MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --
The next time Team Moody members and their families embark on a trip down the installation’s Stone Road, they’ll notice changes at the newly renovated archery range.
The range reopened Jan. 5, here, after being inactive for six months. Base leadership visited the site to experience the facility which now includes an elevated shooting pavilion, new targets and equipment.
“The range serves as a place where service members and their families can learn about archery, share knowledge and interests about the sport and other outdoor activities for free [or nominal fees],” said Master Sgt. Thomas Dobbelaere, archery range project officer. “It’s great to bring back a newly improved range for the base populace to have fun and enjoy.
“Archery is a great sport that’s easy to learn and is good for self-improvement and teambuilding,” Dobbelaere added. “Individuals or units can come out here with their own equipment or rent from Outdoor Recreation to have fun and get away from the stressors of the work place.”
In addition to the ability to decompress, Dobbelaere says the range successfully simulates an authentic hunting range.
“The facility offers everything that a regular hunting site can offer minus live animals, which is an added bonus,” said Dobbelaere. “When we renovated the facility, we wanted to recreate the fun challenges that comes with hunting.”
The 23d Component Maintenance Squadron dedicated 378 man hours in two months to build the 786 sq. ft. elevated shooting pavilion. The 23d Civil Engineer Squadron contributed in a group effort by tearing down the previous site and the 23d Force Support Squadron provided a helping hand by purchasing and providing new equipment.
Removable targets and more landscape was a part of the new improvements to accommodate up to 20 archers at a time with shooting stations ranging from 10 feet to 60 yards.
With such amenities, Airmen like Staff Sgt. Johnathan Long, 23d CMS aerospace propulsion craftsman, was among several participants who commended the facility.
“I loved the archery range when it was [previously] open because it was one of the few enjoyable places for units to play games and barbecue,” said Long. “Unfortunately, the site started to deteriorate and became sub-par. With the [makeover], people can gather here to get their sports relief that’s easily accessible and is cost-efficient compared to an off-base archery site. That convenience in addition to the good times you can have here is why the reopening is important.”
People of all ages can use the range site but individuals under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information about the range, please contact Master Sgt. Dobbelaere at 229-257-2780 or the Outdoor Recreation office at 229-257-2989.