JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
It’s Mission Monday! Meet Julia Mack, a recreation specialist at the Air Force Services Center. Mack and her team are the subject matter experts on outdoor recreation for all Department of the Air Force locations. They provide guidance, assistance, training and support to installation operations and program managers.
We asked the Okinawa, Japan, native to tell us more about herself and the work she does for the DAF.
Briefly tell us why you joined civil service?
As a military brat I grew up participating in many morale, welfare and recreation programs so as an adult, I wanted to help provide those same programs that brought me so much joy.
What keeps you serving?
I feel a great sense of pride in being able to positively impact the same military community that impacted me so many years ago.
What do you love about your job?
Building on the connections I make daily with the outdoor recreation programmers and managers across the globe.
When it comes to your job, what keeps you motivated?
My love for the military community.
Why are you and your team important to the Air Force and Space Force enterprise and your customers?
We help provide the support to the Outdoor Recreation operations so that they can focus on offering the best programs and services to our Airmen, Guardians and families.
Describe a project or event you and your team worked on recently that gave you a great sense of accomplishment.
Last year, we successfully kicked off our first-ever outdoor recreation-centric performance tours. This had never been done before … outdoor recreation is known for providing programs but performance tours … that was unheard of. Our team wanted to do something to help increase awareness for our outdoor rec operations so after a lot of market research, we found two entertainment groups that would help us do just that. We hosted two top-performing entertainment groups -- BMX Pro Stunt Team and Paul Bunyan Lumberjack tours -- at 17 installations. Both groups performed high-adrenaline tricks and stunts throughout their shows, and I got to see firsthand all the wide-eyed and smiling faces in the crowd. Offering these tours allowed us to showcase outdoor rec and all the great things they have to offer their customers.
How does what you do support AFIMSC’s strategic priorities?
I believe outdoor recreation touches on all of AFIMSC’s strategic priorities. We provide healthy opportunities for Airmen, Guardians and families to recharge their batteries, strengthen bonds and create lifetime memories to carry with them as they support the mission.
Is there anything else you’d like to add that might help people understand the importance of what you do for the Department of the Air Force?
Outdoor recreation is more than just camping and hiking. The programs and services we offer to our Airmen, Guardians and families help maintain resiliency throughout the Air Force.