Changing Gears, New Whiteman Airmen's Council Cabinet ups the ante

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephen Linch
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The Whiteman Airmen's Council voted for their 2009 cabinet members Feb. 17, at the community activity center during their monthly meeting. 

The council elected Airman 1st Class Stephen Nevil, 325th Weapons Squadron, for president, Senior Airman Michael Smith, 509th Force Support Squadron, for vice president, Senior Airman Lytisha Clark, 509th Medical Operations Squadron, for treasurer and Airman 1st Class Amy Teague, 509th Maintenance Group, for secretary. 

The organization, serving Whiteman now for several years, has grown by leaps and bounds. From a group charged with taking Airmen's concerns to wing leadership, WAC has slowly morphed into a vibrant, growing organization, sponsoring on and off-base activities while keeping their finger on the pulse of Airmen here. It's that knowledge of what Airmen need that makes WAC so important, according to Chief Master Sgt. Brain Hornback, 509th Bomb Wing command chief. 

"The Airmen's Council is of the Airmen for the Airmen," Chief Hornback said. "It is a voice, a liaison and an ambassador that represents junior enlisted and their interests." 

"A lot of people think we are only here or can only help the Airmen that live on base," said Senior Airman Lytisha Clark, Whiteman Airmen's Council treasurer. "That is not true. We are here for every Airman on or off base, single or married, with or without children, every Airman is included." 

WAC holds monthly meetings to organize fundraiser and volunteer opportunities and to set goals based on members input. 

"I really believe this is a great organization, and we can improve the lives of Whiteman Airmen," said Airman Nevil, the newly elected Whiteman Airmen's Council president. 

"Once we have a solid grasp on what objectives we want to peruse, we develop committees to head those projects so we reach those goals," Airmen Nevil said. "The Airmen's Council will do whatever the Airmen's input guided it to do as long as it provides a positive environment for the members of Whiteman." 

WAC will be voting on an additional seven positions at their next meeting to help reach their goals. 

The available positions are: member at large, parliamentarian, public affairs, historian, ways and means, activities and community service. 

Over the past year WAC has participated in Relay for Life, put out more than 10 tons of turf onto Whiteman's baseball fields, organized and participated in Red Friday fundraising as well as supporting several on and off base events and fundraisers. 

"Please come join us at the Airman's Council meetings so your voice can be heard," Airmen Nevil said. 

The next WAC meeting is at the community activity center at 3:30 p.m. March 10.