Behind the scenes: Airmen Dormitory Council

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kathryn Stilwell
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  They are everyday Airmen who strive to maintain the standard of living for single Airmen, E-4 and below. Although they are not a tremendously visible force, they do help maintain the well being of dormitory Airmen from behind the scenes. Serving as representatives for each of the dorms at Dover Air Force Base, Del., they act as liaisons between dorm management and residents. Together; they make up the Airmen's Dormitory Council.

Dormitory airmen who volunteer for the positions of president, vice-president and recorder are appointed to the council via election, or direct appointment if there is only one candidate per office. Once a week they meet to discuss various topics.

"We get together and help out the people in the dorms. We ask them what they want, which improvements they want, and what they expect from their living quarters," said Airman 1st Class Michael Forry, ADC president of dormitory 445.

Forry assured that it is easy to get involved with the ADC.

"I got an email, and they were looking for people," said Forry. "I thought it was a good idea to go out and help out, so I put my name up."

Those involved with the ADC can expect to do anything from maintaining the buildings to answering questions for the residents, like how big of a fish tank dormitory airmen can keep in their rooms. When a problem arises, it is also the responsibility of the ADC to address it.

"I try to fix a problem from my point, and if I can't; I go to the dorm managers to see if they can fix it for them. I correspond and answer back to the residents," said Forry.

Overall, it is the responsibility of the ADC to provide pertinent information such as: inspection updates and facility concerns as well as taking questions and grievances from residents.

"The ADC is a good volunteer opportunity. Plus, it's a good bullet, and a good way to meet people," said Forry. "The ADC is a voice for all the airmen in the dorms. It also ensures that someone is there and that everything is being taken care of and well kept."