By Ferrell Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club Secretary/Program Chairperson
Isreal Waddell, Director of Military Affairs Council, was the guest speaker at the JC Breakfast Optimist Club’s April 12th “Celebration of Optimism” gathering at the Hampton Inn in Junction City. Israel told members present and those on Zoom that he was originally from Norfolk, Virginia and is one of nine children in his family. He was a member of the U.S. Army for six years and served with the Military Police. Isreal has a degree in Public Relations and his finance’ is stationed at fort Riley.
Mr. Waddell shared that the Junction City Military Affairs Council Mission and Vision Statements are imbedded in the eight Lines of Effort (LOE) listed below:
1. Use MAC Breakfasts to continue to bring together Fort Riley and the community to network with each other, discuss mutual goals and concerns, and develop solutions to bridging gaps in a mutually beneficial relationship.
2. Partner with the First Infantry Division Engagements/Protocol, Fort Riley Garrison, and Regional Recruiting Command (Army and Air Force)
3. Work with the region’s organizations and outside organizations to find ways to improve quality of life efforts.
4. Work with the Chamber of Commerce membership and other organizations and businesses to strengthen the relationship between them and Fort Riley.
5. Assist in transitioning military individuals by building a talent transition/retention infrastructure emanating from Junction City that connects and provides talent for the region and the nation.
6. Work in partnership with Fort Riley’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation on planning and hosting Junction City and Fort Riley community events.
7. Bring together Junction City, Manhattan, and surrounding cities/counties’ Military Affairs representatives to continue to improve relationships and efforts with supporting Fort Riley, veterans, and their families in our communities.
8. Relay information to elected officials (state/national) to influence impactful legislation in support of soldiers, veterans and their families in the Flint Hills Region and the state of Kansas.
Isreal also shared that “the economic impact of Fort Riley to the Central Flint Hills Region is 1.8 billion dollars. There are 5,274 Fort Riley affiliated families living in the surrounding communities.
At next week’s Celebration of Optimism, the local club will recognize the St. Xavier’s Student of the Quarter. Club members will then go to the St. Xavier’s Catholic School at 9:30 AM to present the Junior Optimist International (JOI) Club charter. The JOI Club is the only active youth Optimist Club in the state of Kansas and is sponsored by the JC Breakfast Optimist Club.