Networking, excelling with 5/6 Published Feb. 28, 2013 By Senior Airman Jessica Haas Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Senior Airmen who have just graduated Airman Leadership School are ready and prepared to be supervisors. While ALS certainly does everything it can to adequately prepare Airmen for the task of supervisor, life usually has a way of throwing a curveball. That's where Minot 5/6 comes in. "One of the main benefits of being a member is being able to network with fellow NCOs across the base," said Staff Sgt. Emily Irwin-Green, Minot 5/6 secretary. "We have several committees set up to provide members the chance to excel by leading these committees. Every month we have guest speakers who attend our general council meetings and provide us with information on current events and ways to better enhance ourselves professionally." The Minot 5/6 is an organization created to enhance professionalism and build stronger non-commissioned officers through the principles of integrity, developing knowledge, and acquiring and developing skills. Aside from the networking benefits, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities to be had as a part of this organization. "As far as fundraising, we organize and participate in the North Dakota State Fair," said Irwin-Green. "Our proceeds from this fundraiser go toward items and events such as the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing promotion release parties for E-5s and E-6s, annual awards banquets for both wings, and morale boosters for our base community such as dorm parties and game nights. We also head up the Community College of the Air Force graduation ceremonies for Minot Air Force Base." Irwin-Green said that their philosophy of recognition is demonstrated through their Airman and NCO of the Quarter awards. "Each quarter we select one Airman and one NCO from Minot AFB and recognize them for the great things they have done to impact the base," said Irwin-Green. "Recently, we have taken on a revolving volunteer opportunity where we work downtown at a local soup kitchen the last Wednesday of every month. We prepare and serve meals, then clean up after dinner is finished. This takes seven volunteers per shift, so it is a great opportunity for junior NCOs across the wings to get involved." Irwin-Green said that joining is easy and that all one has to do is attend the monthly general council meeting. "We currently do not have membership dues," said Irwin-Green. "Once you have attended a meeting, your name will be pulled from the sign-in roster and added to the distribution list. Once on the list, you will receive emails from the Minot 5/6 which will keep you up to date with our most recent information. If you cannot attend a meeting, but would like information, please email Minot 5/6 and request your name be added." Meetings are held the third Thursday of every month at J.R. Rockers, Top of the Rock. The meeting takes place at 3 p.m., and usually lasts an hour. Emails are sent out to the Minot 5/6 email distribution list 2 weeks prior to the meeting. Information can also be found on the base marquee when first entering the gate, the Minot 5/6 Facebook page, and MyMC2 app on smart phones.