Enlisted Council provides dorm-life starter baskets Published Dec. 9, 2024 By Airman 1st Class Jordan Sillence 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - Alone and unsure, many new Airmen arriving at Vance Air Force Base are experiencing independence for the first time. With the help of the Enlisted Dorm Council, that first day might just be a little easier. When new Airmen arrive at Vance the only things that they will have for certain is their duffle bag full of issued items. Welcome baskets that the dorm council provides can ensure that newcomers have one less thing to worry about, said Airman 1st Class Ramses Foteu , a member of the dorm council. Foteu, assigned to the 71st Installation Support Squadron, considered herself lucky when she arrived at Vance. “Thankfully my sponsor thought of basics like hand soap, utensils, food and water for me to have handy.” But Foteu recognizes that not everyone has such an easy time. The dorm council wanted to help. Using their own experiences, they created baskets filled with supplies that would be immediately useful. They included things like snacks and cleaning products that help ease an Airman into their new home. The supplies for the baskets are provided by Beta Sigma Phi, a service organization of women based in the local area. They buy the baskets and supplies and the dorm council assembles and distributes the baskets as needed. In addition to the supplies inside, the baskets are repurposed by the Airmen as laundry baskets and other uses long after their arrival. The welcome baskets are just one of a variety of initiatives the Enlisted Dorm Council provide to improve quality of life in the dorms.