Junior Enlisted Advisory Council enhances enlisted experience Published July 23, 2010 By Kimberly L. Wright Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- A desire for self-improvement and camaraderie brought Airman 1st Class Ashley Alexandre to the Junior Enlisted Advisory Council about six months ago. "I see JEAC as an organization that could really help all Airmen regardless of rank," she said. Her favorite part of being involved with JEAC "is that it is an environment where you feel free to give your opinions and everyone actually considers them as if they were their own." The Junior Enlisted Advisory Council is designed to better equip junior enlisted like Airman Alexandre for future career and life success through mentorship and support, as well as provide them with a forum for quality of life issues. JEAC president Tech. Sgt. Vincent Beck noted that the group boosts junior enlisted "by enhancing professional development opportunities needed at every echelon of an Airman's career." Examples include enhancing leadership, management and communication skills both on and off base. To provide Airmen with leadership and mentorship opportunities, the JEAC takes part in a number of events throughout the year, Sergeant Beck said. These events include the 2010 Bill Nichols State Veterans Home Memorial Day Ceremony in Alexander City, which honored more than 300 Alabama World War II, Vietnam and Korean War vets. JEAC also organizes release parties for junior enlisted promotion selectees. Release parties serve as a public way to herald the career achievements of Airmen. "It is a big announcement and party for the selectees. Their unit and chain of command are there," said Staff Sgt. Ashley Lathem, JEAC vice president. The next party is Aug. 5 at the Falcon's Nest. Future projects include visits to Bill Nichols State Veterans Home and nursing homes, and support for Soul4Shoes, which collects gently worn shoes for those in need. In addition, JEAC is creating an Airman Shadow program, which recognizes Airmen ranked technical sergeant and below by giving them an opportunity to receive one-on-one mentorship from the base command chiefs for a day. A candidate for the program can be nominated by a supervisor or a first sergeant, and one nominee per unit per month is allowed. For more information on the program, contact Tech. Sgt. Dewanda Legette at 953-8061 or Sergeant Lathem at 953-7822. "All of these programs provide leadership, management, mentorship and communication skills for our future force Airmen," said Sergeant Beck. Airman Alexandre said her involvement with JEAC has helped her knit connections with her peers. "Now people know me from JEAC so they are more willing to help me with other things work-wise or personal," she said. Airman 1st Class Whitny Andrews, who has been involved in JEAC for about seven months, joined the organization "to be more involved with the junior enlisted on base" as well as key in on professional development opportunities. She finds the group's involvement on base to be one of the most satisfying aspects of membership. "We give a lot of support to Maxwell-Gunter, and it's a really nice, accomplished feeling to know you're helping out," she said. "My involvement has helped me become more aware of opportunities that the junior enlisted have. Whether it is education or volunteering, there are always ways to improve yourself." The largest event she has supported thus far was the 2010 Maxwell-Gunter Senior Enlisted Leadership Summit held in May, which included enlisted leaders from 18 partner and coalition countries. She and other JEAC members helped prepare and provide lunch to the senior enlisted.