Base outdoor recreation gets ready for winter

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Emmons
  • Nucleus journalist
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Kirtland's Outdoor Recreation is a whole lot about learning, safety and just having fun.

ODR, a hidden gem on M Avenue, is an encompassing resource for those wanting to learn a new activity and for those desiring more safety training regarding outdoor sports. The department's other primary goal is to serve as a catalyst in helping people discovering the joys of outdoor recreation and finding news ways of exploring the natural world.

"We have so much to offer everyone here - from the skiers to the hikers to the beginners who are just learning about all the outdoors has to offer, we are here to help with training, to provide safety classes and to provide all types of equipment," ODR Director Joni VanMeir said.

The big sport ODR is gearing up for now is skiing, being that winter is on its way. The Black Diamond Ski Shop, located inside the ODR building, opened up Nov. 1 to service any equipment needing repair or tuning up. The Black Diamond Ski Shop is a full-service operation for skiers and snowboarders to use to maintain equipment and have major repairs done.

Anyone who has access to the base can use ODR services and resources.

In preparations for the busy ski season, the Black Diamond Ski Shop has undergone some renovations, including new ski racks for equipment, new benches and ski gear is currently being prepped for all customers.

Out of the six full-time employees at ODR, the three who will be running the ski shop are Marcel Bieg, Sam Glaser and Rick Mares.

"All of our employees here at ODR are multitalented and are multi-taskers," Ms. VanMeir said. "We all do a lot of everything to keep up with all that's going on."

And ODR always has something going on, she said, be it in the summer with water and hiking sports, to winter, with skiing, hiking and adventure trips.

Even throughout the cold months of the year, there is plenty to do outdoors, she said. Skiing and snow sports top the charts and ODR has a plethora of events and programs scheduled from November through January.

"The ski shop promises to be busy this year," Ms. VanMeir said.

The equestrian stables and the batting cage are also run and maintained by ODR.

In addition to the main ODR building, the department is also in charge of maintaining the three RV storage lots, FamCamp and both the indoor and outdoor swimming pools on base.

"It's amazing how much we run out of here considering there's only six full-time and one part-time employees at the main building," Ms. VanMeir said.

ODR does employ a pool manager and part-time, temporary lifeguards.

All educational and training classes are taught by the ODR staff, who also plan, schedule and lead programs and adventure and sporting trips.

Right now, the staff is wrapping up all the water sports, like rafting and kayaking, putting away the summer equipment, and prepping for the winter sports.

"At this job, you are never, never bored -- from the time you come in to the time you crawl you, you are always busy," she said.

Marcel Bieg, ODR programmer, does a lot of everything, not just what his job title describes. Mr. Bieg schedules, plans and leads trips. He also created and maintains ODR's Web site, www.kafbodr.com.

"He and Sam Glaser have qualifications longer than your leg," Ms. VanMeir said.

All of ODR's staff are more than qualified and exceed their job duties, she continued.

Andy Mendoza, ODR assistant manager, handles many responsibilities, including maintaining the base parks, leading sightseeing tours and managing the other staff.

"You won't find many outdoor recreational departments that do more than our ODR does," said Ken Riggins, community support flight chief for the 377th Services Squadron.

Ms. VanMeir said that a lot of people on base don't even know about ODR and all it has to offer.

"We are competitive with what other outdoor recreational departments not only in what we offer - because we offer a lot more than most do -- but we are also very competitive with our prices," she said.

Because ODR does offer so much, volunteers play a big role in many of the activities.

"We rely heavily on volunteers, like our raft guides and the many others who help out teaching and leading trips," Mr. Bieg said. "Without volunteers, we'd be hurting. We are very grateful for all those that lend their time and skills to help others."

Ms. VanMeir said ODR is a great tool in helping those new to the base meet other people and in introducing new ways of having fun.

"There are a wealth of things to do - from rafting to camping to planning a party or a trip -- we can provide a schedule of events you can do on your trip and what's available wherever you want to go and even tell you how much it will cost," she said.