HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Hanscom dorm residents elected a new council of five representatives to be the voice of single junior-enlisted Airmen living on base Feb. 1.
The dorm council serves as a liaison between residents and senior leaders, ensures the quality of life in the dormitories meet the needs of Airmen, and organizes morale events for residents.
“We want to get Airmen more involved and connected with the base and council,” said Senior Airman Alexandra Berumen, dorm council president.
The previous council found innovative ways to keep residents connected through COVID-19 travel restrictions and physical distance requirements, such as game nights, volunteer opportunities, inbound Airmen welcome committees and base-wide events including the 2020 holiday parade and tree lighting.
The council headed efforts to renovate a designated recreation space called Minuteman Escape that opened to dorm residents in December.
Berumen, who previously served the council as vice president, said the biggest challenge for the incoming team will be continuing to cater to the different professions and shift schedules of the residents.
“Our goal for this year will be to continue making Airmen feel included and appreciated,” she said. “No one here is alone or on an island; we’re all in it together.”
Airman 1st Class Everly Wilkes, previous president, said she has full confidence the council will continue to do great things for the junior enlisted community.
“There’s a great team coming into the role, and I know they’ll pick up right where the previous council left off,” she said.
Senior leaders say they will continue to support the organization’s future endeavors.
“This past year, the council ensured our dorm residents had a voice in what they needed and worked hard on multiple quality of life efforts,” said Chief Master Sgt. Bill Hebb, installation command chief. “I’m excited to partner with our new council to build on their success and continue taking care of our Airmen.”
Additional members elected include:
Vice President: Airman 1st Class Bradley Daniels
Secretary: Airman 1st Class Jachin Henderson
Treasurer: Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Chavez
Marketing/Public Relations Chair: Airman 1st Class Jacques Charleceus
Council members will serve through November 2021.