Officer council fosters networking, friendships Published Nov. 8, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Moore 81 Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- One of the most difficult challenges when arriving at a new base is finding a place to fit in. Young officers can take comfort in knowing that they already have a group welcoming them to Keesler, the Company Grade Officer Council. The CGOC is open to all lieutenants and captains who wish to volunteer their off-duty time to give back to the base and community while developing themselves professionally. The CGOC was established to promote the development of CGOs throughout the Air Force, to develop and maintain an informational network to enhance professional development, community service and camaraderie and to provide a communication structure to deliver the pulse of members represented by the regional CGOCs to Air Force Senior Management at the Air Staff. "Since joining the CGOC, I've made several friends and feel more at home at Keesler," said 2nd Lt Anna Wright, 81st Inpatient Operations Squadron clinical nurse and CGOC community service chair. Other members also shared what made them join the CGOC and what benefits they've received. "I was introduced to the council by a co-worker who invited me to attend a CGOC social outing," said Capt. Mary Peterson, a nurse in the 81st Surgical Operations Squadron. "It was the beginning of many new friendships and networks. The professional relationships that I've developed with many CGOs across base have been very rewarding." Capt. Jennifer Mack, 81st Training Group executive officer and CGOC president, agreed that the CGOC has also provided her with both social and professional benefits. She said, "You can never have too many friends, and it's always nice to know someone on a peer level to call if you have a question or an issue. It's a great way to learn how to be and how not to be an officer; we benefit from each others' experiences and lessons learned." The CGOC stays engaged with the base and local community through a variety of events. "In the past year," Peterson said, "the CGOC has been involved with volunteering at the Air Show, a camaraderie night out and a school supply drive for underprivileged children. We recently held a leadership symposium featuring key leaders across base." "I really enjoyed gift wrapping at the exchange during the holiday season and having the opportunity to serve a Sunday dinner to permanent party Airmen at the Haven," said Capt. Lisa Dykes, 81st Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron clinical and support element chief and CGOC secretary." Capt. Nicole Ward, 81st Medical Operations Squadron nephrology hemodialysis clinical nurse manager, enjoyed volunteering at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. "It was a wonderful experience!" she said. "It was nice to spend time with other CGOs and give back to the community." "The CGOC has provided me a very large circle of friends," Peterson said, "but we're not just friends -- we're a military family. We are wingmen to each other and support each other during major life events. It's not just about work; it's about life and a way of having a family when you're away from home. When our friends get married, have their first child or get promoted, we celebrate all these things together and will continue as we all grow in our military career. It's the connections we make now that will help us, both now and in the future." The CGOC meets at 4:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month on the third floor of the Bay Breeze Event Center. For more information, call 376-4459 or visit the Keesler Company Grade Officer Council Facebook page.