JEC helps community

Senior Airman Stephanie Selmon, Junior Enlisted Council vice president, put colored pictures into each Thanksgiving “basket” last year. The pictures were colored and donated by a local kindergarten class, Airman Selmon said. The “baskets” would later be given to more than 400 military families.(Courtesy photo)

Junior Enlisted Council works to better community

Published Oct. 24, 2008
By Brandice Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- About 50 of Tinker's junior enlisted Airmen are actively working to better themselves and their careers. They are part of the Junior Enlisted Council.

At no cost to join or belong, the members -- airmen basic to senior airmen -- participate in social and volunteer activities, listen to guest speakers and try to resolve on-going issues that affect their well-being.

"We have three missions," said Senior Airman Stephanie Selmon, JEC vice president. "First is to enhance our careers and become NCOs, second to serve our community through volunteering and third, to boost morale."

Involved in the JEC since December 2004, Airman Selmon said she joined the JEC after hearing about it at the 72nd Mission Support Squadron's First Term Airman Center. She joined because she wanted to be involved in activities on base. Since joining, she said she learned how to address crowds and speak in large groups. Prior to joining JEC, speaking in public was something she was too shy to do.

Among the activities the JEC participates in are volunteering at retirement homes and cleaning a stretch of Oklahoma highway. Airman Selmon said most of the volunteering they do is through pairing up with Tinker's Air Force Sergeants Association.

"Without participation from the JEC, we wouldn't be able to promise support for any of the programs," said Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Thompson, AFSA chapter 985 president. "They are always willing to help, and eager to have fun while working."

To join the JEC, attend a meeting and sign the attendance sheet. They are held at 11:30 a.m. the third Thursday of the month in the Religious Education building. For more information, call Airman Selmon at 734-7450.