Morale, Welfare and Recreation: Serving Those Who Serve — Episode 110

With around 65,000 people around the world supporting the quality
of life for United States Armed Forces personnel and their
families, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (or MWR) — a.k.a. Armed
Forces Recreation — is a network of park and recreation
professionals who serve in the military and offer everything you
would see at a traditional, community-based park and recreation
agency. It also is a sector of the park and recreation world that
provides a lot of civilian career opportunities for students and
young professionals looking to get into the field – and, as one
of NRPA’s active member networks is the Armed Forces Recreation
Network, I’m looking forward to chatting about a topic we haven’t
covered much on today’s episode.


Joining me today are three individuals who are making huge
impacts within their respective branches of the military when it
comes to recreation and all the benefits it provides those who
serve.


I’m thrilled to welcome John Prue, the Morale, Welfare and
Recreation (MWR) program analyst for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic and
incoming chair of the NRPA Armed Forces Recreation Network; Caité
Kendrick, the recreation program manager at IMCOM Readiness for
the U.S. Army; and Kiersten Warren, the outdoor recreation
business manager for Air Force Services.


Tune in to the full episode below as we discuss all things Armed
Forces Recreation/MWR and what led each of them to a career in
this field. You’ll also learn:


How access to recreational opportunities are having a
positive impact on those who serve in the Navy, Army, Air Force
and more

The similarities and unique differences between MWR
installations and traditional, community-based local park and
recreation agencies

Why MWR is essential for the physical and mental health of
those serving in the military, as well as their families

What career opportunities in MWR are available (even for
civilians!) and how you can learn more

Why NRPA members should join the Armed Forces Recreation
Network, and much more!



Additional Resources:


NRPA Armed Forces Recreation Network

Navy MWR website

Air Force Outdoor Recreation website

Army MWR website

Careers in MWR via USAJOBS