132d Wing Enlisted Advisory Council receives the 2017 Chief’s Award

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  • By Airman 1st Class Katelyn Sprott
132d Wing, Iowa Air National Guard --  Tears fill a choked up Staff Sgt. Jaime Young’s eyes as she recalls the moment when she found out the 132d Wing Enlisted Advisory Council (EAC) was being awarded the 2017 Chief’s Award.

“When we actually got the award and hearing the crowd applaud, I think that was when I realized that people know who we are, and what we do,” said Young. “It was Chief Miller who, when we were accepting, said ‘This is the loudest applause of the whole morning.’ It just really connected, the support we have.”

The EAC was awarded the Chief’s Award, on November 4, 2017, it was presented by Chief Master Sgt. John Smith. Former EAC President Young, the Education and Training Manager for the 132nd ISRG, and former Vice President Tech. Sgt. Marcus Goins, an Intelligence Analyst, accepted the award on behalf of the entire EAC. Young said she was honored to even be considered for the award.

The Chief’s Award is only given when the Chief’s group, as a majority, feels an individual or group of individuals have gone above the call of duty. This award is neither restricted by rank nor military status and is meant to recognize those who have distinguished themselves. In the running for the award was the 132d Wing Public Affairs Office, the 132d Civil Engineer Squadron State Employee Team, the Snake Pit Lounge Volunteers, the 132d Wing Safety Office and the 132d Wing Force Support Squadron Career Development Team.

“I think just being nominated was enough for me, that was huge,” said Goins. “There’s many people on this base who could’ve gotten it.”

The EAC received the award due to their continued impact on the morale and welfare of the 132d Wing. A few of their accomplishments include: assisting with the Trunk or Treat event, initiating and running the Miniature Golf Outing and hosting the Squadron BBQ Contest.

Young said the Miniature Golf Outing was a learning experience to see what it would take to plan a base wide event and that it spearheaded the way for the BBQ Contest.

“We thought the contest would give everybody the opportunity to participate in something Wing wide and give the Airmen a chance to get out of their work area for a little bit,” said Goins.

The mission of the EAC is to be an outlet for all Airman to openly discuss any issues they may have and find a solution, said Young. They also focus on professional development and morale building.

“We ask: ‘what are some gaps that you see?’ and then we go in and address those gaps. Morale was a big one,” said Staff Sgt. Connor Judd.

Young, Goins and Judd all agreed that with the new EAC leadership and where the EAC is headed, that next year is going to be better than previous ones. They invite and encourage all Airmen to attend the meetings on Sunday of UTA at 9:30 am.

“In the future, we’re kind of eyeing our lower ranking members, trying to find some professional development opportunities for the E-3 and E-4’s,” said Young.