HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Members of the Defenders Council have recently begun expanding their reach to build connections with the greater base community.
The council, operated by the 66th Security Forces Squadron, has historically served military members within its own squadron through morale events and fundraisers. However, current council leaders are opening participation to other Airmen to further educate them on what defenders bring to the mission.
“During this year’s Police Week, we wanted to get the whole community involved in what we do,” said Tech. Sgt. Gregory Honadle, Defender Council president. “Since then, we’ve been thinking of more ways to build those relationships while educating people on what we do as defenders.”
Just this year, the council hosted volunteer opportunities in the surrounding communities, a shooting competition, and a National Night Out, which is an annual event that promotes police and community partnerships as well as neighborhood camaraderie.
Last month, the council hosted a Thanksgiving meal for 66 SFS members as well as all dorm residents.
“It was great to have a place for Airmen who didn’t travel home for the holiday,” said Honadle. “It set the standard for how we should be operating in the future.”
Leaders in the 66 SFS said the council’s efforts can only benefit the Hanscom community.
“The impact on our people and morale has been great this year, and it’s great to have the added support of members on and off the installation,” said Master Sgt. Kenneth Souheaver, Defender Council mentor.
The Defender Council is currently working on building care packages for 66 SFS deployers to send to Airmen this holiday season.
“Anyone who has been overseas during the holidays can understand how good it feels to know your unit is thinking of you, so we want to make sure we take care of our people while they’re serving,” said Honadle.
For additional information on the Defender Council, or to contribute to deployer care packages, email Gregory.Honadle@us.af.mil.