Rising Six rising up tomorrow's leaders today Published Aug. 23, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Rising from the ground up is a cornerstone in American culture, seen in everything from towering skyscrapers defining a skyline to passionate leaders defining a generation. This fact is no different in the U.S. military, and one group has set their sights on rising up the leadership of tomorrow. They are the Grissom Rising Six. The Rising Six is a networking organization for Grissom Airmen from the ranks of airman basic through technical sergeant. "The Rising Six is important for building the foundation of tomorrow's leaders, by helping fellow Airmen in need and building and strengthening our core values," said Staff Sgt. Rob Haswell, Rising Six president. The mission of the organization is to establish and maintain a spirit of comradeship and esprit de corps that will enhance the prestige of all Airmen, encourage an attitude of unified purpose and set an example for all enlisted personnel according to the standards, traditions and customs of the Air Force. The group also gives junior Airmen a voice in base matters. "The junior enlisted are the majority of Airmen here and are a group that act as a voice for Grissom," said Tech. Sgt. Joyce Royston, Grissom Rising Six vice president. "Our members can know that their issues, concerns and ideas are being heard, and that gives them a sense of empowerment." But the group is much more than just a forum for voicing issues and ideas. It's a networking opportunity for Grissom's Airmen. "We're a great organization to join because on top of helping out the base the real value is found in networking," said Senior Airman Courtney Storey, Rising Six secretary. "You can meet and get to know Airman from all over the base, who may work very different jobs and with whom you might normally never come in contact. "That is invaluable when you need to work side-by-side on a mission or are tasked with another unit," she added. The Rising Six has several initiatives coming in the next couple months including supporting the Grissom Family Day picnic in September and hosting a chili cook-off in October. To volunteer for these opportunities, call Tech. Sgt. Jonna Sullivan at 688-3811. To learn more about the Rising Six and other opportunities, or to interact with the organization, visit the group's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GrissomRisingSix
