The Defense Supply Center Richmond and Defense Distribution Depot Richmond Blacks in Government chapter will celebrate its 15th anniversary in July.

Eddie Shelton, a customer account specialist in Aviation Supplier Operations, has been the president since the chapter was formed here in 1993.

There were 10 founding members of the chapter. During the early years, members were a part of the Fort Lee chapter, known as the Central Virginia BIG chapter. Membership to the Bellwood BIG chapter is open to Defense Supply Center Richmond and Defense Distribution Depot Richmond employees.

"We're not an organization exclusively for African-Americans," said Shelton. "Membership is open to everyone because we want to help all federal employees. BIG is here to help make Bellwood more productive and efficient and be the best agency it can be."

BIG was founded in 1975 by federal employees who worked in Public Health Services, which is a part of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. There are now more than 300 BIG chapters nationwide.

One of BIG's noteworthy activities includes testifying before Congress on issues ranging from racial discrimination to federal government downsizing. In addition, BIG helped the Department of Defense establish a casualty command center after the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon.

National membership dues are $35 and $25 for associate members. Members receive benefits including attorney referral services, officer leadership training, and they can apply for scholarships for training or educational assistance to help them advance in their careers. They also receive the monthly BIG Bulletin.

The Bellwood chapter of BIG has coordinated numerous activities since it was started. In the mid-1990s, the chapter held workshops for DDRV employees to help them prepare for an A-76 competition, which is when federal positions are reviewed to see if a contractor can perform the job duties and requirements. Between 2002 and 2004, BIG sponsored approximately 50 kids to attend theatrical productions at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

In 2006, the organization worked with Defense Distribution Center in Philadelphia to conduct electronic résumé training for DSCR and DDRV employees. In addition, the chapter hosts the annual Juneteenth celebration. Oliver Hill, a former civil rights leader, spoke last year to the group. BIG presented him with the Freedom Award, which is an annual award given to someone who has made a difference in society.

Another major project that BIG coordinates each year is an oratorical contest for high-school students. First-place winners receive $150. BIG solicits judges throughout the community for the annual contest. There are two categories: ninth and 10th grade, and 11th and 12th grade.

BIG reaches out to community organizations, including local churches, to get students to compete. This year, eight students competed. The first-place winner in each category went to the regional competition. Of the two local winners who competed at the regional level, one student won at the regional competition and will go to the national competition in August.

"Kids are our future leaders . . . and this experience will allow them to gain confidence that can help them in college and beyond," said Michelle McQueen, chief of the application support branch, Information Operations Richmond. McQueen was one of the founding members and is the chapter's previous program chair.

"This contest also allows us as federal employees to get out in the community and give back," Shelton said. "We're working to help the local community."

In the future, Shelton would like for the chapter to host etiquette training for local youth.

"We want to reach out to youth for them to shine in their school, community and in their home life," said Beverly Gordon, program chair.

The next BIG event is June 24, the annual Juneteenth celebration, which will also be an early anniversary celebration for the chapter. State Sen. Henry L Marsh III will be the Freedom Award honoree.