A.C.E. takes care of business

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  For the first time since June, Airmen Committed to Excellence opened their meetings for all Airmen to attend July 28, 2010 at Eielson Air Force Base.

During the meeting, leaders explained that A.C.E. is a growing organization, and although all airmen are members, not all Airmen know what A.C.E. is or understand its purpose.

A.C.E. is a private organization that encourages Airmen to interact, volunteer and participate in activities both on and off-base. The group is dedicated to the growth and development of future enlisted leaders through initiative, creative vision and enthusiasm. Members are committed to volunteerism, self-discipline and positive mental attitude.

Their primary objective is to produce support for servicemembers, base and community.

"All Airmen stationed at Eielson are a part of A.C.E. whether they know it or not. The elected members have been voted in, but every Airman assigned here is a part of the organization. It is a voice for the Airmen, they have needs and we seek and try to get them what they want," said Airman 1st Class LaMondrick Patrick, assigned to the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron and president of A.C.E.

Whether they receive emails or not, the goal is to include as many people as possible on the membership list. With a large pool of people on the list, more accurate information can be given and received about what Icemen think.

"We represent the Airmen of Eielson so when the wing, squadron or other private organizations need the input of Airmen, a lot of times A.C.E. is who they go to," said Airman 1st Class Cory Williams, 354th Contracting Squadron contracts specialist and vice president of A.C.E.

It is important to get information to Airmen to let them know what topics are being discussed and what options they have for activities. The main method to accomplish this is through email. The distribution list given to A.C.E. allows them to contact and inform members about activities.

"The more people we can reach and open our organization to the more successful I think we'll be," said Airman Williams.

One task A.C.E. leadership is working on is having an updated contact list with current information that would allow them to go through the current distribution list and add and delete people as they PCS in and out of Eielson.

Another idea brought to the table was a plan to have unit representatives to help keep the list current as time passes. All movement in and out would be relayed to the vice president to ensure the list is as up-to-date as possible.

There is no clear way of maintaining the list with the Airmen that have arrived and left. This is why plans are being made to improve the method currently in place.

Airmen who want their voice to be heard can contact Airman Williams to get added to the current distribution list. Receiving input from people who will benefit from planned activities is a valuable tool when making decisions that will affect members of the base.