SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The 2017 Make It Better convention, more commonly referred to as MIBCON17, occurred March 31, even after the event moved indoors due to inclement weather.
The convention showcased Seymour Johnson Air Force Base’s initiative to create more things for Airmen and their families to do to increase morale and make the base a better place to be.
There are close to 100 clubs on base and over 40 were represented at the event.
Nearly 1,500 Airmen flooded Eagle’s Landing to learn about the clubs and had the chance to dine at one of the many food trucks lining the parking lot outside of the building. Many of the Airmen in attendance said they were looking to join a club or two with interests similar to their own.
Others, such as Airman 1st Class Kortney Scheuer, 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron sheet metal technician, didn’t expect to find a club they’d be interested in.
“I came to MIBCON to see who was here and what clubs were available,” Scheuer said. “I didn’t expect to join any clubs, unless there was a cheerleading club. But I was excited when I saw the makeup club, About Face, and signed up.”
While most clubs cater to active and reserve military members, some clubs are tailored for both past and present members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Even some new clubs, like the boxing club, debuted during MIBCON17.
“The boxing club isn’t just for experienced fighters,” said Airman Jamil Tucker, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron pest management technician. “It’s a great chance for people to share their experiences with those who can’t afford traditional training.”
Tucker added the club can also help Airmen who work swing shifts and can’t follow the schedules set by most trainers.
Tech. Sgt. Samuel Finch, 4th Component Maintenance Squadron support section NCO in charge, represented the Trivia Club and said he was having fun asking the Airmen questions.
Senior Master Sgt. Donald Winchester, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron superintendent, took his chance at trying to answer some questions and in the end was ultimately stumped, although he did answer a few correctly.
Old clubs, new clubs and clubs represented around the globe, all were present during MIBCON17 and according to Airman Brianna Stuart, 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron personal property specialist, more are sure to be created.
“I’ve wanted to start a modeling club for a while now,” said Stuart. “A lot of people want to model for either a part-time job or just for themselves, but don’t understand how to pose properly or keep calm. I want to teach them how to successfully pose for the camera and take photographs that they’ll be proud of.”
Stuart said modeling is a great and therapeutic way for men and women to boost their self-esteem and confidence.
As hundreds of Airmen said, get out there, join a club, make friends and enjoy your favorite hobbies with others who appreciate them just as much as you do.
“MIBCON17 was a huge success,” said Master Sgt. Mack McCarthy, 4th Medical Operations Squadron medical services flight chief. “Ten new clubs were created and close to 600 Airmen signed up for clubs which puts around 4,000 Airmen from Seymour Johnson in a club.”
McCarthy said as long as one Airman signed up for a club, MIBCON17 would have been a success.