Article Display

Team Shaw celebrates Junior Enlisted Appreciation Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Blackwell
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Team Shaw recognized junior enlisted Airmen and Soldiers with a Junior Enlisted Appreciation Day celebration, giving them the afternoon off and throwing a public party for all to attend, July 26.

The appreciation day was made possible by funding from various commercial sponsors and was overseen by Shaw's Top 3 group and chapel staff.

The event featured unit dodge-ball tournaments, a cardboard-regatta (boat) race in the Woodlands Pool, free food, a dunking booth, cornhole stations and a bouncy house to entertain children.

"This day was held in honor of the hardworking enlisted men and women of Team Shaw," said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Tonya Reese-Palmer, 20th Dental Squadron superintendent. "We wanted to show our appreciation for the dedication and devotion they show in completing the mission daily."

"It's pretty cool," said Senior Airman Karl Deffert, 20th Contracting Squadron contracting officer. "There is free food, and I get to hang out with friends. I am glad they set this up. I am enjoying myself."

"I like it," said Airman 1st Class Jodi Lange, 20th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician. "I get to talk to people and eat free food. This builds bonds with Airmen and strengthens community bonds."

The JEAD is generally an annual event, and even during fiscal cutbacks, is important enough to maintain, Reese-Palmer explained.

"Col. Hall (20th Fighter Wing commander) recognizes the importance of giving back to our Airmen," she continued. "Shaw Air Force Base leadership did a great job coming together to recognize our most valuable asset--our Airmen."