The Goodfellow Rising Six

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • Public Affairs
The Goodfellow Rising Six was founded in 1993; since then the local military professional organization has provided several reasons why one should support and join it.

"The Rising Six provides a forum for the junior enlisted force of Goodfellow to voice their concerns on important matters. It provides opportunities to practice and refine your leadership skills. It is without a doubt a great organization for those who wish to become 'agents of change'," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Kathy Prince, former senior NCO advisor of the Rising Six.

Every E-1 through E-6 of every armed service on Goodfellow Air Force Base is considered part of the Rising Six. However the organization currently has 76 registered-paying members, 40 of which are considered active participating members.

The Rising Six officers are Tech. Sgt. Joy William, president, Tech. Sgt. Samantha Sigler, vice presiden, secretary Staff Sgt. Darren Lim and treasurer Tech. Sgt. Stacie Duck.
"The Rising Six is an organization that is here to support the junior enlisted forces on Goodfellow," said Tech. Sgt. William.

"Sponsoring the NCO induction ceremony and promotion parties for all newly selected staff sergeants each year is one of the ways we show support," she added.

The Rising Six also provides support to the local community by participating in several programs and projects around San Angelo; programs such as Adopt-a-Highway and the American Literacy Council. "Our volunteer efforts provide us with the opportunities to display a positive image of our military in the local community," said Sergeant William.
"These opportunities also allow people to realize that a little can go a long way to some people," she added.

The Rising Six also has members that participate in Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and members have also visited retirement homes to lift the spirits of its residents. They have also donated personal care items to the homes.

"Finally, we look after our own, which includes all branches of service," said Sergeant William. "We have SAMS (Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors) Place, better known to most Air Force Installations as the Airmen's Attic."

SAMS Place is a store where anyone who is E-1 through E-6 and there spouses can go to get household goods, clothing, children's toys, and uniform items for free. All items donated to SAMS go to assist junior military members in need.

Individuals can get free groceries including diapers and baby formula from the pantry. Members are authorized 30 items per month. This does not include the food pantry.

"If members are in need of a certain item that we do not have we will put the call out and do our best to acquire the items in need," said Sergeant William.
There are only two basic requirements to become a member:

Servicemembers must be in the ranks of E-1 through E-6, and they must pay a yearly membership fee of only $6, which they can give to any of our organization officers, said Sergeant William.

"However, during the second half of the year from June until December, the membership/registration fee is a mere $3," said Sergeant William.

Rising Six meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Enlisted Lounge in the Goodfellow Event Center. Meetings start at 11 a.m. and are usually an hour or less.
"Like one of our former presidents said, 'Anyone who becomes actively involved in our organization can rest easy knowing that they will be aiding those military members in need and making themselves better individuals at the same time. All they need to do is give us a chance,'" concluded Sergeant William.