Straight Talk: Minuteman Club Published June 11, 2010 By Col. Charles F. Thompson 66th Air Base Wing commander HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- One of the challenges on Hanscom is keeping the Minuteman Club on a positive financial path. Overall, our morale, welfare and recreation activities are self-sustaining except for the club; but when the club loses money it can negatively affect our ability to provide other services and programs to the Hanscom community. The Minuteman Club, a long-standing member of Team Hanscom, is the scene of many of our celebrations and has an atmosphere that reflects the heritage of the base over the years. Our 66th Force Support Squadron heard your comments and is working diligently to improve your experience at the club. Additionally, a small group of dedicated individuals have participated in the club advisory council in an effort to come up with ways to improve communications and the nature of the activities, as well as widen the club's audience. A new chef was hired and new catering guide is just about complete for upcoming events. You will continue to see family-focused events as well as entertainment focused for our younger audiences. Unfortunately, there will be a short-term obstacle over the next couple of months, when the parking lot will be repaved. Parking will still be available up on the hill on the way to the Temporary Lodging Facilities. If you have any suggestions for improvements, please do not hesitate to contact the 66th Force Support Squadron with your ideas. The club management team understands they need to earn your business and your membership. I hope you will give them the chance.