EAGLES hatch, spread wings

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE --  Arriving at a new base can be difficult, even scary, especially if it's your first assignment. There are new people, a fresh environment and a different way of doing things.

For young Airmen, specifically E-4s and below, there is a group to help adapt to the changes.

The EAGLES club, a private organization which stands for Exceptional Airmen Gaining Leadership Experience and Skills, aims to integrate Airmen by holding social gatherings for Airmen to discuss ideas and issues.

"When I first got here, all I knew were the people I worked with," said Airman 1st Class Devin Powner, 4th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist and EAGLES vice president. "Now, through EAGLES, it's easier to get out and talk to people from other squadrons."

Club members meet the third Wednesday of every month, usually during lunch time at the Airman's Center or the Southern Eagle dining facility. During these meetings, attendees are given the chance to interact with one another and discuss hot topic concerns as a group.

Mentors from other leadership organizations, such as Group 5/6, First Sergeants Council and Top 3, brief members about subjects decided on by group members at previous meetings. Topics have included different ways to commission, how to take advantage of tuition assistance and earning a Senior Airman Below the Zone promotion.

"Each group is looking for opportunities to help us out," said EAGLES President Airman 1st Class Sheng Morris, 4th CONS contracting specialist. "Group 5/6 and other groups provide briefers on subjects Airmen want to hear about. Next month, they'll be talking about cross-training."

Every quarter, members of the EAGLES council meet with the 4th Fighter Wing command chief to suggest ideas brought up in meetings and discuss ways to help improve the quality of life for all Airmen.

Aside from meetings, EAGLES helps Airmen get involved with volunteering. The club regularly helps out with the Boys and Girls Club of Goldsboro and Airmen Against Drunk Driving, but is always looking for other great causes.

"There are a lot of opportunities to volunteer," Powner said. "[Volunteering] is a great way to network and interact with fellow Airmen and help other people out."

According to council members, there are many reasons to join EAGLES because they provide different opportunities that can fit Airmen's needs in different ways.

"Don't let anything discourage you from getting more involved in Air Force activities," said Airman 1st Class Kendall Ford, 4th CONS contracting specialist. "EAGLES is a great place to start."

To get involved with the private organization, the next meeting is Nov. 20 at the Highlands Room in the dining facility starting at 11:30 a.m. For a list of upcoming EAGLES events, visit https://seymourjohnson.eim.acc.af.mil/4th_fw/sjprivateorgs/EAGLES/default.aspx.