Page 3 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt – November 2025

Thunderbolt News November 21, 2025 3 http://www.luke.af.mil Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
Dorm Management: Building community and support
By Airman 1st Class Tekorey Watkins
56 FW/PA
Unaccompanied Housing, better known as Dorm Management, plays a vital role in supporting the Airmen of Luke Air Force Base by providing more than just a place to live. Dorm Management fosters an en- vironment where Airmen feel connected, supported, and empowered to succeed in their careers.
“I love what I do,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Wioland Slavin, 56th Civil En- gineer Squadron unaccompanied housing superintendent. “I love going out and fixing things, and then I have the ability to work with a team who have each other’s backs and would do anything for these Airmen.”
LEFT: U.S. Air Force 56th Civil Engineer Squadron Dorm Management Team, stand in
front of the unac- companied hous- ing building, Sept. 8, 2025, at Luke
Air Force Base, Arizona. Dorm Man- agement’s structure ensures Airmen have multiple levels of leadership pre- pared to help them. At the peer level, the Dorm Council and Dorm Presi- dent represent the voice of the Airmen, bringing forward ideas, concerns, and initiatives to improve day-to-day life. Airman dorm leaders bridge the gap between dorm residents and lead- ership, mentoring Airmen, maintain- ing standards, and reinforcing a cul- ture of excellence.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Wioland Slavin, 56th Civil Engineer
Squadron Unaccompanied Housing superintendent, shows an airman how to use a portable air conditioning unit, Sept. 8, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. ADL’s recognize that Airmen sometimes need support outside the scope of housing. It is
not uncommon for Airmen to come to Dorm Management looking for advice on finances, mentorship, or simply someone to listen to when life feels overwhelming. ADLs ensure that Airmen have the tools necessary to tackle problems head on and achieve excellence.
U.S. Air Force Photos by Airman First Class Tekorey Watkins
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Cooper, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron unaccom- panied housing non-commissioned of- ficer in charge, briefs a group of Airmen, Sept. 2, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
Dorm Management’s structure en- sures Airmen have multiple levels of leadership prepared to help them. At the peer level, the Dorm Council and Dorm President represent the voice of the Air- men, bringing forward ideas, concerns, and initiatives to improve day-to-day life. Airman dorm leaders bridge the gap between dorm residents and leader- ship, mentoring Airmen, maintaining standards, and helping build a positive living environment.
Finally, overseeing the entire program, the Superintendent of dorm management provides guidance, resources, and account- ability to ensure dorms remain a place where Airmen can thrive.
“We try our absolute best to give a voice to the Airmen here,” said acting dorm president U.S. Air Force AIrman 1st Class Newton Philson, 63rd Maintenance Group crew chief. “We make sure they live comfortably while executing the mission.”
Dorm Management extends far beyond
simply maintaining facilities. The team organizes base-wide cleaning events, en- couraging Airmen to take pride in their environment and contribute to the overall quality of life across Luke. These events not only keep living spaces safe and clean but also bring Airmen together, building a sense of ownership and community.
“When I go home, I love coming back to a clean house and I want that for the Airmen that live here,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mariah Lindsey, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron unaccompanied housing airman dorm leader. I want it to look good and feel good when you come home. I want everyone here to be proud of where they stay.”
ADL’s also recognize that Airmen some- times need support outside the scope of housing. It is not uncommon for Airmen to come to Dorm Management looking for advice on finances, mentorship, or simply someone to listen to when life feels over- whelming. In these moments, they become more than a housing office; they become
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Cooper, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron unaccompanied hous- ing non-commissioned officer
in charge, briefs an Airman on dorm etiquette, Sept. 3, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Unaccompanied Housing, better known as dorm management, plays a vital role in supporting the Airmen of Luke Air Force Base by providing more than just a place to live. Dorm man- agement fosters an environment where Airmen feel connected, supported, and empowered to succeed in their careers.
a trusted resource for Airmen navigating life’s daily challenges.
“Talking to Airmen is my favorite part of the job,” said U.S. Air Force Tech.. Sgt. John Cooper, 56th Civil Engineer Squad- ron unaccompanied housing non-commis- sioned officer in charge. “Some of these people are 18 and 19 years old, never lived alone, cooked alone, some didn’t learn how to do their own laundry. This job makes me feel like I’m making an impact on others.”
Dorm Management are committed to the Airmen who serve at Luke AFB. By creating an environment where Airmen feel supported, ADL’s reinforce a culture of excellence and strengthen tomorrow’s Air Force.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mariah Lindsey, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron unac- companied housing airman dorm leader, grabs a key to a dorm room, Sept. 3, 2025, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Dorm Management extends far beyond simply maintaining facilities. The team organizes base-wide cleaning events, encouraging Airmen to take pride in their environment and contribute to the over- all quality of life across Luke AFB.