MEAC opens summer with food and entertainment Published June 28, 2013 By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- To kick-start the summer, the Minot Enlisted Airmen's Council hosted a get-together for Team Minot Airmen at Bud Ebert Park, June 21. Airmen ranking from E1 to E4, including their families, were invited to the event. The event included games, an inflatable bouncing slide for children, food, and a tug-of-war contest. Senior Airman Matthew Hardwig, 5th Maintenance Squadron aerospace maintenance journeyman, said the council plans events like these to get the word out about the organization and to bring the Airmen community together to socialize. As the Public Affairs Officer for the MEAC, part of his duties includes providing outreach about the organization's initiatives and events. "A lot of people don't know about the Airmen's council," said Hardwig. The organization serves as a communication link between the younger-tier Airmen and base leadership. During their monthly meetings, the council convenes to address quality-of-life issues, dorm initiatives, and to organize events, as well as other projects. Recently, the council has focused on providing professional development opportunities for the Airmen by inviting guest speakers to discuss topics like cross-training and volunteering. "As an Airmen's council, I feel we should be concerned with preparing Airmen for later stages of their career," explained Hardwig. Often the 5th Bomb Wing commander and command chief stop by to speak and hear directly from them about their issues. "We have a lot of key leaders who guide us in the right way," Hardwig said. In the past, the council has been comprised of mainly members from the 5th Bomb Wing. However, it has grown in numbers this year and boasts more than 10 representatives from the 91st Missile Wing. Hardwig explained it is difficult for the 91st Airmen to attend meetings or be engaged because of their job schedule and the timing of their deployments out to the field. "We understand there is an issue with many but we want dual representation," said Hardwig. While members of the council may not have as many stripes, Hardwig said, their strength lies in their numbers. As an Airmen's council they want to look out for all on base and not just a select few. "In mass we can make a difference," stated Hardwig. The council's past efforts have led to the stand-up of the Airmen's Center, ice-rinks during the winter, and the initiation of re-ball on base, including hosting a multitude of events as well. For Airman 1st Class Ralph Johnson, 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron missile handling technician, the party hosted at Bud Ebert served as a way to meet new people and that is precisely what the council strives to accomplish. "Honestly, at first I didn't want to come out. But I told myself I was going," said Johnson. "And I had a lot of fun and got to meet a lot of people." Those who would like to become a part of the Airman's council or for more information about it, contact 723-4476.