Fort McCoy DMWR offers quality programs 

      The snow of winter has faded, spring flowers are emerging and summer breezes beckon.

      In the same way as Wisconsin's seasons change, Fort McCoy's Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DMWR) constantly strives to offer quality-of-life opportunities to fit the seasons of the lives of members of the Fort McCoy community.

Dawn Millard of the Child and Development Center's (CDC) Pretoddler Room helps children enjoy a nice day during the CDC's open house April 4. The CDC is a Category B MWR activity. (Photo by Rob Schuette)

      DMWR Director Mike Lupacchino said the Army MWR philosophy is to serve the best Army in the world by providing the highest-quality MWR programs that support Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians, retirees and their families. 

      "The MWR Vision -- 'First choice for those who serve; MWR for all of your life' -- reflects the desire to serve the needs, interests and responsibilities of each individual in the Army community for as long as they are associated with the Army, no matter where they are," he said.

      According to Army Regulation 215-1, the Army MWR program is a quality-of-life program that directly supports readiness by providing a variety of community, Soldier and family support activities and services.

      These include social, educational, fitness, recreational and other activities that enhance community life, foster Soldier and unit readiness, promote mental and physical fitness, and generally provide a working and living environment that attracts and retains quality Soldiers.

      "The Army believes that Soldiers and their families are entitled to the same quality of life as the Americans they defend, and MWR has an important role in providing that quality of life," Lupacchino said. 

      Lupacchino said the Fort McCoy MWR staff always is looking at ways to keep its programming and facilities fresh, interesting and inspiring for its patrons.

      The range of MWR activities offered at an installation is based on the needs of the authorized patrons who work and reside there, he said.

      Programs are prioritized based on their impact on readiness.

      Lupacchino said each MWR activity must be classified into one of three categories, with categories being determined by their effect on the military mission and their ability to generate revenue.

      Category A (mission sustaining) activities are those considered essential to sustaining readiness. 

      These activities generally promote the physical and mental well-being of Soldiers.  Activities in this category have little or no capacity for generating non-appropriated fund (NAF) income and are mostly funded by appropriated funds (AF).  Category A activities at Fort McCoy include Sports and Fitness, the Community Activities Center, and Library programs.

      Category B (community support) activities are those closely related to supporting the mission, and satisfy the basic physiological and psychological needs of Soldiers and their families and provide community support systems that make military installations temporary home towns for a mobile military population. These activities receive substantial AF support but can generate limited NAF revenue, as well.  Category B activities at Fort McCoy include Outdoor Recreation, Child & Youth Services, Arts & Crafts, Auto Crafts, Bowling, and the Car Wash.

      Category C (revenue-generating) activities are those that have less impact on readiness but offer desirable social and recreational opportunities.

      Activities in this group have the capability to generate most of their operating expenses but receive limited AF support. Category C activities at Fort McCoy include McCoy's and Whitetail Ridge Food & Beverage operations.

      Lupacchino said revenues generated at any MWR facility are reinvested in programs, services, facilities and equipment to better serve the community.

      "Improvements include the courtyard expansion and new large-screen and plasma TVs at McCoy's, a new snow groomer for the Whitetail Ridge winter operations, the touchless drive-through car wash, campers, cabins, electronic signs, a new point of sale system, and many other quality-of-life additions," Lupacchino said.

      Feedback is important to the quality of the program.

      An MWR Advisory Group, which consists of more than 20 representatives from garrison and tenant activities, meets the second Wednesday of each month in building 2187 at 1:30 p.m. to discuss issues related to services and facilities. 

      The role and intent of the MWR Advisory Group is to assess customer satisfaction, communicate relevant information to supported customers, and serve as a source of customer recommendations about how to improve the quality of life, products and services to our customers," Lupacchino said.

      MWR customers also are encouraged to provide feedback at any time through the Interactive Customer Evaluation survey at http://www.mccoymwr.com/Index /Rate%20Card.htm, or by phoning (608) 388-6000.

      For detailed information about Fort McCoy MWR programs and services including facility hours and points of contact, visit http://www.mccoymwr.com or call (877) 864-4969.