Goin' Mobile with 55th FSS

  • Published
  • 55th Force Support Squadron
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  If you have a smartphone, you know you can do just about anything on it these days. From time saving financial tools that make depositing checks a breeze, to an audio utility that plays songs from the radio and tells you exactly who the artist is - there's a mobile app for everything. Well, almost everything. Simply put, if there's a need, there is or will be an app to cover it.

In an effort to reach more of Team Offutt, the 55th Force Support Squadron has diversified and expanded its marketing avenues, now to include a mobile app. This will allow for a more direct means of communication that enhances the overall awareness of the Offutt community and encourages them to stay involved with 55th FSS programs.

"I believe the app is a tremendous initiative and is ground-breaking work for the 55th FSS. To my knowledge, we are the first Air Force base to broach this new media outlet," said Tom Fahrer, 55th FSS deputy commander. "The app will allow us to directly get our information out to our young airmen and to other patrons who rely heavily on their iPhones and Androids. Many of our patrons, a majority of whom are millennial, extensively use their smartphones to manage their schedules, communicate and surf the internet."

The 55th FSS mobile app is packed with information including 55th FSS programming, events and news. The app's directory feature will allow users to find FSS facilities by searching a specific location or by seeing what's near them. They'll also be able to find 55th FSS facilities on a map or in a list, based on order of distance.

The app also integrates with social media, like Facebook and Twitter, and encourages users to interact with the app by sharing photos, comments and checking into 55th FSS facilities. Presently, the mobile app includes six FSS facilities, including Airman & Family Readiness, Outdoor Recreation, the Patriot Club, the Offutt Field House, Peacekeeper Lanes and Willow Lakes Golf Course. FSS intends to incorporate the entire squadron as the mobile app progresses and evolves, allowing adequate time for preparation and adjustments.

App users will soon be able to save money with app exclusive coupons and discounts, and win fun prizes when they interact with the app. The app's "Badges" feature adds a level of achievement by rewarding users with a variety of badges for their ongoing app activities. Such activities might include sharing app information with others through social media, commenting on an event or news article, checking in to an FSS location, posting a photo, making reservations to an event and more. Once a user has earned a badge, they'll be able to unlock a special prize.

Keeping up with the ever changing times is difficult, and trying to keep up with technology can be even more of a challenge.

"The 55th FSS is staying ahead of the game," said Jack Sweet, 55th FSS Community Services flight chief. "The 55th FSS developed the mobile app to enhance communication for the airmen, leaders and community members of Offutt. We realize that our customers gather information much differently today than they did years ago. It is our responsibility to embrace the change and create new ways to inform community members of our programs and services. The creation of the mobile app was a direct result of feedback received from Airmen and other community members - they spoke, we listened."

With a newly launched website, a thriving social media presence and a shiny new mobile app, the FSS is able to reach and inform more people now than ever, and the possibilities are endless.

The 55th FSS mobile app is free of charge and open to everyone. The app is available for download on both the iPhone and Android. Visit http://road.ie/offutt55fss to download the mobile app or click here to scan the QR code on the poster.