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Milwaukee, WI - The Junior Enlisted Orientation Program runs another year to cultivate camaraderie among junior enlisted Airmen through military career exploration and team-building activities, 128th Air Refueling Wing, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 115th Fighter Wing, Madison, Wisconsin, and Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, July 30-August 1, 2024.
As part of the three-day program, junior enlisted Airmen traveled between the three Wisconsin Air National Guard bases and received the opportunity to tour each unit, fly in military aircraft, participate in facilitated discussions, complete obstacle courses, and more to help Airmen explore different military careers and to build camaraderie.
“The significance of the JEOP is that it introduces junior Airmen to the state's mission and broadens the network of our Airmen,” said Master Sgt. Bridget N. Cox, 128th ARW Medical Group First Sergeant and lead of JEOP 2024. “Recruiting and Retention are a priority for senior leaders in the state, so the impact of this program can help retain Airmen by showing them that there are options available in different career fields, installations, and or random opportunities.”
As strong relationships are crucial to mission accomplishment across any military entity, JEOP participants were encouraged to intermingle and learn about each other and one another’s units while exploring different military career opportunities. Through the daily programming and facilitated social activities, participants expressed their gratitude in the JEOP program for being able to develop valuable relationships with Airmen across the three WI ANG units.
“Being able to meet individuals from not only the other two bases, but also the 128th ARW was amazing,” said Staff Sgt. Robert A. Jimenez, JEOP participant. “Taking moments to eat together, play games, and just chat. It is such an honor to have the opportunity to make the cut. Being able to participate in activities that are often reserved for a select few is such a privilege and a blessing.”
As First Sergeant leading the JEOP Program this year, Cox emphasized the importance of camaraderie of Airmen across the WI ANG installations, and the value of how these relationships contribute to mission accomplishment.
“Pulling from different installations and units cultivates the necessary network to reach out and ask questions,” said Cox. “It creates a source for persons to develop a relationship between shops of the same AFSC, but different installations or create relationships of others in different career fields. That cross talk creates innovation or a standard operating procedure.”
A yearly program consistently encouraged by First Sergeants for junior enlisted Airmen all across the state, JEOP will continue to occur every summer to assist Airmen with military career exploration and camaraderie building opportunities.
“There is incredible value in this program for everyone,” said Cox. “I got to listen to a personal journey that led them to serving and to keep serving. It reminds me how important it is to stop and listen to people's ‘why's’ and remember that everyone has a why. As a leader, we need to take the time to stop, listen and soak that all in. We have Airmen across the state that have stories worth hearing. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to volunteer, to support, and to attend this event.”
| Date Taken: | 08.02.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.03.2024 11:43 |
| Story ID: | 480806 |
| Location: | WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: | 4 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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