Airman's Council cultivates professional, educational development

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chelsea Smith
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing/Public Affairs
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst --  In April 2013, lower-enlisted Airmen of the 514th Civil Engineering Squadron started a force development program by initiating the first and only 514th Airman's Council for reservists here.

The program aims to instill Air Force core values, promote good character, offer volunteer opportunities, and encourage professional military education and increased presence in unit activities, said Senior Airman Rachel Hollinger, 514th Airman's Council president.

To foster the continued development of well-rounded Airman, the council plans to expand their reach through community engagement, environmental projects and providing educational incentives, Hollinger said.

Currently, the council is offering five-level and Airman Leadership Distance Learning course assistance, a $100 educational incentive for the member with the highest grade point average, and is pursuing an adopt-a-highway initiative in the south New Jersey region, said Senior Airman Daniel Florio, 514th Airman's Council vice president.

"We're the future of the Reserves," Hollinger said. "It's important that the lower enlisted have a voice and a welcoming environment to discuss matters that affect them."

Since its onset, Hollinger said there has been a lot of trial and error to find out what engages Airmen. But, through engagement and support from unit leadership and council members of the 87th Air Base Wing's First Four group, she's grown membership to approximately 50 Airmen.

She's also gained valuable entrepreneurial, management and organizational development skills, she said.

Although the council is currently 514th CES specific, Hollinger said she plans to open up membership to all lower-enlisted reservists in the wing. Currently, members meet Sundays during the B unit training assembly.

"The long-term objective is sustainability," Hollinger said. "Programs like this contribute to the overall retainability of the Reserves. Hopefully we can provide more volunteer opportunities and replicate our organizational strategy to other Reserve wings."