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Junior Enlisted Council aims to improve communities, careers

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Senior Airman Lacey Echeverry and Airman 1st Class Christopher Wade said they wanted to make a difference. They wanted to volunteer in the military and local communities. So, they joined the Junior Enlisted Council.

Now serving as president and vice president respectively, the Airmen are accomplishing their goals. The council is open, at no cost to join or belong, to the ranks of airmen basic through senior airmen. The council's three-fold mission places a high priority on volunteerism. The other priorities are to enhance Airmen's careers and boost morale.

"Our job every day as Airmen is helping and defending America," said Airman Echeverry, "[JEC] is one of those things where you can still, in your own small way, go out and help someone."

Throughout the year, JEC offers many volunteer opportunities to its members. Airman Echeverry said there are at least eight to 10 opportunities each month.

"Anytime a base or wing function takes place, a request is put out for volunteers to help with setup of the event or designated drivers for after the event," said Master Sgt. Michael Mujwid, first sergeant representative for the JEC. "In support of the local community, they help in areas such as Meals on Wheels, Feed the Children and testing monitors at local schools." As a result of all they do, Sergeant Mujwid said he is impressed with the JEC.

"In my almost 18 years in the Air Force, I have never seen a more active and giving council," he said.

Airman Wade said he is most impressed by their actions in the military Christmas baskets project, Feed the Children and the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, where they acted as course marshals.

Christmas baskets were given to military families who couldn't afford Christmas dinner. JEC was only one Tinker organization who helped putting them together.

"I've got quite a bit of pride myself and it [stinks] to be in a position where you need help, but it's very important to know that when you do need help somebody is going to be there," Airman Wade said. "Essentially the Air Force was there, but also, I was there and that felt awesome."

Airman Wade said JEC moved eight pallets of supplies for Feed the Children, a nonprofit organization that provides basic necessities to children in need. The supplies will help approximately 12,000 families.

But, there's no stopping them now. Airman Wade said if an organization needs the JEC's help, they are ready, willing and able to participate.

"We are a near inexhaustible resource and we really love being out there to help people," he said. "If you need bodies, strong, smart, capable people, the JEC is more than willing to help out."

For more information, call Airman Echeverry at 734-7851, Airman Wade at 734-5462, or go to a meeting. JEC meetings are held at 7:30 a.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Vanwey Dining Hall.