HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Junior enlisted Airmen living in the dorms here have a council of representatives to make dorm life a more enjoyable experience.
Their primary responsibility is to serve as a liaison between dorm residents and senior leaders, addressing issues and concerns within the enlisted dorm community.
“The dorm council is a team committed to making dorm life easier and increasing morale for those who live in them,” said Airman 1st Class Reginald Lee, dorm council secretary.
Members support dorm residents by hosting local trips and assembling volunteers for events on base and in the local area.
Membership is open to all dorm residents, with no rank restrictions.
Elections are held every six months, and newly elected members are added to a memorandum listing their names and their positions.
“A good candidate for the council must be comfortable in a leadership role, someone who is willing to take accountability, and take care of the team,” said Airman 1st Class Jael Rivera, dorm council president.
Rivera added, being part of the dorm council has allowed the opportunity for her to step out of her comfort zone, make new friends, and improve life for all dorm residents.
“If you care about people, you're going to get things done,” said Rivera. “Other people will see the passion, the zeal, and the seriousness that you actually want to create an environment where everyone is being taken care of, looked after, and the living environment is healthy.”
As president, Rivera has focused on networking to strengthen relationships.
“If our dorm council can promote support of events that are already happening, it will bolster those units and build relationships. I want to connect all the units through the dorm council,” said Rivera.
The council meets 30 minutes before every dorm dinner, typically held on the first Wednesday of each month.
Anyone interested in learning more about the dorm council, contact Lee at reginald.lee.7@us.af.mil.