Courtesy Photo | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- Sarah Beauchamp, 455th Expeditionary Security Forces...... read more read more
by Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Three professional organizations are doing their part to boost morale and keep Airmen involved for the duration of their deployment here in support of the ongoing Global War on Terrorism.
All three - Airmen Committed to Excellence, Middle Tier Association, and the Top 3 Organization -- are helping augment some of the 455th Expeditionary Services Squadron's morale-building initiatives.
"Each of the three organizations represents a cross-section of our Air Force population at Bagram," said Lt. Col. AnneMarie Fenton, 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Squadron commander. "They're in tune with the needs and interests of our Airmen here and bring targeted advice on how to improve the quality of life here."
Whether organizing a sporting event or providing a place to unwind, the partnership between ACE, the MTA and the Top 3 and the 455th SVS is making it possible for the quality of life here to be a continual focal point.
"In the delicate balance between mission and morale, that partnership enables a critical focus on supporting the 455th AEW's war-fighting mission by providing avenues for Airmen and Sailors to relax after a hard day's work," said the colonel, a native of Virginia Beach, Va.
Over the next few months, the Services personnel and processional organizations will focus their attention on the holiday season.
"It's difficult to be away from friends and family during the holidays, which are stressful even in the best of times," said the colonel, deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. "In a deployed, combat environment, a network of friends and co-workers can mean the difference between a sad holiday season and a more enjoyable one."
Airmen Committed to Excellence
Bagram's Airmen Committed to Excellence organization strives to be a focal point for Airmen around Camp Cunningham, according to Senior Airman Daniel Cintron, ACE president.
"In addition to improving the quality of life here for everyone, ACE gives Airmen in the ranks of E-1 to E-4 an opportunity to express what they want and need to make life here easier and better," said Airman Cintron. The Airman, a native of Tampa, Fla., is deployed here from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
Middle Tier Association
Air Force staff sergeants, technical sergeants or those selected for the NCO tier can join the MTA -- the Middle Tier Association.
"The Middle Tier Association provides an excellent opportunity for all of our staff selects through technical sergeants to get involved in helping improve your life and the lives of others while deployed here," said Staff Sgt. Benjamin Haines, MTA president. Sergeant Haines, a native of Lakewood, Calif., is deployed from Yokota Air Base, Japan.
Top 3 Organization
Those in the highest three enlisted pay grades can join Bagram's Top 3 Organization.
"Our organization's goal, in cooperation with Bagram leadership, is to coordinate and plan activities that re-energize our Airmen so they can continue dedicating their effort to getting the mission accomplished while they're here," said Master Sgt. Anthony Edmondson, Top 3 president. "In addition to providing strong role models for our enlisted Airmen here, we want to do our part to make Camp Cunningham a great place to work, live and have fun." Sergeant Edmondson, a native of Valdosta, Ga., is deployed here from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
First sergeants" perspectives
Enjoying off-duty activities is an important part to most people's well-being, according to Master Sgt. Edgar Langdon, 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group first sergeant, deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.
"Just like at home station, all work and no play can cause problems for anyone," said Sergeant Langdon, a native of Hatboro, Penn. "This is especially true around the holiday season when most Airmen are used to being around their family and friends.
"All three of our professional organizations, in partnership with Services Airmen, are doing an excellent job of improving the quality of life for Airmen deployed here," the first sergeant continued. "These morale-boosting venues will continue to get even better as the upcoming holiday season gets closer."
Master Sgt. Frances Bracks-Miller, first sergeant, 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group and 455th Expeditionary Operations Group, encouraged participation in the three professional organizations.
"It's awesome that professional organizations such as ACE, MTA, and Top 3 even exist in a combat zone," said Sergeant Bracks-Miller, first sergeant, 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group and 455th Expeditionary Operations Group. "These three organizations are a valuable part of the Air Force's Wingman initiative and I encourage others to get involved to make these organizations even better."
A deployed Airman's perspective
Senior Airman Brenda Patterson, information manager, 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, has seen how the impact of the partnership between the 455th SVS and the three professional organizations.
"Soon after arriving at Bagram, I saw that some people didn't know anyone else deployed here," said Airman Patterson, a native of Mesquite, Texas, who is also deployed here from Davis-Monthan. "That soon changed mostly because of the efforts of Bagram's professional organizations and Services in coordinating events such as Texas Hold "Em, volleyball and basketball tournaments, manning the snack shack and recreation areas, and most of all, taking the time to find ways in which people can enjoy themselves and get to know others during their off-duty time at Bagram."
| Date Taken: | 11.09.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 11.09.2005 12:57 |
| Story ID: | 3672 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 112 |
| Downloads: | 45 |
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