ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The Company Grade Officers Club currently is seeking members who are looking for an opportunity to build relationships outside their work area as well as volunteer their time within the community.
There are more than 600 eligible members on base and Capt. Tonya Brown, 79th Medical Support Squadron Resource Management Office flight commander and CGOC president, encourages all second and first lieutenants and captains of all branches that are assigned to Andrews to join the CGOC.
When Captain Brown was newly commissioned, her mentor suggested that she get involved in CGOC. Her involvement in the organization has taken her to new heights as the club's leader.
"As president, I preside over all meetings, formulate goals and objectives, monitor activities, and mentor junior CGOs," said Captain Brown.
"I know everyone is busy, but we are in a unique environment here with access to so many people in different critical career fields that we can all learn from and help us, help you, help fellow CGOs," she said.
Capt. Brown's personal involvement in CGOC has proven to be worthwhile, especially when volunteering in the greater Andrews community.
"Seeing the faces of elementary students and senior citizens in veterans' homes, especially when they see us in uniform and they appreciate the fact that we take time out to visit with them," said the captain. "That is very rewarding."
Capt. Brown said the tours are in an effort "to mentor, share experiences and recruit for the U.S. Air Force."
Capt. Brown believes the CGOC is important to the base military community.
"A strong military presence in the community builds rapport and confidence in the area in which we serve, which in turn indirectly makes civilians more supportive of what we do and more likely to support their child or loved one to join in the military."
"The CGOC is not just for single, partying-type people," said Captain Brown. "We are very interested in creating a CGOC that gives CGOs the opportunity to build relationships outside of their immediate work area, allowing medical group CGOs more contacts with CGOs in Security Forces, communications and operations."
Capt. Brown said meeting times vary "to capture as many people on different shifts as possible," but the CGOC usually meets the second Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Sports Page.
Upcoming community outreach events include a variety of university ROTC tours such as Michigan State, Howard University, and the University of Connecticut to mentor and speak to ROTC cadets who will soon be commissioned as lieutenants.
For more information, contact Captain Brown at 240-857-0403 or e-mail tonya.brown@andrews.af.mil. Or visit the CGOC website at www.afcgoc.org.