UNITE Program at Lajes Field

What is UNITE?

 

In August 2016, Air Force Chief of Staff (CSAF) General David Goldfein, released his letter to Airmen titled, "The Beating Heart of the Air Force...Squadrons!" UNITE is here to provide squadron leaders with the maximum flexibility to deliver programs that build cohesion for all airmen "Big A" within their unit. This includes assigned Air Force Active Duty and APF/NAF Civilians. Family members may be invited to participate.

UNITE in 4 Easy Steps:

 

1. Establish your UNITE Point of Contact (POC)

                - Squadron commander will appoint squadron UNITE Program POC(s).  Click here for the Letter of Appointment template

2. Event proposal.

                - Meet with your installation Community Programs and Unit Cohesion Coordinator (C3), complete and return your UNITE Event Request form for approval.  Click here for the UNITE Event Request form

3. Have fun at the event!

                - Enjoy your event and take lots of photos. Send your top 5 photos to be posted on the Air Force C3 Facebook page.

4. Submit your After-Action Report (AAR).

                - The C3 will not be attending your Unite events so we are relying on you to provide detailed AAR so that we may improve the program. It must be completed and sent to the C3 within 2 business days after the event.  Click here for the After-Action Report form

 

 

          UNITE Pizza Special

 

 

 

 

Lajes UNITE Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday: 0900 - 1600

Weekends, US Holidays, and USAFE Family Days: Closed

 

Installation C3

 

MSgt Christie Cramer

Email: christie.cramer@us.af.mil

DSN: 314-535-1410

Comm: 011-351-295-571410

Cell: +351 926-162-724

 

Types of Events

 

1. Ready to Execute (RTE)

                - RTE programs are pre-approved and easy to implement. They keep funds on the installation and should be considered first.

                                - Outdoor recreation

                                - TORC Day Trip

                                - Events at the TORC

                                - Fitness

2. Unit Developed Program (UDP)

                - You have the freedom to design an event unique to your squadron on or off the installation. Unit driven events require your Commander's signature and approval from the AF Services Activity which may take up to 30 days. (TAX EXEMPTION APPLIES)

                                - Local off base activities e.g., bowling, golf, paintball etc.

3. Free/Volunteer 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 do not need prior approval, but we still need to capture the event information.

                                - Cook off

                                - Game night

                                - Fitness competition

** All Unite events require funding approval through the Air Force Service Center.

 

Funding

 

1. APF Activity Expense

- $13.50 per person to offset authorized Airmen participation costs in recreational team building and cohesion events. Funding is based on assigned manning.

2. NAF Food Allowance

             - $5.00 for one meal/one non-alcoholic beverage per person. Meal allowance must be used in conjunction with a Unite event. Funding is based on assigned manning

 

Why UNITE?

 

Our program goals are to support squadron leaders, maximize use of Force Support facilities, measure impact, and provide maximum flexibility to squadron commanders. You can use this program for any of the following reasons:

             - Develop a new skill or competency

- Improve physical fitness

- Increase esprit de corps, comradery, or morale

- Promote interaction between unit members

- Provide an opportunity for fun or relaxation

- Reinforce peer, squadron, or AF corps values

- Work on team-building exercise

 

Eligibility

 

Assigned Active Duty, Reserve, and APF/NAF Civilians. Commanders may now choose to designate Airmen/Guardians’ spouses/dependent s assigned to the requesting unit as authorized participants of the UNITE program.

 

Know Before You Call

 

- Family members may be invited to participate.

- Funds cannot be used to augment holiday parties on or off the installation.

- Meals must be used in conjunction with an approved UNITE event.

- One non-alcoholic beverage limit per meal.

- Funds cannot be used for alcohol or prizes.

- Unite funds cannot be combined with Unit Enhancement Funds or SM&W funds.

- Private org funds may be used to supplement funding.

- Unit-driven events require Commander's signature and approval from the AF Services Activity (may take up to 30 days).

- Unutilized funds will be returned to AFSVA Dec 31 each calendar year.

 

Updates

 

1. CY23_R4R_Programming_Guide

2. Amendment for Dependents CY2022 Recharge for Resiliency Unite Memo signed 5 Oct 2022

 

Important Points

 

- Squadron CC/CLs have the authority to allow spouses and dependents to participate in an approved Unite event (Units will not receive any additional funding for dependents and events cannot be held for dependents only)

- No longer restricted: Water/amusement parks, movies. DJs, Wing/Group events

- Renting a NAF vehicle/driver is allowed for transportation to an approved Unite event

- Unite funds can be transferred by the owning Commander/Civilian leader to other squadrons at the same location

- Air National Guard members are authorized Unite funds for CY23