Dorm Dwellers, Dorm Council combine efforts

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mariah Haddenham
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  For Team Andersen's single E-4s and below, Andersen dormitories are a home away from home, and recently the "Dorm Dwellers", who meet once a month, have combined their meetings with the Dorm Council.

The "Dorm Dwellers" is a program meant to bring dorm residents together, allowing them to socialize, discuss concerns and build friendships.

"Bringing the meetings together help the Airmen gather so they can voice their concerns to the dorm council and help bring attention to issues in the dorms," said Dorothy Sarmiento, Tinian Hall dorm manager here at Andersen AFB.

"Issues like repairs can be taken care of easily with a verbal report, or an e-mail, but other issues that affect all dorm residents are better resolved when they are brought to the attention of the dorm council," continued Ms. Sarmiento.

Combining of the meetings was done with intentions that Airmen could gather feedback and enhance dorm living conditions.

"The goal of the Andersen Dorm Council as well as the "Dorm Dweller" meetings is to elevate the moral and quality of life throughout the dorms on Andersen," said Airman 1st Class Tieler Myers, 554th REDHORSE Squadron and incoming council president.

These meetings are sent by e-mail to all dorm residents. However, with conflicting work schedules and day-to-day events, some Airmen feel they don't have enough time.
"Attending the Dorm Dweller meetings gives the occupants a more direct line of communication to their leadership, the dorm managers and the council," said Airman Myers.
Without attendance of dorm residents, opinions and concerns aren't brought to the council's attention or documented.
"There should be decent representation from all squadrons," said Ms. Sarmiento. "It takes more than one individual showing concern. Each Airman should share their concerns."
For most, the dorms are a permanent home during their assignment at Andersen. The dorm staff is eager for Airmen to feel 'at home' as much as possible during their stay. Dorm managers are also open to suggestions and want the Airmen to take pride in their dorms.
"We need to hear from the residents," said Ms. Sarmiento. "It's up to the residents; this is their home away from home."
Airman Myers expressed that with voices from the dorm residents and support from an enthusiastic Airman's Council, the dorms here at Andersen are in caring hands.
"We, as Dorm Council, would like to enhance the camaraderie amongst the junior enlisted," he said. "We would like to build on the foundation of a community oriented living environment."