F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Many installations have various groups or organizations in which the main objective is to enhance morale and base involvement. I am a firm believer in "there's always room for improvement," which is a large factor in why I am active in the Rising 6.

Rising 6 is an organization representing all Airmen ranging from airman basic to technical sergeant in regards to extracurricular activities, volunteer programs and community involvement to increase base morale. Service members with a rank of E-6 and below contribute to a mass of the population at Air Force Global Strike Command's F. E. Warren so, in essence, we are considered the ears and voice of the majority of the base. We inform higher leadership of any issues, concerns or ideas that may directly or significantly impact our NCOs and young Airmen.

Sounds easy enough right? I wish it were that simple; however, we can only do so much considering we can only report what is reported to us. If you are truly unhappy with a situation or a specific matter, why not address it and strive to resolve it?

Speaking from personal experience, I wanted to see changes at Warren. Given the chance to make those changes, I had a choice to either step up to the plate and accept a leadership role, or continue to tolerate what I wished to see altered. I realized that the responsibilities I take on and my opportunity to make a change were my motivations to embrace this challenge. My outlook is if you're not willing to at least attempt to fix something, then you shouldn't protest.

Doing absolutely nothing only condones what you dislike or disagree with. Generally speaking, some things are just out of your control, such as the most referenced publication, Air Force Instruction 36-2903 Dress and Appearance. Asking "Why?" or "How come?" will not change the fact that Air Force standards apply to all military members in the Air Force family. In the same sense, please don't mistake our organization for a complaint group or assume we have any type of authority to change who you work with. We do, on the other hand, have an influence on how to make improvements to morale at F. E. Warren.

Organizations such as Warren's Top 3, First Sergeants council, and Company Grade Officer Council have asked what they can do to help. We need more participation. Let us know what your thoughts are and how we may be able to assist you. Rising 6 is looking to better serve you; this is your base, too! We have a number of new ideas and activities to get involved in.

What changes would you like to see? How can you help us help you and your fellow Airmen?

What would you like to gain from your time in Wyoming and the Air Force while you're stationed at Warren? Everyone's input matters. This is a new year, and a new Rising 6.