Prof. Org. Spotlight: Company Grade Officer Council Published May 8, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Joshua Stevens 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Tyndall is host to more than 900 company grade officers who are represented by their very own professional organization - the CGO Council. The council's mission is to promote the development of CGOs throughout the Air Force CGO regional structures. To achieve this, they work to develop and maintain an informational network to enhance professional development, community service and camaraderie between all CGOCs Air Force-wide, and also by providing a communication structure to deliver the pulse of the CGOs representative by the regional CGOCs to the Air Force Senior Management and Air Staff. A six-person executive council oversees the group's activities. These individuals are: · 2nd Lt. Arthur Aragon, President · 2nd Lt. Maegan Sutton, Vice President · 1st Lt. Janell Lott, Secretary · 1st Lt. Nick Saccone, Treasurer · 2nd Lt. Monica Mason and Capt. Monica Gomez-Arenas, Community Service and Professional Development These six Airmen are responsible for the many ways the council contributes to Tyndall and the local communities. "Internally, it is a great networking organization and outlet for all the CGOs on base, and it's an awesome opportunity for mentorship from leadership during professional development events and other social aspects," Lieutenant Sutton said. "We also try really hard to give back to the community on- and off-base with fundraisers and events we put together." The lieutenant noted some of the organizations the council has raised and is planning on raising funds for so far this year. "We assisted is raising funds for the Children's Home Society, and we currently take part in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program," she said. "We also are in the process at looking for opportunities to work with the Humane Society." She further noted her motivation for becoming part of the council. "The networking portion of it really motivated me," the lieutenant said. "It can be difficult to meet other CGOs on the support side [where I work], so I thought this would be a great way to meet many of the other lieutenants and captains on base." To those on the fence of joining, she said, "The networking really is a great benefit. You have the opportunity to meet CGOs from squadrons all over the base and make some great friends. In addition, there are wonderful volunteer opportunities; plus, once a month you get out of work a little early to go to the meeting and participate in a fun activity after, like bowling or golf." There are no monthly dues associated with becoming a member and all Tyndall CGOs are welcome to participate and attend the council's monthly meetings. The council encourages all CGOs to check the council out, promising it to be "a lot of fun." For more information or to join, contact Lieutenant Aragon at (850) 283-4237 or Lieutenant Sutton at (850) 283-2017.