Dormitory Council provides voice for Airmen

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Dustin Hart
  • 347th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Moody dormitory residents now have a direct outlet to express issues to base leadership through the Wing Dormitory Council. 

The council, formed in January by the 347th Rescue Wing Command Chief Chief Master Sgt. Michael Mazzi addresses a variety of dormitory issues, including room maintenance, rules and purchasing new items for resident use. 

“We are trying to get (dormitory residents) involved at the wing level,” said Senior Master Sgt. Dawna Kinsman, 347th Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant and president of the First Sergeant’s Council president. “Each squadron holds its own meeting. This gives each dormitory the opportunity to meet directly with the command chief to address any issue.” 

Chaired by Chief Mazzi, the council is comprised of the presidents from each of Moody’s 10 dormitories and representatives from the unaccompanied housing office, dormitory managers and the First Sergeant’s Council. 

While headed by Chief Mazzi, Sergeant Kinsman said the aim of the council’s monthly meetings is to provide a forum to receive input from dormitory representatives. 

“The Airmen live there and whatever happens, they need to have a say in it,” she said. 

This is especially important when the dormitories are deciding how to spend money from winning dormitory competitions. 

“It is not up to me how (the money) should be spent,” Sergeant Kinsman said. “My job is to help them know what they can and can’t spend it on in accordance with Air Force rules.” 

When dormitory residents share ideas or issues with their dormitory leadership, the presidents can in turn present it directly to the council, said Airman 1st Class Laura Wildroudt, 347th Maintenance Squadron dormitory president. 

In addition to answering dormitory issues, the council provides an opportunity for representatives from around the base to present activities and programs the Airmen may be interested in, Sergeant Kinsman said. This allows the dormitory presidents to pass the information along to Airmen. 

“The Airmen may be more comfortable in participating in an event if the information comes from a fellow Airman instead of through official leadership channels,” said Airman 1st Class Rosalinda Sanchez, 347th LRS dormitory president. 

Improving every Airman’s dormitory living experience is what the council is all about, said Sergeant Kinsman. 

“Airmen need to know this isn’t by invitation,” she said. “They should feel it’s a responsibility because they’re making life better for the Airmen coming in after them.”