Motivated by the desire be a positive influence on the command, Ship's Serviceman 2nd Class Kristofer Wilson, with the help of Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Curtis Huff, worked to organize and unify junior enlisted Sailors aboard dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49).

Wilson and Huff established a Junior Enlisted Association, or JEA.

Although the JEA is nothing new to the Navy, Harpers Ferry has never had this association aboard. All social events have previously been organized by either the First Class Petty Officers Association (FCPOA) or the Chiefs Mess.

"We decided to create this organization so that junior Sailors can have a voice within the command, as well as a sense of unity with their shipmates," said Huff.

One of the most important functions of the JEA is to improve morale and lift the spirits of those aboard Harpers Ferry. The JEA plans to do this by providing the personnel and funding to hold events on the ship such as open microphone nights, game nights, steel beach picnics, and other events for the crew.

According to Wilson, getting this organization together was no simple task; it involved months of focused effort, help from shipmates and support from the ship's chain of command.

"I started researching different JEAs in the Navy and thinking of ways to get it going here," said Wilson. "Although the JEA is traditionally for E-4 and below, I made the decision to include E-5s because of the size of this command and the fact that we don't have a Second Class Petty Officer Association on board. Then I talked to the chain of command here and got a set of bylaws approved."

All this preparation would have meant nothing without generating interest within the junior enlisted community. For the first meeting, Wilson and Huff spent about a week promoting the idea around the command and getting everyone interested.

"We wanted as high a level of participation as possible; we don't want this to be just another thing that you show up to meetings for and that's it," said Huff. "We're here to make an actual difference."

As a result of their promotion, over 100 people showed up to the first meeting where attendees were welcomed by a fast-paced promotional video and music, as well as Huff and Wilson dressed sharply in their Naval Service Uniforms, interacting with everyone who attended. Wilson and Huff then proceeded to make a very well thought speech about the responsibilities of the junior enlisted Sailors aboard, which seemed to peak the interest and motivation of everyone in the room.

As a result of their hard work and dedication, the second meeting of the JEA saw a majority of the Sailors who initially showed interest actually sign up and become members.

As Harpers Ferry continues on deployment as part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, the JEA will give young Sailors a voice and an opportunity to enjoy camaraderie among shipmates.

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