Company grade officers gather for mutual support Published Oct. 20, 2010 By 1st Lt. Joost Verduyn 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- As a junior officer, sometimes it's hard to find a place where you can help Keesler and know that what you do makes a difference. The Company Grade Officers Council should be your first place to look. The CGOC is an outlet to be with other CGOs and to make a difference, to grow as an officer and even to just meet and hang out with people like you. Keesler's CGOC has been representing the interests of CGOs for years now. So far this year, the CGOC has participated in several community service projects, such as raising more than $2,000 for the American Cancer Society through the Ocean Springs Relay for Life, providing Keesler's Airmen a hot meal or hosting a table at this year's Diversity fair. If you're looking for professional development, the CGOC Book Club meets quarterly with Col. Glen Downing, 81st Training Wing vice commander and CGOC adviser, to discuss books on themes including leadership and Air Force or military history. The CGOC also works with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Officers Association and the Air Force Association. Members have opportunities to host cadets from the Air ForceAcademy or ROTC programs as part of Operations Air Force or collaborate with Keesler senior NCOs to host a women's symposium with some of Keesler's senior leaders. If you just want to blow off steam with fellow officers, the CGOC has events such as bonfires on the beach, a night out in New Orleans and a tour of the National World War II Museum. The CGOC meets at 4:30 P.M. the second Wednesday of every month on the third floor of the events center chaired by Capt. Donna Burrowes, president. The group also has a Facebook page -- http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Keesler-AFB-Company-Grade-Officer-Council-CGOC/114803811903395.