ORC gets Airmen outdoors

  • Published
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
People first, mission always.

This phrase goes a long way at Fairchild’s Outdoor Recreation Center to boost Airmen’s resilience.

The ORC is a non-appropriated funds operation that utilizes the Recharge for Resilience program, designed to reduce the prices of outdoor activities for active duty servicemembers and their immediate dependents.

“Outdoor adventure is not cheap,” said Damian Smith, 92nd Force Support Squadron Outdoor Recreation director. “We still want to get Airmen outside, especially Airmen who have been down-range. These activities can help de-escalate negative thoughts or feelings that can be considered dangerous, such as suicidal feelings or feeling disconnected.”

ORC offers activities year-round such as boating, horseback riding, snowboarding, skiing, skydiving, camping, white water rafting, kayaking, zip lining and much more. They own more than $4 million worth of equipment to support these activities, 95 percent of which has been bought with fees and charges from previous ORC trips.

“We’re a business that’s not trying to make a profit,” Smith said. “We’re here to serve the Airmen.”

The program helps Airmen get out of the dorms to participate in an adrenaline-rich adventure, gaining a social network of people they can reach out to for support, added Smith

“I’ve used outdoor recreation services several times with my friends, taking advantage of their fishing trips and white water rafting,” said Airman 1st Class Jose Alatorre, 92nd Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman. “Even though we went knowing we weren’t going to catch any fish, it was more for the thrill of it.”

For more information on the Outdoor Recreation Center and the activities they offer, visit www.fairchildfun.com or call (509) 247-5920.