JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The 773d Force Support Squadron celebrated its one-year anniversary on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 22, 2023.
The 773d FSS, responsible for the JBER Life! program, has accomplished much since its separation from the 673d Force Support Squadron, said Joseph Dyson, director of the 773d.
One accolade the squadron has earned since its activation is the Gen. Curtis E. LeMay Award for excellence in programming and service. The LeMay Award is an annual award given to the best FSS in a pool of 81 competitors throughout the Air Force with two categories: Large bases (6,000 or more personnel) and small bases (fewer than 6,000 personnel).
“We won the LeMay Award. We were the best FSS in Pacific Air Forces, so that’s a huge accomplishment,” said Dyson. “Even though we only had six months of data, we did so much in those six months; it was determined we were the best in PACAF.”
When the 773d FSS activated, roughly 1,600 employees were redistributed between the two squadrons with the 673d FSS focusing primarily on operational functions and the new 773d FSS dedicated to all on-base events, amenities and recreational activities.
Dyson said the split allowed his team to focus on force support’s recreation and resiliency aspect. He also cited the importance of catering not only to Airmen and Soldiers, but also to the servicemembers and families of all branches stationed at or visiting JBER.
“We want to make sure that we can take care of anyone that comes here on this base,” said Dyson. “That's what’s really important to us.”
On June 1, JBER Life! rolled out its membership program, offering further discounts on all its goods and services. Additionally, 773d also has several projects in the works, including a $2 million renovation of the Polar Bowl bowling alley in late July.
“It’s just getting from good to great and then great to excellent,” said Dyson. “We’re working hard to make sure we’re definitely not only the best in Alaska, but the best in the Air Force. That’s going to be the next step.”