Dorm Airmen recognized with Dorm, Room of the Quarter awards

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shane Dunaway
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Attention to detail is one of the basic disciplines Airmen learn during readiness training to effectively execute a mission with accuracy. For the Airmen living in Bldg. 3607, they're applying this discipline outside of work in an effort to improve the quality of life of their dormitory.

Their hard work and patience paid off when Col. Steve Kwast, 4th Fighter Wing commander, presented Bldg. 3607's dorm council with a Dorm of the Quarter plaque Dec. 15.

"The dormitory council provides an avenue for residents to be actively involved in matters concerning their dormitory and dormitory complex, i.e. future upgrades, problems with air conditioning or heat, etc.," said Tech. Sgt. Joe Darlington, Bldg. 3607 dorm manager. "The dormitory council is comprised of four elected members, which includes a chairperson, vice-chairperson, treasurer and recorder. Alls resident are also on the council. Residents voice their concerns to their council officers, who in turn work with the unaccompanied housing manager to obtain funding or elevate the ideas to wing leadership."

The residents of 3607 have managed to band together in unity despite being from four different squadrons.

"To have an effective dormitory council, all residents must take an active role in participating in dorm council meetings and activities," Sergeant Darlington said. "During the recent Dormitory of the Quarter inspection, it was obvious which dormitories have strong councils and have involved residents. The residents of 3607 took the initiative to prepare the building for the inspection and didn't rely on the bay orderly to make sure everything was clean."

The dorm will receive $2,000 for self-help projects aimed at improving dorm morale and quality of life.

"How an Airman takes care of his room and dormitory is usually a sign of how the Airman does his job," Sergeant Darlington said. "A well-organized Airman at the dorm is someone who is well-organized at work and pays attention to detail."

One Airman who set the standard by paying attention to detail was Senior Airman Christina Kessler, 4th Communications Squadron computer systems operator, whose room won Room of the Quarter out of all the dorms.

"A clean room shows discipline," Airman Kessler said. "It's that same discipline which helps me accomplish my daily mission at Seymour Johnson."