Patriotism; Stronger in numbers

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 917th Public Affairs Office
Barksdale AFB, La. --  A patriotic responsibility, normally accomplished by a very small number of Airmen, got a shot in the arm this Veteran's Day when a larger than expected number of volunteers showed up unexpectedly, to do a job normally accomplished by about six.

Almost 60 Barksdale Airmen volunteered to assist Barksdale TEAM 56 post a total of 177 American Flags along North Gate Road and Barksdale Air Force Base Boulevard to commemorate Veteran's Day at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Nov. 11, 2010.

The turnout was a surprise to Staff Sgt. Christina Dickerson, who is in charge of the flag detail and a member of TEAM 56. "I've never seen this many people here to put out the flags," she said. "This is our largest turn out. We have volunteers from the First Term Airman Center, Airman Leadership School - Class 11-02, TEAM 56 and even the 917th Wing."

Barksdale TEAM 56, is an organization created to give all E-5s and E-6s at Barksdale AFB, a forum to make a difference.

"We are the voice between our Airmen and the upper echelon of management," Sergeant Dickerson said. "Our job is to boost morale of our Airmen and help them become good NCOs."

The flag detail is only one of the events promoting good morale. TEAM 56 also plans promotion parties for E-5s and E-6s, and serve as hosts for some ALS events.

A primary goal of TEAM 56 is to take their individual and collective talents and work on issues facing the local community. As a unified group they attempt to evolve change, exchange ideas, and resolve issues and concerns through senior leadership.

Events such as the flag detail also present opportunities to increase the membership and capabilities of TEAM 56.

"With the ALS students here this morning, there are several potential members for TEAM 56," said Staff Sgt. Monica Thomas, TEAM 56, vice president. "That's a good thing for our community service projects."

For TEAM 56, the flag detail was a success, and thanks to the number of patriotic volunteers and early completion of the task, the morning air was full of greetings of "Happy Veteran's Day," to all those who passed.