Enlisted Spouses Association calls to Desert Lightning community

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melissa Copeland
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Davis-Monthan enlisted community has many programs and opportunities afforded to Airmen, but one organization is specifically dedicated to the enlisted spouses on the installation.

August is "Membership Drive Month" for the D-M Enlisted Spouses Association chapter that will hold two membership drives throughout the month. The first was held Aug. 2 with the next scheduled for August 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mirage Officer's Club here.

The ESA, a non-profit organization, has provided financial support for the D-M first sergeants, Air Force Sergeants Association, Enlisted Village for Widows, Senior Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony, Pima County 4-H and any group that gives directly back to the enlisted community at D-M.

In addition, the ESA offers scholarships, social events, charitable contributions and more importantly, a solid commitment to enlisted Airmen and their families.

"In the past year, we have helped the first sergeants build 400 holiday baskets," said Peggy Lee, president of the D-M ESA. "The ESA and the Officer's Wives Club raised more than $29,000 to give away in scholarships."

The volunteer-based D-M Thrift Shop is also co-owned by the ESA and is one of the primary sources of their annual budget.

When the 355th Fighter Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Schwenk was asked about the ESA, he raved about the organization and went on to share, " ... we are so excited about the ESA and the great things they do for the men and women of the Desert Lightning team."

In conjunction with the Officer's Wives Club, 30 scholarships have been awarded to D-M personnel within the last year.

Currently, of more than 4,000 enlisted Airmen on the installation, only 16 spouses are members of the ESA.

"We would like to have all enlisted spouses as members," said Miss Lee. "But realistically, 50 members would help our organization."

She also added that the ESA provides spouses an opportunity to build life-long friendships as well as to serve and enhance the Tucson community through contributions of time and support.

"What a great way for our spouses to meet people and get involved with something good," said Chief Schwenk. "I would encourage our enlisted spouses to come check it out. It is a great way to help make a difference."

The ESA is open for active membership to all enlisted spouses of any branch of service stationed at D-M, spouses who reside in Tucson while their spouse is deployed or serving a remote assignment and National Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders are also eligible for active membership.

The next meeting for the ESA is Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Mirage Club Sonora room. Membership dues are $30 per year, or $2.50 per month.

Meetings for the organization are held the second Friday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Mirage Club.

For more information on the Enlisted Spouses Association, E-mail Peggy Lee at peglee65@cox.net.