Airmen Break Boundries, Make History

by Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten, 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, Dobbins Aire Reserve Base

The junior enlisted councils from the 908th and 94th Airlift Wings joined forces to participate in "A Hero's Welcome" on Sept. 15 at Ida Bell Young Park in Montgomery, Ala.

The junior enlisted councils broke seamless boundaries as the Airman from the 94th Airlift Wing traveled all the way from Georgia to team up with Airman Committed to Excellence for the event.

The event was coordinated by Tech. Sgt. Keith Daniels, 25th Aerial Port Squadron, as a military appreciation picnic for all retirees, veterans, current military members and their families in the area.

"I think we reached a lot of people with this event," said Daniels. "Thanks to those who are from the area and those from Georgia. These Airmen work hard, and we all appreciate it."

Both junior enlisted councils are fairly new. Airman Committed to Excellence was founded in March and the First Four was founded in May.

Despite their age, both organizations have taken their wings and communities by storm by participating in various community outreach and volunteer endeavors. Events of the two groups include the Family Day Pie in the Face Fundraiser, camp counselors and volunteers for the Sunshine Camp for Boys, which is a one-week camp for the inner city boys of Montgomery, volunteering at the Children's Center of Montgomery, which is a non-profit organization that provides services and education to the disable children of Montgomery, homeless feedings, countless hours of aiding handicapped veterans at regional sporting events and providing needed manpower at base-wide fundraising endeavors.

Also attending the picnic to cheer on the two groups of Airmen was Chief Master Sgt. Owen T. Duke, Sr., 908th AW command chief.

Duke confessed to going "way back" with Chief Master Sgt. Wendell L. Peacock, 94th AW command chief. Both command chiefs were security forces specialists together.

The common bond that Duke and Peacock shared is being passed down to the next generation of Airmen.

"We thank all the Airmen that put the time in, especially those that made the drive down to Montgomery," said Duke. "Our two wings, the 908th and the 94th, have a lot in common and we've always worked well together."