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Airman's Council off to promising start for the year

By Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton, 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office / Published April 15, 2010

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --
"I am an American Airman:
Wingman, Leader, Warrior.
I will never leave an Airman behind,
I will never falter,
and I will not fail."

When attempting to summarize the individual responsibility of an Airman, the Airman's Creed sums it up the best. For an Airman, the safety of the nation rests with them. Not only the safety the nation, but the safety and well being of one another. Being a good Wingman is not just about looking out for another person in combat, but about policing peers to make sure that everyone lives the core values: Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do. It's about providing support and boosting morale when times get hard, or the mission gets tough. For those reasons, organizations like the Airman's Council exist.

On April 9, more than 60 Airmen gathered at the Grizzly Bend Club for the first Airman's Council meeting of the term.

"The turn out couldn't have been better," said Airman 1st Class Dynesha Adams, Airman's Council vice president. "With the participation, we were able to get so much feedback and so many suggestions for the things that we hope to accomplish as a council this year. It's not just about any one person's ideas, and hopefully with the support of Airman, we'll increase in number and be able to collectively make a difference."

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.

The new council representatives are: Airmen 1st Class Kristina Overton, president; Dynesha Adams, vice-president; Patricia Carnahan, secretary; Alejandro Cedillos, treasurer; Zachary Freeman, events coordinator; Timothy Reardon, assistant events coordinator; and Senior Airman Efrem Foster, senior advisor.

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

"Some of the events that were thrown out as ideas included a dorm block party, tournaments, outdoor trips and pool parties," said Airman Zachary Freeman, Airman's Council events coordinator."It is imperative that we have a strong team of Airmen actively participating, giving their input and getting the word out about what we are doing as a council. From the attendance and participation at the last meeting, if we keep it up, we are going to have a great year."

To help keep Airmen informed, an Airman's Council folder is located on the 10-day share drive which contains each meetings 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.

For Airmen interested in being an active part of the community, several service ideas were presented. On July 16 and 17, the Airman's Council will be participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life at the Montana Expo Park, helping to celebrate, fight back and raise awareness of the fight against cancer. Another activity the council will be supporting is Supplies for Afghanistan Children, asking for donations of school supplies, clothing and other needed items to be sent over in our support.

The Airman's Council is also starting Airmen 4 Education, a new program where Airmen have the opportunity to help elementary, middle and high school students, as well as other Airmen, reach scholastic goals by mentoring, tutoring and assisting them in their ambitions.

Col. Michael Fortney, 341st Missile Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Cari Kent, 341st MW command chief, also paid a visit to the Airman's Council meeting to listen to concerns and answer questions from the Airmen regarding the recent dorm policy and other issues.

At the end of the meeting, Colonel Fortney announced that he would be releasing a revised dorm policy initiating an alternative such as a curfew.

The next Airman's Council meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 7 at the Grizzly Bend Club.

To offers ideas and feedback on future Airman's Council events, contact Airman Zachary Freeman at zachary.freeman@malmstrom.af.mil
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