Volunteer opportunities available through base organizations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stacy Sanchez
Many Airmen and dependents rely on base organizations to provide extracurricular activities and volunteer opportunities.

The overall mission of base organizations is to allow Airmen and their families to get involved, meet new people and help others both on and off base.

The Airman's Council is one of many organizations on base providing volunteer opportunities for Airmen and their families.

The council is a program for Airmen in the grades of E-1 to E-4. The council's mission is to improve quality of life for all Airmen assigned here.

"We want to improve the morale of all Airmen living in the dorms, base housing or off base," said Airman 1st Class Anthony Particini, Airman's Council president. "We encourage unity and strive for excellence."

Another organization available on base is the Edwards Middle-Tier Association.

The MTA is a private organization that promotes professional development, esprit de corps and supports base-wide and community programs.

"Through this, we hope to improve the mission and development of the junior enlisted personnel at Edwards and the surrounding community," said Tech. Sgt. Sailanka Pangilinan, MTA president.

The MTA brings important issues and concerns to command chiefs and helps raise awareness of the quality of life of all Airmen.

Another organization assisting Airmen is the Junior Force Council.

The JFC allows Airmen and civilians to address and identify center-level junior force concerns. The JFC is the "voice" to communicate concerns and coordinate with Air Force Flight Test Center leadership. They develop and implement solutions to junior force needs.

The JFC also offers mission-driven mentoring, which is a Web-based tool that helps people receive personal and professional developmental skills.

The Air Force Sergeants Association is another organization created to enhance the quality of life of Team Edwards and their families.

Another available program is the Company Grade Officers Council. This council provides Edwards CGOs with opportunities for professional development and community service to facilitate a strong social environment for Edwards.

The Edwards Top 3 organization is dedicated to personal and professional growth of all senior noncommissioned officers assigned to Edwards.

"We execute this mission through career-broadening leadership opportunities both in the military and civilian community," said Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Pfeffer, Top 3 president.

The Edwards Officers' Spouses' Club is an organization for spouses that foster the welfare of members and provides social activities for officer spouses, active duty or retired and civilian equivalent in the club.

"The EOSC also supports the military community through volunteering, fundraising, scholarships and donations to schools and organizations," said Assonta Wagner, EOSC president.

The base Thrift Shop is operated by the EOSC to help fund scholarships as well as local and national military organizations.

Programs for enlisted spouses are also available at Edwards. The Edwards Enlisted Spouses Club is an organization that fosters a high degree of morale among enlisted spouses and promotes the ideals of the Air Force through welfare, charitable, social, educations and recreational activities.

"Joining an organization really helps your stay at Edwards," said Airman 1st Class Donna Marie Yap, Airman's Council treasurer. "I would recommend that Airmen and their families participate in an organization. It feels good to volunteer your time and effort."