Club Day: 4th Fighter Wing initiative reinvigorates Airman morale, networking

by Senior Airman John Nieves Camacho
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/28/2015 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C.  -- The second Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Club Day was held at the dorm campus, here, April 24.

Club Day is part of the "Make It Better" initiative from 4th Fighter Wing leadership to raise morale by getting Airmen to network through common interests.

"Club Day assists the 4th FW population with finding avenues to be a part of activities or programs that are enriching," said Senior Master Sgt. Keith Castille, 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron armament flight superintendent. "These activities will promote camaraderie and esprit de corps throughout the wing, which in turn will spread like wild fire throughout the community. It gives everyone purpose and hope and aids in combatting defeating behaviors that can lead to negative trends."

Currently, there are more than 75 clubs on base, ranging from computer building to live action role playing. More than 20 clubs were showcased at Club Day to generate interest in their passions, as well as expand horizons. Additionally, live music and entertainment was provided by the Seymour Johnson Live and DJ clubs.

Since the first Club Day that saw more than hundreds of attendees, word of the clubs has spread base-wide with the assistance of the Make It Better team, a group of leaders dedicated to making opportunities for voices to be heard.

"The MIB (team) takes the ideas of our populace and turns them into action," said Castille. "This action leads to productive events that meet the wing's intent of taking care of Airmen and their families."

Col. Mark Slocum, 4th FW commander, held multiple commander's calls throughout the day to address numerous topics, such as sexual assault prevention and new base venues opening up.

"I have to thank everyone for doing things right around here," Slocum said. "That is enabling us time to concentrate on (our) quality of life."

Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Craver, 4th FW command chief, also spoke at the all calls, discussing topics like the Make It Better initiative and mentorship.

"You have no idea how impressive you are each and every day," Craver said to the audience. "The fact that we continue to make this mission happen with the people that we have and the shortages, the financial and physical constraints; it's amazing. It's a testament to your professionalism and dedication to this mission. Colonel Slocum and I have the best job in the world, because we get to lead and support some of the best that we have to offer. So thank you very much."

Castille believes toward the end of the year, the MIB initiative will be stronger than ever.

"We believe MIB is the start of a revolution, a revolution of good." Castille said. "By the end of 2015, there will be over 100 clubs servicing the 4th FW. There will be events and programs throughout the base and local community assisting in bringing balance in everyone's lives. It will be successful because it is built by our Total Force, for our Total Force."