FSS cog in 56th FW wheel

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Devante Williams
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Arizona --  The 56th Fighter Wing mission is to train the world's greatest F-35 and F-16 fighter pilots. It takes the whole base to make the mission run smoothly. From the 56th Medical Group to the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron, all squadrons help to train the world's greatest fighter pilots.

Sometimes it's easy to forget every squadron on Luke has a part in accomplishing the mission. Although what some squadrons do may be visible, the direct tie to the mission is not always apparent.
The 56th Force Support Squadron is one such squadron that significantly helps the base run on a daily basis.

The FSS mission is to provide, develop and maintain programs to ensure personal and professional development and to fulfill individual and family needs in the Luke community. FSS covers all morale events on base. From the Freedom Fest to Holiday Magic, FSS plans and has hands on these big events on base.

What Thunderbolts may not realize is that FSS covers more than just the events.

The Luke Air Force Base Honor Guard is under FSS. The honor guard represents the Air Force at local events and military funerals. When people see the honor guard, they see the Air Force as a whole.
Outdoor recreation also falls under FSS. They offer rentals on bikes, camping equipment and more.
In addition, outdoor recreation manages the Single Airman Program, a program based on the regeneration and resiliency of single Airmen from both the officer and enlisted sides of the house.

"The Single Airman Program is for Airmen who want to get off base to see the surrounding areas and enjoy all that the area offers in way of recreation activities and entertainment," said Sam Harvey, 56th FSS Outdoor Recreation manager.

Some of the activities outdoor recreation offers are day trips, cooking classes, fitness classes, tours, hunting, kayaking and more.

FSS does a lot to keep the community of Luke AFB in high spirts, while helping complete the mission of the base.

Master Sgt. Candice Beedle, 56th FSS first sergeant, loves being the first shirt of FSS and checking out all that is available in the squadron.

"As a first sergeant, you have visibility over multiple squadrons that you're in charge of," she said. "It's amazing to see how every piece of FSS operates on a daily basis."