HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The Air Force UNITE program has recently expanded to allow more flexibility for the use of funds, and leadership here has taken advantage by hosting several unit events in the Hanscom and greater Boston area.
The UNITE program provides funding to squadron-level leaders to build cohesion between personnel within their unit through activity-based recreational events.
This Air Force program covers the costs of these events for active duty, Reserve, Guard, and appropriated funded and non-appropriated funded civilian employees.
UNITE funds can also now be used for trips to amusement parks, water parks, movie theaters, for disc jockeys, and for NAF transportation. Leaders may also authorize a transfer of funds to other units at the same location, if unable to execute funds in 2023.
The program grants $13.50 per person assigned to a unit for the recreational activity with an additional allotment of $5 per person for food in conjunction with the event. Funding is based on UNITE event attendance, not total money available.
“A unit of 30 people assigned would have a maximum budget of $405,” said Courtney Cann, Hanscom’s community cohesion coordinator (C3). “If some unit members decide not to participate, the remaining budget can now be used to cover the costs of including spouses and children or other dependents, up to the maximum budget.”
The Air Force Services Center encourages units to utilize their funding and give leaders additional flexibility to take care of their people, according to Cann.
“Maybe a unit could really benefit from family time incorporated into the cohesion event,” she said. “That would be for the unit leader to determine.”
Cann added that previous successful UNITE events hosted by Hanscom leaders included bowling and golf packages offered through the 66th Force Support Squadron, as well as off-base events such as escape rooms, miniature golf, high ropes courses, and indoor beach volleyball.
UNITE funds can also now be used for trips to amusement parks, water parks, movie theaters, for disc jockeys, and for NAF transportation. Leaders may also authorize a transfer of funds to other units at the same location, if unable to execute funds in 2023.
“This is funding for leaders to use in strengthening their team’s connection, and we encourage all units to take advantage of it,” Cann said. “I am not going to turn anyone away who reaches out to me, and I will either help them or find out what base has their funding.”
To utilize UNITE funds, unit leaders should work through their designated UNITE point of contact to submit a request.
All events must be pre-approved by the C3 and Air Force Services Center. Funding cannot be used for holiday parties, end of year events, balls, banquets, trainings, changes of command, retirements or promotions, or any gifts or prizes.
“I can personally attest to the importance of having a chance to connect with coworkers and build those relationships,” said Cann. “Taking the time to utilize UNITE has made us a stronger team.”
For additional information regarding Hanscom UNITE, or to inquire about a UNITE POC, email Courtney.Cann@us.af.mil.
