OJEC - For Airmen, by Airmen

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- As Airmen, it is the responsibility of each individual to adapt to military profession's requirements, achieve technical proficiency and become productive service members. Besides being proactive within the workplace, members are often charged to be productive in the community as well, making professional enhancement and career development an essential part of today's structure.

To assist in accomplishing these types of responsibilities, Airmen E-1 through E-4 here are aided through mentorship, programs and private organizations, like the Osan Junior Enlisted Council.

OJEC became an official private organization on Osan Air Base on March 26 of this year, with the the help of the executive council, represented by: Senior Airman Kristina Overton, president; Airmen 1st Class Tianaja Graham, vice-president; Adrianna Alessi, secretary; Marc Granville, treasurer.

"OJEC is important simply because our Airmen are important," said Graham. "The organization gives young Airmen the opportunity to voice their opinions that often go unheard and find different ways to reach out to Airmen and aid them the best we can. We have to look after one another, because it is the only way that we can progress. We are the future of the Air Force."

The mission of the Osan Junior Enlisted Council is to promote and maintain unity and espirt de corp, enhance professionalism, address quality of life issues, encourage base and community wide involvement and contribute to the overall morale of all persons assigned to Team Osan.

"In order to be successful, Airmen need to have avenues to do that in the Air Force and a solid foundation to build off of and excel," expressed Granville. "Giving Airmen the tools they need is imperative, and part of our responsibility. We want to see them do well and having programs and events like the Airman Enhancement Seminar and Bullet Writing Class can only help get them there."

OJEC has several upcoming events aimed at helping Airmen with professional growth. On April 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., there will be an Airmen Enhancement Seminar to help prepare Airmen for Below-the-Zone and to be more effective in their career. On May 2 at 9:30 a.m., OJEC will be hosting a Bullet Writing Class at the base community center.

For Airmen interested in being active outside of the regular duty day, there are several opportunities as well. OJEC is co-sponsoring the American Cancer Society Relay for Life on May 4-5, helping to celebrate, fight back and raise awareness of the fight against cancer. They are also starting Airmen 4 Education, a new program where Airmen have the opportunity to help elementary, middle and high school students, as well as other Airmen, reach scholastic goals by mentoring, tutoring and assisting them in their ambitions.

"Being overseas and in this kind of environment isn't always an easy transition for Airmen," said Alessi, referring to being stationed in Korea. "OJEC is about more than just being better Airmen, but also about becoming better people. You can meet other Airmen and build relationships and friendships that can follow you the rest of your career. Having that camaraderie only enhances the Osan experience, so my hope is that everyone takes advantage of all the events and opportunities."

OJEC meets twice a month on the first and fourth Friday.