EAGLES here to improve Airmen’s needs

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  I've been a part of the 4th Fighter Wing for almost three years now, yet I still hear Airmen complain about the same things.

"There's never anything to do here."

"Nothing I say is going to change anything."

For those of you around base who've ever said one of these phrases, I must say I strongly disagree. Having once lived life as a resident complainer, I joined a professional organization that changed my perspective and mindset. Exceptional Airmen Gaining Leadership Experience and Skills, an organization for senior airmen and below, is dedicated to making a difference for all Airmen of the 4th FW.

As EAGLES president, I am charged with improving the morale, well-being and quality of life of my fellow Airmen. I encourage all my peers to get involved with our organization because it's a great way to meet new people with a common purpose and to grow in the realm of professional development.

We plan events geared toward Airmen, including video game tournaments, volunteer opportunities on and off base, and trips to theme parks, beaches and other points of interest in North Carolina and surrounding areas.

Our organization is also a conduit to base senior leadership. We work closely with the installation's command chief master sergeant to pass issues up the chain of command whenever the need arises.

The issue at hand is the same Airmen who continually complain about morale and quality of life issues are the ones who do not to come to our meetings and make a stand or suggestion. By not taking a stand and not caring about resolving the issues you complain about on a routine basis, you become part of the problem.

So here is my call to arms for all the Airmen out there who want change for the better. Come out to our meetings and events, show your support and find out how you can be a difference maker.

As for the naysayers and complainers, take the energy you put into finding fault with everything you think is wrong and put it into helping EAGLES make our wing truly be "Fourth, but First."