JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The 673d Force Support Squadron and JBER Life Team supports members on JBER by offering prizes and money as a way to encourage members to get out and get involved in the community.
The Jay Bear SurPrize squad works to increase participation at FSS facilities or events, while also awarding prizes.
“We love going around to various facilities and surprising members,” said Audra Vernon, 673d FSS marketing assistant. “Once members see Jay Bear and our yellow shirts, they know a surprise is in store.”
The Jay Bear SurPrize squad began in November and will continue into the beginning of March.
The squad presents 16 FSS gift cards each week randomly at various FSS facilities on base.
Winners also receive a purple Jay Bear SurPrize Squad shirt.
“I had seen the SurPrize squad before but didn’t know that much about it,” said Senior Airman Valerie Halbert, 673d Air Base Wing Public Affairs photojournalist. “When they approached me at Winterfest I had no idea what was going on but it was a great surprise. It was a perfect way to start off the holidays and I really appreciated it and the work they put into it to make it happen.”
Teams work together to ensure each surprise is special and each member is randomly selected.
The Non-Appropriated Funds accounting office supervisor and FSS deputy are in charge of deciding which facilities are visited, the criteria to determine recipients and which gift cards are handed out.
Once the facilities, recipients and gift cards are selected, the Jay Bear SurPrize squad goes to the facility to initiate the surprise.
“Working with the SurPrize squad is lots of fun and very rewarding,” Vernon said. “My favorite moment so far has been the first surprise we did. With the program being brand-new at the time, the winner was very pleased and didn’t expect it at all. The only challenge is that we’re not able to give prizes and money to everyone.”
At the end of the contest, a compilation video will be put together of all photos and videos taken throughout the contest.
The 673d FSS also recently revamped their JBER Life website to provide a more efficient and personalized experience.
“The website now includes new features which make it more user-friendly and easier to navigate,” said Vernon. “So far we’ve received good responses from users; they appreciate the new calendar, the load time is quicker, and it provides an overall better experience.”
Vernon mentioned the 673d FSS marketing office plans to update and manage the page on a daily basis.
For more information, visit the JBER Life website at www.jberlife.com.