MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. -- Editor’s note: This is the last article of a five-part series on Marine Corps Community Services.
Now that the warm weather has arrived, Marines and other base personnel are beginning to take advantage of being outdoors.
In a small building that sits next to the car wash and former gas station at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, is a resource facility that ensures the recreational needs of base personnel are met.
We supply nearly all of the recreation gear for MCLB Albany and the personnel who live and work here, said Ryan Rachels, recreational specialist/warehouse manager, Marine Corps Community Services. We have everything from trailers to bass, pond and other boats, cookers, campers, grills, tables, chairs and bouncy houses, our most popular item. There is also the pistol and skeet range available here for their use.
Outdoor Adventures, located in Building 7531, is a low-cost, outdoor recreational facility that rents much of the equipment needed to enjoy Mother Nature and all of her beauty, at a much lower cost than their counterparts off base.
Rachels said they have most of the items needed to enjoy the outdoors at a deep discount, compared to businesses out in town. Items are available for rent on a first-come, first-serve basis, with priority given to active-duty military and retirees. There are two different rental rates available - military and civilian.
Our business is driven by the weather, but spring and summer are definitely our busiest times, but we do rent all year long, he said. Having this facility here is one way of giving back to the Marines, sailors and other active-duty military personnel who serve this country. The bouncy houses are our most popular item, especially for birthday and other parties and events, which is why we keep 20 of them on hand. Most of them have been rented through November.
Rachels said Outdoor Adventures is not in business to make a profit, but to provide a service to those who have earned it for putting their lives on the line for this country.
Spending time enjoying the outdoors helps keep families close, he said. Marines and other personnel spend their days hard at work and sometimes deployed, so it is good for them to enjoy outdoors to relax and unwind with their loved ones after hours or on weekends.
One Marine, who is an avid motorcycle and bike rider, said he uses Outdoor Recreation due to the convenience and cost.
The prices absolutely cannot be beat, said Sgt. Maj. Stephen Thomas, sergeant major, MCLB Albany. I needed a trailer to haul my motorcycle to Atlanta before the winter weather hit, so I went straight to Outdoor Adventures to check for availability and pricing. After I determined the size trailer I needed, I don’t think I was there longer than 10 minutes. They even checked my hitch, hooked the trailer to my truck, did a quick safety check and sent me on my way.
Thomas said his rental cost him $20 for the entire weekend, which is much cheaper than off base.
What a great deal for Marines and other eligible patrons, especially young Marines who cannot afford the higher prices, he said.
Individuals must have base privileges in order to rent items and must understand they are responsible and liable for any damages to the equipment, Rachels said.
I want patrons to fully understand they are responsible for returning all rented items in the condition they received them, he said. This is very important, especially for those who may be asked to rent equipment for those without access for reunions, parties or other gatherings.
For more information, call Outdoor Adventures at (229) 639-5221.The hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on weekends and holidays.