Unique organization develops Airmen at Top of the World

Published March 12, 2008
By 1st Lt. Nicole Langley
821st Air Base Group Public Affairs

THULE AIR BASE, Greenland -- It doesn't take long for Airmen assigned to Thule Air Base, Greenland, to realize that the base is unique in many ways. Besides being home to the world's only white runway, the world's northernmost deepwater port and the Air Force's only tugboat, the base is also home to just one professional development organization.

The Thule Association of Professional Airmen is a combined group of all ranks that works together for the benefit of Thule.

With only about 140 military members on base, there are not enough people for separate traditional organizations such as a Company Grade Officers Council, Top Three or Rising Six.

"As the only first sergeant at Thule, Diamond Council meetings would be pretty lonely," said Master Sgt. Chester Spires, 821st Air Base Group first sergeant. "TAPA allows me to professionally associate with not only other Senior NCOs, but all Airmen on the base.

"It eliminates the need for separate private organizations that most bases have and puts all Airmen working for the betterment of the entire base; one team, one fight!"

TAPA was created in March 2007 in order to promote unity; inspire leadership and professional development; promote awards, recognition and retirement programs; and sponsor various ceremonies and morale-building activities.

"By bringing everyone together to set up, organize and host different events for the base, all ranks get the opportunity to work alongside each other outside of the work environment," explained Tech. Sgt. Wendi Atchley, 821st Support Squadron and TAPA president.

The organization is open to all Airmen, and we usually have about 50-60 members present at monthly meetings, explained Sergeant Atchley. TAPA optimizes the efforts of Team Thule's small, but strong group of Airmen and provides all members with increased leadership and growth opportunities.

While Thule is a small base and may be unique in many ways, it still has all of the traditional banquets, ceremonies and official functions that can be found at any other Air Force base around the world. TAPA plays an integral role in planning and coordinating many of these events.

"This is why the Airmen who make up TAPA are so important to the base," added Sergeant Atchley. "Every member is instrumental in making each of those events a success."

In addition to coordinating many special events on base, TAPA also provides a quarterly education scholarship to a deserving Airman, conducts briefings during First Term Airman Courses and conducts professional development seminars.

TAPA coordinates Air Force Ball