Kansas civic leaders 'pass tanker gas'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Twenty-one Kansas civic leaders flew in two KC-135 Stratotankers getting a firsthand look at McConnell's mission Oct. 13, 2011.

The 21 civic leaders participated in an orientation flight which annually to newly appointed Honorary Commanders. McConnell's Honorary Commander program is designed to strengthen the base's bond with the community.

"Honorary Commanders are part of the McConnell family, so it's important for them to experience an air refueling flight," said Sharon Hamric, 22nd Air Refueling Wing community relations chief.

Before flying, commanders from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing and 931st Air Refueling Group greeted them and held an interactive forum discussing McConnell's mission, history and partnership with the community

"Seeing and hearing what Airmen do and how they do it is a great opportunity," said Frank Suellentrop, 22nd Comptroller Squadron Honorary Commander.

After meeting with six Airmen who recently returned from an overseas deployment, fulfilling the Air Force mission worldwide, the honorary commanders took to the skies.

"To be able to see how the refueling actually happens and how the two planes were so close was so incredible. I didn't realize before just how much of this mission was done from right here in Wichita and how much it provides for the entire Air Force," said Jorge Martinez, 931st Air Refueling Group honorary commander.

McConnell is the largest tanker wing in the Air Force, with 63 Stratotankers, and to give Kansas leaders a view into the Air Force world is just one way we can say 'thank you' for the support the community offers, said Mrs. Hamric.