Council keeps morale high for Dorm Airmen

by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

1/22/2013 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Airmen and dorm management met for the first time in 2013 to discuss issues concerning Airmen in the dorms here, Jan. 17.

Members of the dorm council, and dorm managers, use these meetings as an opportunity to pitch new ideas to management, and have a general update on the condition of their homes.

"We are liaisons for the dorm Airmen," said Senior Airman Rodrick Chandler, 2nd Dental Squadron and Dragon dorm chief. "We are Airmen who are there for other Airmen, and we try our best to improve the quality of life in the dorms."

During this particular meeting, Chief Master Sgt. Tracy Bozarth-Larouche, Air Force Global Strike Command A6, was a guest speaker. As a former superintendent of unaccompanied housing she knows the importance of these monthly meetings.

"It's significant for leadership to always be listening to what our Airmen want," she said. "A lot of the time, people will make decisions for them. It's important for senior enlisted leaders to touch base with the young Airmen and listen to what their concerns are."

Dorm Airmen are under a large amount of stress and do not even realize it, so quality of life in the dorms is a major concern.

"On the third Thursday of every month we discuss safety, health concerns and morale issues," said Master Sgt. Adolphus Sims, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron unaccompanied housing superintendent. "Airmen use these meetings as an opportunity to express what they want to see in the dorms."

These meetings are held to bridge the gap between the tenants and the management.

"To sum it all up, this is our house," Sims said. "If we can make this place a home, we have succeeded. It is all about taking care of the people and making the dorms better."

Sims stressed that he does not want Airmen to feel like they have to live in the dorms, but a place where they want to live and show their families with pride.

"When an Airman gets home, they should be able to relax, decompress and feel comfortable," Bozarth-Larouche added.