Benefit beyond bullets: Liberty 56 helps community on and off base

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. J. LaVoie
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  With new leadership, the Liberty 56 wants to expand its role in the community by contributing in more visible ways, both on and off base.

"We would like to increase our involvement in the community," said Staff Sgt. Suzy Madrigal Ames, Liberty 56 vice president. "Liberty 56 is sometimes mistaken as being strictly a fundraising organization, but we would like fellow NCOs to know that we are about more."

Some of the projects they have planed in the near future are a food drive for the base food pantry and a toy drive for an orphanage in December.

"We are here to raise morale and support the community," said Staff Sgt. Jonica Parker, Liberty 56 president.

The Liberty 56 supports the Liberty Wing in many ways. They donate and provide manpower to the Red Cross, base food pantry, Airman' s attic, deployed spouses dinner and NCO Induction, as well as others. They also had a hand in hosting the 60th Anniversary Air Force Ball this past year.
"Our goal is to build a stronger organization," said Sergeant Parker. "We are looking for NCOs that will be committed, supportive, and ready to share new ideas.

In addition to helping the community, being involved in Liberty 56 has other benefits.

"It allows you to develop your leadership skills," said Sergeant Madrigal Ames. "Depending on the size of your work center, you may not be in a leadership position at work, even as a staff sergeant. Through the Liberty 56, you can lead projects and build leadership qualities."

Being a member of the Liberty 56 also allows you to network.

"Individuals from support to maintenance come out to our events," said Sergeant Madrigal Ames. "The Liberty 56 brings people together and lets you interact with others you might not otherwise meet."

"In order to reach our goals an increase of membership is vital" said Sergeant Parker.
"We ask every NCO to come out and get involved."

Any staff select, staff or technical sergeant, who wants to be involved, can attend a Liberty 56 meeting, which is the first Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. in the 48th Avenue Community Center.