Junior Enlisted Council selects member of the quarter

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Trisha Smeenk
  • 114th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - --  Young Airman know they can't just voice their opinion for change to just anyone. There is a special place where Airmen's concerns are formally heard and positive change can take place. The 114th Junior Enlisted Council provides that avenue of communication for junior enlisted members. A new program for the Junior Enlisted Council is the JEC Member of the Quarter.

Senior Airman Jenna Smeenk was selected as the JEC Member of the Quarter for 2nd Quarter 2011.. Nominees are selected based on volunteering, participation and devotion to the JEC. To win this special honor, Smeenk had to submit an essay on 'How has the National Guard changed your life?'

Senior Airman Smeenk joined the South Dakota Air National Guard in August of 2007.
"It was a huge turning point in my life. My experiences in the military have had a big part in turning me into the person that I am today," said Smeenk

Any member of the JEC can nominate someone who they think that has done a good job or has volunteered more than normal. Senior Airman Smeenk says it was an honor to be nominated. She explained how the SDANG has developed her personality and set her up for success in life.

"Working at the 114th is a blessing. I am surrounded by a group of people who I consider to be some of the finest I have ever had the privilege of meeting. It makes me proud to be part of such a hard working group. It is easy to find plenty of positive people there that I look up to for career advice or as general role models, and that has given me a great example to follow. The military is a big part of my life, and it always will be," said Smeenk

Senior Airman Smeenk will receive an engraved plaque and an all expense-paid trip to the State Enlisted Conference. Senior enlisted members will interview SrA Smeenk along with other Army and Air Guard members of the Quarter for JEC Member of the Year.