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Fifteen civic leaders were given a rare behind-the-scenes look at U.S. Air Force operations in Europe today as they completed the final stop of a whirlwind tour of global Air Force operations.
Randy Harris, president and CEO of The Bank of Clovis in Clovis, New Mexico, and a member of the New Mexico Military Base Planning and Support Commission, cited witnessing operational experiences as a highlight of the tour.
“I’ve seen actual situations to where our Air Force is making a huge difference in the lives of the men and women that are in the Army, Navy, and the Marines,” said Mr. Harris. “I don’t want my son or daughter to come and fight in any war unless the Air Force is there to make sure it goes well.”
The purpose of civic leader tours is to increase community leaders’ awareness and understanding of the Air Force’s role in national security by inviting groups of civilian opinion leaders to witness the Air Force mission by visiting Air Force installations, said Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, Assistant Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
“Building community leaders’ awareness and understanding of our role in protecting our national security is key to maintaining public support for our armed forces,” said General Klotz.
In addition to operational briefings, leaders toured how wounded warriors are cared for – from arriving at the 435th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility at Ramstein, then to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
The tour previously included stops at various locations throughout the U.S. Central Command Area of Operations.
Vickie McCall, an associate to Congressman Jim Hansen in Ogden, Utah, commended the talents of young Airmen in accomplishing incredible responsibilities.
“These are professional people,” said Ms. McCall. “I was really surprised at how young our Airmen are and they’re doing jobs that I would expect CEOs to be doing.”
Despite long hours and facing incredible challenges, Airmen are excelling.“It’s amazing how dedicated every Airman I meet is,” said Kay Yeager, Chairman of the Board of Commerce and Industry and former Mayor of Wichita Falls, Texas. “It doesn’t make any difference where they are or what their job is, they are dedicated to the task at hand.”
“On behalf of Gen. Moseley, I want to say thank you to all Airmen of USAFE,” said General Klotz. “Your work here, in Iraq, Afghanistan, and providing humanitarian assistance is critical to the success of all air, space, and cyberspace operations. Your Air Force and great country are very proud of each and every one of you.”
“USAFE was honored to host these distinguished leaders,” said Gen. Tom Hobbins, USAFE commander. “I believe that they were notably impressed by the hard work that the men and women of USAFE do, every day, to ensure freedom’s future.”
(Courtesy of USAFE public affairs)
