"Amazing Base" to give away thousands in prizes, cash

Published Sept. 4, 2007
By Corey Dahl
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- A new promotion will have base residents and employees racing for cash, reality show-style, for the next two months.

On Sept. 4, the 21st Services Squadron started "The Amazing Base" here, a prize giveaway competition open to all servicemembers, civilians, contractors and family members on Peterson. Participants will have the opportunity to win prizes and $100 in cash every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday until Oct. 26.

The competition is modeled after the CBS show "The Amazing Race," where contestants race each other around the world to win prize money. Peterson's version won't have anyone traveling to exotic locales, though. Instead, all of the prizes will be hidden at 21st Services facilities or events.

On Treasure Hunt Tuesdays, participants can look up a clue on the 21st Services' web site or on one of the Amazing Base flyers posted at various locations on Peterson. The first person to decipher the clue correctly and locate the treasure chest will receive $100.

Race Day Thursdays will have participants searching for a customer service ambassador wearing a special Amazing Base T-shirt at that day's designated 21st Services facility. The location will be revealed on the services web site and on Amazing Base flyers. The first person to spot the ambassador and say, "Peterson is an Amazing Base," will win $100.

Amazing Fri-Daze will take place at the Club, giving Club members the chance to enter a drawing for $100 when they show their membership ID card between 4 and 6 p.m. Non-members will be able to enter prize drawings during those same hours for giveaways including a free membership to The Club.

The point of the whole promotion, said Margie Arnold, who works for 21st Services marketing, is to help people learn about the different services they can find on base.

"It's kind of getting people in the door, getting them to look around at what we offer," Ms. Arnold said. "And it also just helps to create some goodwill, some buzz about Services."

Tech Sgt. Donald Thomas was buzzing on Sept. 4, when he won the first Amazing Base Treasure Hunt Tuesday, finding the prize at the fitness center. Taking home a bag of $100 and some bonus chocolate gold coins, Sergeant Thomas said he plans to compete in as many Amazing Base events as possible.

"It doesn't hurt to at least try," he said. "I mean, it's $100. This is going to finance a camping trip."

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