Newly elected Airman's Council members hope to inspire change

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristina Overton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Working to inspire change and assist Airmen, the Airman's Council has been a strong tool in voicing the concerns and aspirations of its members on Malmstrom. As the 2011 - 2012 executive board concluded their final meeting on March 19, a new team picked up the torch.

More than 35 Airmen gathered at the Grizzly Bend for the 2012-2013 Airman's Council elections.

"As Mahatma Gandhi said, 'Be the change you want to see in the world,'" quoted Senior Airman Sulai Baddour, newly elected Airman's Council president. "As new Airmen, we see things with a new light and we can really help create those waves of change. There is so much untapped potential in our Airmen and getting involved would not only unlock that potential but it would help create amazing leaders."

The purpose of the Airman's Council is to be the voice, eyes and ears for the Airmen on the installation, promote unity, enhance professionalism, provide support and feedback for quality of life interests, and contribute to the morale and welfare of all persons assigned to the 341st Missile Wing.

"We are specifically here for the benefit of Airmen," said Senior Airman Sharlene Witt, newly elected vice-president. "It is imperative that Airmen throughout the Air Force become active members because they are the sole purpose of the council's existence. Without the representation of our Airmen, as a council, we have nothing to accomplish."

The new council representatives are: Senior Airmen Sulai Baddour, president; Sharlene Witt, vice-president; Airmen 1st Class James Hogan, secretary; Rachel Harding, treasurer; Oluwatobiloba Odesanya, events coordinator; Katrina Heikkinen, assistant events coordinator; and Senior Airmen Kristina Overton and Jason Waddy, senior advisors.

The Airman's Council meeting covered a lot of different information to include the opening of new council positions, present financial status, and fundraising and events ideas.

"Some of the events that were brought up as ideas by Airmen at the meeting included a cook-off, carnival, fitness tournaments, open mic nights, outdoor trips and pool parties," Heikkinen said. "Airmen are going to make their assignment as positive or as negative as they allow it to be. Hopefully through the Airman's Council, this year we can promote events that will inspire Airmen to get out there and get to know one another and their leadership.

"People don't have to be stuck in their rooms bored by themselves. There are plenty of things to do, it's just a matter of taking advantage of those opportunities."

Fundraising event ideas mentioned at the meeting included car washes, pet washes, sponsorship runs and baking competitions.

To help keep Airmen informed, an Airman's Council folder is located on the 10-day share drive, which contains each meeting's updated minutes, a copy of the council constitution, event information and the council drop box, formed as an avenue for Airmen to provide constant feedback.

"Our E1 through E4 tiers represent the voice-box of our enlisted future," said Master Sgt. Bradley Thye, Airman's Council NCO advisor. "This council offers an opportunity to express Airmen solutions through an avenue which leads directly to our wing leadership. I would encourage all Airmen to get involved in the council and its activities."

To offer ideas and feedback on future Airman's Council events, contact Odesanya at oluwatobiloba.odesanya@us.af.mil, or Heikkinen at katrina.heikkinen@us.af.mil.