Tradition continues at Club McConnell

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Scott Meeker
  • 22nd Services Squadron commander
McCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KS --  Did you know back in “the day” being a member of “The Club” actually meant you were a member of the Officer, NCO or Airman Clubs? There were actually separate clubs for different ranks, and membership was in the 70-90 percent range. The numbers have declined over the years, and many clubs have consolidated, but the benefits of being a member have not changed.

Being a member is an important part of military tradition because of both the tangible and intangible benefits the club provides. While the tangible benefits are important, I believe the intangible benefits are irreplaceable. The intangible benefits of being an active club member benefit you and have a positive impact on the wing, and its ability to accomplish its mission. The intangible benefits I’m referring to are camaraderie and esprit de corps, which are by products of an active club. Camaraderie and esprit de corps develop and thrive in an active club. They become force multipliers and thus are critical to the success of any mission.

There is one other intangible benefit to being an active club member, and that is networking. I’ve often heard it said, especially from long-time club members, that “I can get more ‘work’ done at the Club on a Friday night than I can in three days sitting in my office.” Why? Because when you’re an active club member you have the opportunity to talk candidly with subordinates, peers, supervisors or wing leadership about issues, which are often unrelated to your job. 

In a social setting, people feel more comfortable to talk, and are able to ask a question they would otherwise not dream about asking in the boss’ office. Of course, there are also times when I learn about what a pilot or navigator do on a day-to-day basis too – something I’ve not had the privilege of doing myself. 

So whether it’s unwinding after a tough week at work; celebrating a buddy’s promotion; or mingling with fellow Airmen and senior leadership after a wing run, networks, camaraderie and esprit de corps are developing. 

At Club McConnell, we are committed to carrying on the club tradition. We are also committed to making your membership worthwhile and providing you with service that exceeds your expectations. That’s what we mean when we say “Services norm, take ‘em by storm!” If that’s not your experience, I personally want to know. Give us the opportunity to take you by storm.

Membership is open to all ID card holders at very reasonable rates – $5 to $16 depending on grade, and unmarried spouses of MIAs and POWs are free. Even at the highest rates, members can recoup most if not all of their dues through member discounts and “members only” events at the club. 

Here are a few of the tangible benefits members can enjoy:

-Free heavy bar snacks on Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. and drink specials from 4 to 6 p.m.
-Free food and prizes on membership nights; special “members only” events, Valentine’s Day and Football Frenzy events.
-Ten percent off “Do-it-yourself” fees at the Arts and Craft Center.
-Free shoe rental at Tornado Alley Bowling Center. 
-Twenty percent off daily greens fees at Twin Lakes Golf Course.
-Ten percent off equipment rental items at Outdoor Recreation.
-$1 off with a purchase of $4 or more for lunch meals and $2 off with the purchase of $10 or more for evening meals at Rendezvous Cafe.
-Ten percent off personal catered events, weddings, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations.Complimentary birthday certificate ($10) for card holder for catering.
-Reciprocal club and Services AF-wide membership privileges including lodging.
-Monthly Car Wash tokens.