Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Holidays/AETC Family Days: Closed

Unite Program

The 2024 Unite Program is live! The Unite Program empowers unit commanders to create new opportunities for recreational and cohesive activities to strengthen the bond between members within the unit. All assigned Air Force and Space Force, Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, and civilian (appropriated and non-appropriated) members are authorized Unite funds for CY2024.

The Unite Program intends to provide unit leaders with the maximum flexibility to develop and deliver recreational programs to build recreational cohesion for personnel within their unit, or subset of the unit, to include spouses and dependents at their discretion through CY2024.

Commanders should make every effort to ensure all authorized members of a unit can participate in Unite events; inclusive to all Airmen and Guardians in a unit and cannot be divided based on age, race, gender, or religion. A Unite event cannot be held for dependents only.

Contact for more information

Mrs. Emily Cuchens
Community Cohesion Coordinator
DSN 591-8222
emily.cuchens@us.af.mil

Guidelines

Unite breakdown

The intent of the Unite program is to building unit cohesion amongst the squadron members through recreation and fun.

$13.50 per person for activity
$5.00 per person for food/beverage

Types of Events

New for CY23: water/amusement parks, movies and DJs are now authorized for the Unite Program.

Events must be both recreational and unit cohesive to utilize Unite funds. All programs must be submitted 14 days before the event. This allows time for FSS first level review and AFSVC second level review and approval. AFSVC is the only approval authority for the Unite Program.

  1. Unit Developed programs – Squadron leaders are given the discretion to create Unit-Development Programs that capitalize on opportunities available in the geographic area. FSS related events should be considered first.

On base Unit-Developed programs – Provided by 81 FSS to fit your budget! Note: Units have the autonomy to create any sort of recreational program, as long as it meets the intent of the Unite Program.

Arts & Crafts:
Canvas Painting | $20 per person Each participant will receive one 11×14 canvas, 2 hours of instructed studio time and paint supplies

DIY Ceramic Painting | $13.50 per person
Each participant can paint one ceramic. All paint supplies will be included.

DIY Wood Stain Class | $15 per person
Each participant can paint one wood circle. All paint supplies will be included.

Create Your Own Class
Cost varies based on the class type and all supplies included. Arrange class with the Arts & Crafts Director.

*3-week notice to reserve date and time. All details for the class must be finalized with Arts & Crafts one week prior to the event. Classes must be paid in advance.

Bowling:
Shoe Rental $2
Lane Rental $10 per hour (up to 5 people)

Golf:
Squadron Golf Clinic
$10 per person
Min of 5, max of 10 participants
90 min clinic for beginners to advance skill levels.
Rental equipment included.

Driving Range
$6 per person, per large ball bucket
Rental equipment included.
Enjoy socializing and improving your skills with your team.

Squadron Golf Tournament
$13.50 per person – 9 holes
$23 per person – 18 holes
Rental equipment and shared cart included.
This can be a mini tournament, scramble, best ball, alternating shot, bingo, slingshot, etc.

Indoor Golf Simulator
$40 per hour 8 people max

Outdoor Recreation:
Paddle Program
$13.50 per person, 6 participants min.
Enjoy a group activity of Stand-Up Paddle Board, Kayak or Canoe at various locations along the Gulf Coast.

Beach Bike and Brunch Tour
$13.50 per person – Bike along scenic Ocean Springs beach and downtown area stopping for brunch at one of the many local eateries.

Nighttime Flounder Gigging
$13.50 per person
Spend the night walking the beaches along the coast gigging

Back Bay Fishing Trip
$50 per person up to 4 people/ Unite will cover $13.50

Off-base Unit Developed Programs:
Big Play, Biloxi Shrimp Boat Tours, Escape This Biloxi, Yoga Classes

Volunteer/Free Events – Charitable work provides a cost effective team building activity that allows co-workers to see each other in a new light and can make a real difference in your community. Free events will need approval if you are seeking food funding.

  • Food Bank
  • Highway Cleanup
  • Squadron Fun Run
  • Unit/Squadron Olympics

Spend your food money with FSS facilities:

  • Pressed: Paninis & Coffee
  • 11th Frame Café & Sports Bar
  • Bay Breeze Catering
  • The Lounge at BBEC

Hosting Your UNITE Event

  1. Meet with your installation C3 by phone or in person to discuss your objectives, event ideas and to answer any questions.
  2. Fill out the Event Proposal Form (attached)
  3. HAVE FUN!
  4. Submit After Action Report
    We are relying on you to provide detailed after-action information to improve the program.

Unite CY23 Deadlines
31 October: Event Proposals Due
29 December: All CY23 Unite events must be executed

Any remaining funding will become first come first serve

Forms & Downloads

Event request forms must be sent 30 days prior to your event date.

The After Action Report must be completed within 5 days post program.

*Please read the Request Form Guide before submitting your request. This guide will show you how to fill in your funding budgets correctly.

Please click the buttons below to download forms.

Unite Request Form

Upcoming Events

  • Teams will register with Mrs. Emily Cuchens: 81.fss.fswu.uniteprogram@us.af.mil
  • Teams of 4 from each squadron will register to compete against other squadrons over the span of 4 weeks
  • Squadrons can sign up multiple teams
  • Teams can participate in two events each week. 1 team, 1 event = 1 point
  • No payment required, just show up and have fun
  • For golf, tee times will need to be reserved in advanced