What exactly is the OSC?
Straight from the Dover OSC Constitution...
"The purpose of the Officers' Spouses' Club shall be two fold: namely to promote the common good and general welfare by bringing about civic betterment, social improvements and educational opportunities within the military and local communities, as well as promote fellowship and goodwill among our members through nonprofit activities designed for pleasure and recreation..."
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Who can join?
- Spouses of all active duty officers assigned to Dover Air Force Base.
- Spouse of active duty Armed Forces officers who are temporarily separated for whatever reason (remote tours, voluntary separation, etc.) and who are living in the vicinity of Dover Air Force Base.
- Spouses of US Reserve Officers, US National Guard Officers, or spouses of any of te other Armed Forces or Civilians (GS-9 and above) who are employed by the Department of Defense.
- Widows or widowers of officers of the Armed Forces.
- Spouses of retired military Officers.
- Souses of Armed Forces officers Missing in Action.
- Spouses of Commisshioned officers of any of the Armed Forces who are living in the vicinity of Dover Air Force Base.
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How much time do I have to volunteer?
Because our primary goal is to serve the Dover Air Force Base community, as well as supporting local and national charities, we always have plenty of opportunities for volunteering. Families of military members often feel that volunteering helps them establish ties with their community and gives them a sense of belonging. With that said, membership in the OSC never obligates you to volunteer.
If, however, you would like to participate, you will have many opportunities including:
- Our primary fundraiser, the largest single-day craft show on the east coast.
- Our scholarship committee, which awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to dependents of military members of Dover Air Force Base.
- Participation in the OSC's annual sponsoring of the Airmen's Dinner in May.
- Operation Cookie Drop during Christmas, which brings homemade cookies to those Airmen who can't go home to spend time with their families over the holidays.
- Serving on the OSC Board, with positions in either the welfare or social side.
Whether you choose to volunteer or not, just being a member of the OSC means you are contributing to the strength of the group. We hope you'll join us.
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Do I have to attend all the social events?
Once a month, the OSC sponsors a social event for all members. While we would love to have you, you are never obligated to attend any social function or event. This year, we've got many exciting events planned, including a Holiday Brunch, Spa Day, and Wine Tasting (Click here for a full list of events.)
We try to accommodate all members by holding both daytime and evening events, as well as by providing childcare at many functions. (A donation of $4 per hour to the sitter is recommended.)
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How much does it cost to join?
Membership dues are $55 per year. All members receive a copy of our monthly publication, "The Highlighter", as well as a member directory.
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I paid my dues. Why do I have to pay for social functions too?
By law, we may never use money from our welfare fundraisers (like the Craft Show) to pay for our social events. The annual membership dues are used to pay for special entertainment (i.e., disc jockeys, live bands), door prizes and decorations at our social functions.
The fee for the socials is simply payment for the meal served at that event. This year, we are providing three free functions to members -- and are working hard to provide even more. The revenues from our monthly silent auction, "Make it, Bake it, Grow it", also offset the cost of the free events. You can further support the social side of the OSC by purchasing an OSC Cookbook or by participating in this year's fundraiser, which is yet to be finalized.
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What's in it for me?
Where else can you...
- learn what's going on throughout the base without relying on your spouse to bring the news home to you (or not!)
- make lasting friendships in an evening
- get moral support from folks who know exactly what you are going through when you move 7 times in 8 summers
- get first dibs on that really GREAT find at the annual Craft Show just by volunteering a few hours
- make a difference in your community through various projects and the annual Craft Show
Whether you are new to the Air Force family, a veteran at this lifestyle or a retired member's spouse, there's a lot in it for you!
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