‘Why do <i> they </i> get it?’ Voice your concerns, get involved Published May 18, 2007 By Chief Master Sgt. Russell Kuck 62nd Airlift Wing command chief master sergeant MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Recently, we had a Free Movie Night and R&B/Rap/Hip-Hop Night for our Airmen -- two separate events put together by professional organizations on base. On Thursday, the 62nd Airlift Wing will also offer free bowling for Airmen after the wing spring sports day. Great ideas don't just magically appear; they come from people. If you've pondered why certain programs or incentives aren't offered, think of the last time you voiced your concerns or were proactive. If you'd like to see something happen, why not say something? Events happen because Airmen voice their concerns and get involved. Improve a program by speaking up on how to make it better. Base councils tie the enlisted network together and provide the means by which you can reach out to those in your peer group for support or to share lessons learned. Supervisors, when was the last time you attended a meeting with the Rising 4, 5/6 Club or Top 3? Encourage your Airmen to get involved; inform them of the next time a base council meets. The ideas and concerns generated by the Airmen in these groups always garner my attention and involvement. While they are not a substitute for your chain of command, they are a means by which you can affect change, as well as establish and maintain a spirit of camaraderie and esprit de corps among your fellow enlisted Airmen. Even if you can't commit to every advertised event, attending meetings or participating in a few fundraisers is a great way to express your concerns and show support for your fellow Airmen. Communication goes a long way in any given situation. Develop a method to communicate your concerns, and your thoughts can become a reality. Hooah!