Airmen's Association encourages involvement Published Oct. 13, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Andrea F. Liechti 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The First Four Airmen's Association council members met Oct. 12 at the Base Exchange food court here to discuss topics for their monthly meeting scheduled to be held Oct. 25. Council members meet a couple times a month to prepare for their F4AA meetings. They discuss topics such as fundraisers, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities available to Barksdale Airmen. "Our goal is to get Airmen involved in the association," said Airman 1st Class Nicole Cofey, F4AA secretary. "Scheduling events that will interest a majority of our Airmen is extremely important." The association also encourages Airmen to follow through with any ideas they may have. F4AA recently had an Airman take charge of his camping trip idea. He set up an entire trip to Arkansas, including transportation and equipment such as tents and canoes. The trip cost $15 per Airman and is taking place the weekend of Oct. 21. "The camping trip is evidence that even if you're not a council member, you can still get involved as much or as often as you like," said Senior Airman Katelyn Vargas, F4AA member and head of the Veterans Association Home project. The VA Home project is just one of many programs the F4AA supports. The program allows Airmen to meet with veterans to play games such as bingo and listen to old war stories. "It's a great way to learn about our history and enjoy the company of those who have fought before us," Cofey said. Volunteer opportunities available to Airmen through the association include commissary bagging, working concessions at local high school football games, and car washes. The money raised is used to entertain Airmen with pool parties, movie nights and camping trips. F4AA member meetings are held the last Tuesday of every month. Locations are announced via email. To see more of what F4AA has to offer, visit facebook.com/barksdale.F4AA.