New association brings female Airmen closer

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Less than 20 percent of the Air Force are female and even less make up the Airman tier, Airman Basic through Senior Airman, who inhabit the base dormitories.

Because of these odds, it is harder for women living in the dorms to meet and build friendships.

"When I first got here, I realized there were not a lot of females in the Air Force," said Airman 1st Class Meghan Johnson, 325th Medical Operations Squadron mental health technician. "The first few people that approached me about being friends or hanging out were all guys. Some females come to the base, report to their flight and the only people they meet are male."

Johnson, who recently organized the Female Dorm Resident Association, wanted to help females meet one another and feel safe in the dorms.

"This group started to create a missing bond and a sense of security between all the female dorm residents," said Airman 1st Class Kamisha L. Beach, 325th MDOS mental health administrative technician. "This is valuable because the amount of male dorm residents compared to females is very overwhelming and it can be difficult for females to possess the confidence to talk to one another, because most females in the military have strong and independent personalities, which can come off as off-putting."

The group has been meeting once a month since November.

"The monthly meetings give females an opportunity to cultivate friendships," said Airman 1st Class Heather D. Haux, 325th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller. "Those friendships are invaluable for young females who are more often than not facing their first years away from home. Being away from family and friends coupled with the stress of learning the intricacies of their new careers, can be tough. Having a girlfriend who understands and can be counted on is a very important asset."

In a way it is the embodiment of the wingman concept, she added.

Each meeting is a little different, but it always starts with sharing a meal.

"Last month we had breakfast for dinner which was fun," said Johnson. "We also did a portion of the seminar 'How to avoid falling in love with a jerk,' and this meeting we are doing the second portion."

The base's Family Advocacy Outreach Manager taught the course, and she is optimistic of the groups and its mission.

"Research shows that lack of support systems may put someone at risk for issues such as depression, unhealthy relationships and suicide," said Michelle Lasater, 325th MDOS Family Advocacy Outreach manager and Central City, Ky., native. "The FDRA environment makes forming relationships much easier and safer. It allows airmen to establish a support network very quickly which enhances their resiliency, and decreases their risk of being victimized."

Johnson said they hope to take a self defense class next month.

"I love that when we get together, it's a very relaxed environment and we can speak freely about our lives with one another," said Beach. "We should have more people attend these meetings because every female needs a few other female friends they can trust and relate to and this is the perfect way to find just that."

Haux echoed her sentiment.

"People should come to the meetings because you never know who else is going to be there," said Haux. "Worst case scenario you get a good meal and a couple of laughs out of the evening, best case scenario you meet your next best friend there."

For more information about the association, contact Johnson at (850) 283-7511 or meghan.johnson@us.af.mil.