CC briefs local leaders

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan., --  Approximately 40 Greater Wichita, Kan., business leaders met McConnell's wing commander Feb. 2, 2012.

The Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce hosted Col. Ricky N. Rupp for its Quarterly Wichita Metro Chamber Board of Advisors Meeting. The Chamber of Commerce invited Rupp to its meeting to help understand the impact the military has on the local community.

According to base financial records, McConnell earned approximately $319.4 million for use in the local area during fiscal year 2010. An additional $114.5 million was spent for base operations support, military construction and health care.

During the meeting, Rupp also discussed how McConnell's 63 KC-135 Stratotankers play a role in the Air Force's mission. McConnell's stratotankers provide in-flight refueling anytime anywhere. Rupp also shared his intent for fostering a culture of excellence, developing the next generation of leaders and setting and achieves goals.

"I enjoy reaching out to the public and showcasing our Airmen and McConnell's robust mission," said Rupp. "McConnell is committed to building positive relationships with the communities surrounding the base."

According to base demographics, Team McConnell is comprised of more than 17,000 people including active duty Airmen, Guardsmen, reservists, retirees, civilian employees and family members.

"Our military families are a major part of each community and have a vested interest in its health," Rupp said.

The business owners asked questions about the base's mission, upcoming events and future business opportunities. One of those events is the open house and air show, Sept. 29-30, an event that will showcase military equipment and personnel. The event will be a resource the Airmen on base will use to thank the community for its continued support.

Generally there are very few questions for the speakers, said Pat Gallagher, Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce government relations manager. She said the volume of questions underscored the high level of interest people have in McConnell.

"Most people are uncomfortable with things, situations, topics or people that they either don't understand or just don't know enough about," said Gallagher. "A little information goes a long way toward breaking down barriers."

After answering questions, Rupp socialized with the civic leaders who left with a greater knowledge of base operations.

"Everyone in the room had no knowledge of McConnell that morning, and now they will go back to their place of business or to a social or church event and tell someone what they just learned about McConnell," said Gallagher. "That is great public awareness!"