Utilize Your Chief's Council

SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- Many of you may have heard of the Chief's Council but I was wondering if our wing members actually know what the council is all about? As a member of the Chief's Council, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you, the members of the Wing, about the council, its purpose and the objectives outlined in the council's bylaws.

The purpose of the council is to serve as an advisory council to the Wing, Group, and Squadron commanders in all matters impacting enlisted members of the 127th Wing. The Chiefs Council has advised commanders on many issues and programs to include: Recruiting/Retention, Fitness and Ancillary Training. The Chief's Council cannot remove an Air Force program or procedure, but we try to minimize the impact on the organization by recommending positive ways forward.

The Chief's Council has outlined objectives in our bylaws that, we feel, will make the council successful, relevant and best serve the members of the wing. There are three objectives that really standout. The first one is, "To give the enlisted force a voice for their concerns to be heard by the appropriate commander." Simply stated, the Chief's Council is the conduit for raising concerns to the commanders' level. If an Airman has a concern or issue they feel needs to be elevated, than I highly encourage that individual to contact their respective Chief or a Chief's Council Board Member. The selected Chief will, in turn, bring the concern to the council for discussion. We cannot make a difference if we do not know. Let us be your voice.

The second objective essential to the Chief's Council is, "To mentor enlisted members and assist them in dealing with issues relating to their membership in the Michigan Air National Guard." As Chiefs, it's our obligation and duty to reach back and mentor our guardsmen and future leaders of this wing. The Chiefs need to ensure that the 127th Wing has the leadership to carry out the mission and goals of the Michigan Air National Guard for years to come. Mentorship is the key to achieving this goal. The council invites guests to their meetings as part of the mentoring process and if you are interested in participating in a meeting, please get with your Chief for details.

The final, stand out, objective is, "To foster the development of diversity, trust, and integrity throughout the 127th Wing." The Chief's Council mirrors the 127th Wing's philosophy by placing diversity as one of the top priorities for the Wing. The council will continue to support the diversity programs promoted at 127th Wing. Diversity is the cornerstone to a strong military foundation. As Chiefs, trust and integrity are vitally important. Our word is our bond. Chiefs need to lead by example and ensure trust and integrity at all levels of supervision across the 127th Wing.

In addition to the information I've discussed, here are a few more objectives outlined in the council's bylaws. 127th Wing Chief's Council resolves to:
- Foster esprit-de-corps within the 127th Wing
- Promote community involvement among the members of the 127th Wing
- Provide support for and be active in the continued development of Company Grade Officers
- Promote professionalism and the highest standards of conduct and dress and appearance

As you can see, the council's objectives are to foster, promote and give a voice to members of the 127th Wing. The Chief's Council is committed to making a positive difference to the Wing by providing a platform for members to have a voice.

The Chief's Council is also requesting member's participation. Please forward your thoughts, concerns and ideas on how the council can improve or enhance the quality of this fine organization. At the end of the day, it's not the Chief's Council; it is "Your Council."

2012 Chiefs Council Board members:
President: Chief Collins
VP: Chief Carroll
Treasurer: Chief Fantauzzo
Recorder: Chief Myers