The White Falcon - 24.12.1993, Page 5

Happy holidays from the CO
As I enjoy my second winter in this beautiful country, I
| want to take this opportunity to thank each employee of
Naval Air Station Keflavfk for your friendship, loyalty
and dedicated service.
Although there is much uncertainty in our world, I
think we all have plenty to be thankful for this year. I
personally am very thankful for the opportunity to serve
with you and for the opportunity for my family to enjoy
the wonders of Iceland.
On behalf of my family, Robyn, Wendy and Todd, I
would like to wish you and your family a very Merry
Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.
CapL and Mrs. Charles T. Butler and family
Upcoming 4-Wheeling excursions
The Arctic Quest 4-Wheelers will travel to Hvitabakki
Lodge Jan. 7-9. The group departs at 1:30 p.m. and will take
a ferry to Akranes to save gas. According
to Arctic Quest
members, the lodge is beautiful this time of year. Spaces are
limited. Call Bob at ext.
to sign-up.
The Rocky
2359/7017 for more information
Road 4-Wheelers are taking a
Leirubakki guest house Jan. 14-17
trip to
or
the
Leirubakki is situated.
just northeast of Selfoss on Route 26,
within view of Mt.
Hekla. With horse-back riding, snowmobiling, saunas and
hot tubs, the three- day weekend excursion promises to be
r weekend <
filled with fun and relaxation. You need not be a member of
the Rocky Roaders to attend. If you’re interested or have
any questions, call Mark at ext 6177.
Building the “complete person”
Project Player: wholesome activities with a purpose
By JOC Dave Marr
HA segment of single and accompanied
Ktilors, airmen and Marines in paygrades
E-l through E-5 have experienced the “ter-
rible triangle” at NAS Keflavfk - the infa-
mous work-club-barracks room syndrome
that consumes their off-duty lives.
Bo Mattley loathes the terrible triangle. In
fact, as the coordinator of Project Player, her
mandate from MWR Director Jack Criswell
is clear: eradicate the triangle and make the
hoiday season an enjoyable one for her target
audience.
“Project Player is a quality of life program
that provides the necessary skills and knowl-
edge to develop healthy leisure time activi-
ties, “ explains Mattley, a native of Jackson-
ville, Fla. “The list runs the gamut, from cave
exploring, mountain biking and deep-sea
fishing to racquetball lessons, bowling tour-
naments, beginner’s skiing lessons and even
snow mobiling on a glacier.
“We develop and promote these activities
for more than just entertainment,” she em-
phasizes. “Not only do the participants leant
a little about Iceland, its people and their cul-
ture, but they also build the self-confidence
necessary to provide for themselves on a day-
Uo-day basis.”
B An example of the self-confidence inspired
By Project Player is a recent bake sale that
raisedmorethan$200forNavy Relief. Baking
and selling their wares wasn’t enough for the
single and unaccompanied participants. They
enjoyed the project so much that they wanted
more in-depth instruction about the craft.
Mattley quickly picked up on the idea and
formed a “barracks baking” class scheduled
for 6 p.m. next Wednesday (Dec. 29) at Bldg.
760.
“Through the barracks baking class, our
clients will learn to provide for themselves a
little more and improve their self-reliance.
This in turn affects their work habits and
attitudes and helps them build a positive
military career.
“Sure, Project Player is good, clean fun,
but in the end we’re developing each individ-
ual as a whole. Everything we do works
hand-in-hand in eliminating barriers and
producing well-rounded people,” continues
Mattley.
Project Player is part of the Navy wide
Single Sailor Program and has been a fixture
at NAS Keflavik since the summer of 1988.
The program takes on a special significance
this time of year, and Mattley was quick to
exploit the opportunities. With the volunteer
assistance of J03 Bob Everdeen of the Navy
Broadcasting Service Detachment, Keflavfk
and the sponsorship of a long-distance tele-
phone carrier, several sailors, airmen and
Marines recorded 10-minute holiday greet-
ings videos for mailing to family members
back home. The project was a big hit with the
participants, but Mattley stressed that she
was equally fulfilled.
“I didn’t realize how important this pro-
gram is until I noticed the reactions of our
people during the video shoots,” she points
out “I’d see that certain look in their eyes and
appreciate how good they felt about them-
selves and how important this program is.
“That’s my goal as a recreational specialist
- to make people feel good about themselves
by their participation in leisure time activi-
ties. And so far this holiday season, I think
the goal is well within reach, “ Mattley con-
cludes.
For additional information about Project
Player, call ext. 2447.
December 24,1993
5