ODR wants to get Team Edwards out and about

  • Published
  • By Rebecca Amber
  • Staff writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In the coming months Edwards personnel can expect to see representatives form Outdoor Recreation in the Exchange to assist in signing up for email notifications. ODR is planning trips for all types of interests such as hiking, fishing, camping, white water rafting and deep sea fishing. The trips are open to anyone with base access for a standard fee that includes transportation and limited equipment.
 
ODR's new director, James Norman, just wants to give people the opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature. To accomplish that goal, ODR is forming more specific email groups to ensure that individuals are notified of outings that will interest them. For instance, someone who enjoys camping can sign up for emails about camping trips.

"It could be a whole new world for people who haven't had a lot of outdoor experience. In today's society most of the younger generations are fixed on computer technology, but this is a great way of experiencing nature firsthand; it's a whole different world," said Norman.

ODR also offers a special initiative for single Airmen to participate in Department of Defense-sponsored trips. There are a variety of programs in the Single Airman Program to choose from at no cost to participating Airmen. The trips are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and have limited availability.

"The trips are for any military person that is single regardless of rank. If they are an E-1 or colonel, they can sign up," said Norman.

The next single Airman trip is scheduled for Sept. 5 to go parasailing out of Marina Del Ray. The deadline to sign up is Aug. 31 at which time any remaining slots will be made available to the rest of the base population.

Another single Airman trip, deep sea fishing, has been scheduled for Oct. 27 in Oxnard. Airmen will be provided with transportation and equipment, paying only for food and drinks.

Outdoor Rec offers a wide variety of equipment for rent year-round. Norman encourages anyone who is new to Edwards and ODR to stop by for a quick tour. The rental price list is another resource for discovering new equipment to ODR.

"The staff is friendly, eager and happy to answer questions and give a guided tour," said Norman. "We want to make the Airmen's tour of duty both enjoyable and memorable and take advantage of the numerous activities available at ODR. We're available for all active duty family members as well."

Outdoor Recreation is not just for off-base trips and equipment rentals, they also offer on-base activities. Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, the Rod and Gun Club is open for skeet shooting, target practice, airsoft and paintball activities.

Norman has 14 years of experience in Outdoor Recreation, a career that has taken him all over the world. He moved to Edwards from Tyndall AFB, Fla., where he served as a youth activities director.

"I just like to get outdoors and be with people doing fun things and enjoying nature," said Norman. "If you don't get into ODR activities, you don't know what you're missing out on. It's good for your health and fitness, and you might pick up a great hobby."

Edwards ODR has equipment rentals and trips available for all base personnel. Call 661-275-CAMP (2267) for more information.