Where the Mission Ends and Fun Begins

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE Mo. – 2nd Lt. Benjamin Coffman, 509th Contracting Squadron member, enjoys the buffet offered at Missions End Nov 17. Missions End offers a variety of catered events during large and small, from wedding receptions to Sweet 16 birthday parties and military functions such as Airmen Leadership School graduations.(U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Jessica Mae Snow) (Released)

Where the Mission Ends and Fun Begins

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE Mo. – Krystal Bagget a waitress at Missions End hands change to Maj. Sanjit Singh, 509th Contracting Squadron commander, during lunch here Nov. 17. Missions End offers a variety of catered events during large and small, from wedding receptions to sweet 16 birthday parties and military functions such as Airmen Leadership School graduations.( U.S. Air Force Photo/ Senior Airman Jessica Mae Snow) (Released)

Where the 'Mission Ends' and the fun begins

Published Nov. 17, 2009
By Heidi Hunt
509 Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Housed in a B-2 shaped structure there is a facility and staff that offer a variety of events and entertainment for both military and civilian employees, from the youngest to the most seasoned, here.

The Missions End, also known as The Club, has been offering a variety of catered events large and small -- from Airmen Leadership School graduations, wedding ceremonies and Sweet 16 birthday parties -- for more than 14 years.

"No matter what the occasion the club is here for you, and being a member reaps you all kinds of benefits that are inclusive to military clubs all over the world," said Graelin Garlington, 509th Force Support Squadron Missions End club manager.

The club has hosted more than 600 member events in the last fiscal year, according to 1st Lt. Kenneth Zimmerman, 509th FSS Sustainment Services Flight commander.

"I like that I can bring my family here and enjoy time with them at things like Family Fun Night and kids holiday events," said Staff Sgt. Ronal Reed, Missions End customer. "Additionally, I like to come here and enjoy the company of fellow patrons during "Boss-N-Buddy", karaoke, or Football Sunday."

Some of the newer programs in the past fiscal year include: Comics on Duty Tour, Fuel Up at the Club and the 96-ounce Steak Eating Contest.

"Other popular programs are the Champagne Sunday Brunch, Cook's Night Off and the ever so popular, Bucket of Crabs, which will be returning in January 2010," Mr. Garlington said, also known as 'G'. "We've been trying to think outside of the box with some of the programs we have. Our most current revamp includes the lunch and catering menu. There's more of a selection for our customers to choose from."

Monthly grill specials vary with everything from Tandoori Chicken Sandwich to a Blackened Salmon over a bed of Baby Spinach according to Mr. Garlington.

"Our club members are important to us and club membership pays in more ways than one," 1st Lt. Zimmerman said.

During the 2009 Air Force Club membership drive campaign, 200 winners were randomly selected and received a $250 MasterCard gift card. Whiteman's winners were Capt. Jason Weiser, 442nd Maintenance Operations Flight, and 2nd Lt. Laura Mills, 509th Logistics Readiness Squadron, who were presented with their prize Wednesday.

Offering a variety of events and specials for Team Whiteman members of all ages, the Missions End staff said they are ready to serve and encourage everyone to visit the club.

"Overall, Mission's End is like a hub for people to come together and celebrate in more ways than one," Sergeant Reed said.

For more information about the Whiteman Club contact (660) 563-5900 or (660) 687-4422.