First sergeants, base leadership cook for Airmen living in dorms

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Beaux Hebert
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

First sergeants and Columbus Air Force Base leadership cooked a Thanksgiving meal for Airmen living in the Unaccompanied Enlisted Quarters Nov. 16.

“We do this to tell our Airmen ‘thank you for what you’re doing day in and day out,’” said Master Sgt. David Pennington, 14th Operations Group first sergeant. “Without them, we can’t accomplish the mission.”

A lot of preparation goes into hosting a meal for about 90 Airmen which is especially nice since CAFB doesn’t have a dining facility. The meal was made possible by all the work from the first sergeants and the assistance from supervisors, superintendents, squadron and group commanders, and spouses. Pennington said the hardest part of the dinner was organizing who is cooking what. Once that was down, everything else fell into place.

Brig. Gen. David Hicks, Director of Strategy, Concepts, and Assessments and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, was visiting for Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 18-02’s graduation but also visited the dorms to talk with the junior enlisted Airmen.

“I think it’s great that [Hicks] is here,” Pennington said. “I know he’s here for graduation but he is taking time out of his day to support our young Airmen.”

The food was plentiful and was served to the Airmen by base leadership. After everyone had a plate, leadership then sat beside and mingled with the Airmen, talking about their goals and offering any advice to their less experienced wingmen.

“I feel like it’s a big morale booster,” said Mufasa Coley, 14th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. “It gives [leadership] a chance to sit down and talk with the Airmen and see where their mind is at.”

After everyone had their fair share of food, leftovers were distributed amongst the Airmen.