908th, 94th bond together to make a difference

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shaniqua Rogers
  • 908th Airlift Wing
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  The junior enlisted councils of the 908th and 94th Airlift Wings recently combined forces to participate in "A Hero's Welcome" at Ida Bell Young Park in Montgomery, Ala.

The event was coordinated as a military appreciation picnic for all retirees, veterans, current military members and their families in the area.

"The event was extremely successful," said Tech. Sgt. Keith Daniels of the 908th's 25th Aerial Port Squadron, who coordinated the event. "The two junior enlisted groups came together, combined efforts and contributed to the ultimate success of the event."

Both junior enlisted councils are fairly new. The 908th's Airman Committed to Excellence was founded in March and the 94th's First Four was founded in May.

Despite their age, both organizations have made significant impacts upon their respective wings and communities by participating in various outreach and volunteer endeavors. They have coordinated camp counselors and volunteers for the Sunshine Camp for Boys, a one-week camp for the inner city boys of Montgomery and volunteers for the Children's Center of Montgomery, a non-profit organization providing services and education to disable children of Montgomery.

They have also taken part in such diverse events as the Family Day Pie in the Face Fundraiser; feedings for area homeless, spent countless hours aiding handicapped veterans at regional sporting events and provided needed manpower at base-wide fundraising endeavors.

"We've all put in a lot of time in, on-duty as well as off-duty," said Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten, vice president of Dobbins' First Four. "It's nice to know there are other Airmen, at other wings, striving for excellence right alongside us. The combined effort of these two junior enlisted groups speaks volumes to all the Air Force core values and ultimately shows pure 'wingmanship' at its best."