New Airmen's group evolves to meet modern needs

Published Jan. 23, 2007
By SSgt Amanda Mills
Public Affairs

Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- A new organization for Airmen in the first four enlisted ranks is now evolving from the former First Six.
The Rising Four consists of committees of Airmen, focused on mentorship and morale.
The group's mission is to provide a means of developing the quality of life, both personally and professionally, of Airmen by creating an environment of well-rounded junior personnel while providing a unified voice of concern to senior leadership, according to the group's executive committee and advisers.
"Really this is Airmen taking care of each other," said Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant Jeff Kallas. "If they generate the group and activities themselves, they're more likely to get more Airmen involved."
All of the committee positions are voluntary. The executive committee includes A1C W. Struglinski, 71st Communications Squadron; A1C Savannah Key, 71st Medical Group; A1C Tiffany Thompson, 71st Operations Support Squadron; and Amn Monica Casperson, 71st Flying Training Wing.
There is also an events committee, squadron representative committee, dorm committee and career progression committee.
The events committee, sponsored by the Top 3, will plan and host group events and volunteering opportunities.
"Meetings and events can be anywhere, at any time, for any Airman," Airman Struglinski said. "We'd like to see off-base Airmen and those with families get involved as much as dorm Airmen."
Meetings also offer the opportunity for information, advice and mentorship. NCO advisers are also part of the group and can help with any issue an Airman may have, from uniform tips to how to communicate with supervisors.
Squadron representatives will take minutes from the monthly committee meetings and will be responsible for passing on important information to the Airmen in their squadrons.
The dorm committee will post information on each of the dorm dayroom bulletin boards.
"General information and information on group meetings and events will be posted on all six bulletin boards," said group adviser TSgt David McClelland, 71st Flying Training Wing First Term Airman Center instructor. "We'll also include information about events going on in the four nearest cities - Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Stillwater and Wichita (Kan.) -- and general on-base activities. Airmen who keep their eye out on this information may even receive prizes for it."
Although the group information, meetings and events are geared toward Team Vance Airmen, any person or organization interested in sponsoring or supporting the group is welcome, Sergeant McClelland said.
Positions for the committees are still available. To volunteer or for more information, call Airman Struglinski at 7499, Airman Key at 7922, Airman Thompson at 7449 or Airman Casperson at 7211.