BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The First Four Airman’s Association and 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron Airman Dorm Leader are kicking off 2016 with renewed efforts to bring dorm residents together to improve their community.
“In 2016, Airmen should continue looking forward to us maintaining the dorms and our constant effort to improve their quality of life, and that they’ll have everything they need now and in the future,” said Tech. Sgt. Jessie Barnett, 2nd CES Airman Dorm Leader.
Throughout 2015, the Barksdale Dormitory Council, chaired by Airmen Dorm Leaders, saw increased turnout at meetings with residents making their voices heard.
The council brings residents not only a forum about dormitory issues, but also a chance to share news and mentorship.
“Those meetings are important because that’s where Airmen can come and voice themselves on things they care about,” Barnett said. “We can talk about Barksdale events and events in the local area. We also have guest speakers come out, like the [2nd Bomb Wing] command chief. This is where we get most of our input from the Airmen.”
With more than 800 Airmen living in 10 dormitories, the ADLs must prioritize services, with safety being the utmost concern, followed by health and morale.
“We address all this at the dorm council meeting,” Barnett said.
Joining the ADLs, F4AA representatives routinely engage dorm residents with events and volunteer opportunities that allow Airmen to build a community with one another.
“We’re an organization dedicated to helping Airmen on Barksdale connect with professional development and volunteer opportunities,” said Airman 1st Class Gabriel Stuart, F4AA president. “We look out for each other.”
Emails are regularly sent to dorm residents in the F4AA, letting them know of upcoming chances to volunteer on base and in the Shreveport-Bossier City community. The F4AA also hosts commissary bagging events which serve as fundraisers.
“We want to make sure the Airmen aren’t being shorted,” Stuart said. “We want to have a listening ear. Airmen know what their problems are but don’t always know how to make their voices heard to people who can make a difference.”
Currently, the F4AA is scheduling an Airman appreciation dinner.
“We want Airmen to come together, have a meal with each other, get to know people and cultivate that community,” he said.
The event is free, but meals and venue are still being decided.
For more information on F4AA events, contact Gabriel Stuart at 456-4621.