EAGLES provides opportunities for young Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shane Dunaway
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Exceptional Airman Gaining Leadership Experience and Skills, commonly referred to as EAGLES, is an organization whose goal is to aid in professional development while also improving the quality of life of fellow Airmen. 

The mission of the organization, which meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Airmen Center, is to maintain the well-being and morale among the first four enlisted ranks, said Senior Airman Evelyn Nicholson, EAGLES secretary and member for more than two years. EAGLES serves as a channel to wing leadership for Airmen's questions and concerns to be heard and answered. 

The group focuses on three areas - Airman self-improvement, community involvement and morale-building social events. These goals are accomplished by planning trips to theme parks, game tournaments and volunteer efforts on and off base. 

EAGLES fosters Airmen unity while providing a forum for leadership and development, Airman Nicholson said. Airmen are able to meet peers from other squadrons to exchange experiences and professional development tips. 

The organization and its members were instrumental in establishing the Airmen Center, Airman Nicholson said. Members provided hours of volunteer work to get it up and running and continue to support the center every day. 

EAGLES also serves as an outlet for Airmen to present concerns they may have in the dorms or their work center. 

Some Airmen were concerned about not being issued rain gear, Airman Nicholson said. EAGLES presented this issue to Chief Master Sgt. Layton Clark, 4th Fighter Wing command chief master sergeant, and he was able to resolve the issue. 

For Airmen seeking active involvement in EAGLES, membership dues are $6 annually which helps fund events for Airmen. 

The organization is led by five executive council members at the following positions - president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and public affairs officer. These positions provide a chance for Airmen to hone their leadership skills. 

"One of the many benefits of participating in the EAGLES is the development of your leadership skills,"said Master Sgt. Allen Daniels, 4th Fighter Wing career assistance advisor. "These skills will not only open doors for you in your enlisted career path, but will also have a profound effect in your organization."