class fills up, free food and giveaways, birthday meals, chances to win prizes and so much more.

Not only is the scope of Club Membership wider, you no longer need to sign up for a credit card to join. All you, as a future or current club member, need to do is log on to MyAirForceLife.com, go to The Club Member Portal and sign up. It takes less than five minutes. Active Duty military, GS-employees, reservists and retirees, this club is here for you.

You never stopped wanting to enjoy your time in the Air Force, developing the friendships and creating the memories that will define your Air Force legacy. The Club just never caught up, until now. Your club is open, and we can’t wait to see you here!