Team Malmstrom: Step up to challenges, rewards of dorm manager position

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Dormitory managers are the underlying, cohesive force who keep the dormitories on base running smoothly, efficiently and safely. 

Much like a building superintendent in an apartment complex, dorm managers are responsible for making improvements, addressing complaints, fixing the problems and noting suggestions from dorm residents. 

"We make sure the dorms have heat, water and security," said Master Sgt. Albert Moczygemba, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron dorm manager. "Making sure the Airmen have a safe place to live is definitely a priority." 

Keeping an eye on the dorms is a big part of ensuring safety. 

"Monday mornings I go through the dorm parking lots and make sure everything is in order and check up on how much fun the Airmen had over the weekend," he said.
Reviewing security tapes when a weekend gets out of hand for some Airmen is another responsibility of the dorm manager. 

"Whenever things go wrong or illegal activity is suspected, we go over the tapes and figure out what happened," Sergeant Moczygemba said. 

Along with the necessities, dorm managers are also in charge of renovations.
"We're redoing a lot of the day rooms - making it a little nicer for the Airmen," Sergeant Moczygemba said. "The renovations include re-felting pool tables, decorations, themes and televisions." 

Sergeant Moczygemba pointed out that if anything provided in the day rooms gets stolen, not to expect a replacement - but that the Airmen are usually good about respecting and keeping up the facilities. 

Another issue Sergeant Moczygemba addressed was when something is broken or inoperable in the dorms, residents must be sure to call them and let them know as soon as possible. 

"We can't fix it if we don't know about it," he said. 

Although the wing is looking for more applicants to step up to the responsibility of being a dorm manager, they use their resources to the best of their ability to create a pleasant environment for the dorm dwellers. 

"One of the incentives of being a dorm manager is having the huge responsibility of mentoring new Airmen and you are a big influence to them by providing them with a quality of life standard," said John Anderson, Air Force Space Command unaccompanied housing manager. "That can have a long-term impact and help with retention and recruiting." 

Another perk of being a dorm manager is the amount of visibility and promotion incentives. 

"You deal directly with the first sergeants, commanders and command chiefs when you're a dorm manager," Sergeant Moczygemba said. "If you're career oriented its helpful to be in this position because many opportunities can arise when you're known by so many people in the wing." 

The wing's command chief agrees, and said applying to be a dorm manager is a challenging, but unique experience, and a good way to try something new. 

"This is a great opportunity for people to step outside of their comfort zone and develop new skills," said Chief Master Sgt. Steve Sargent, 341st Space Wing command chief. "It's an important job on base and we really need Warriors to step up and fill these positions." 

Anyone interested in becoming a dorm manager can contact Sergeant Moczygemba at 731-3577.