Commander thanks Airmen for hard work

  • Published
  • By Col. Jamie Crowhurst
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  This week many of us will have to work through the weekend and I thank you in advance for the long hours, hard work and professionalism you consistently demonstrate. In the meantime, our local community partners will host the annual Wichita Veterans Day Parade. Unfortunately, we will not be able to support the parade as we have in years past, but if you and your families have some time I urge you to attend. You give so much to the local community and this is their chance to pay tribute to you and your families.

For those of you who use Leavenworth Street between Topeka Street and Kansas Street, you will have to find a new route starting Nov. 11, 2010. Road repair crews will be conducting a full depth road and parking lot repaving, which is scheduled to last until late May 2011.

We are hoping to expedite the project, but for now you will have to utilize alternate routes. Like the Dining Facility parking lot project, this is one of many paving projects you'll see that are a result of a very good year end funding for our base. There will be some short-term inconveniences but our base will remain ready to support you and your families.

Finally, remember to set your clocks back Saturday night/Sunday morning at 2 a.m., and as always, be safe and vigilant.
Thank you for all that you do.

Col C

Nov. 6 - Veterans Day Parade, 11 a.m. at Main Street, Wichita
Nov. 7 - Daylight's Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. (Set clocks back one hour)
Nov. 9 - Family Fun and Feast, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Youth Center
Nov. 11 - Veterans Day (Federal Holiday)
Nov. 12 - Boss and Buddy / Grill Your own Steak, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Storm Cellar
Nov. 12 and 13 - "Acting Can Be Murder," 7 p.m. at the Robert J. Dole Community Center Nov. 13 -- Free Movie ("Cats and Dogs") 2 p.m. at the base theater
Nov. 16 - Airmen & Family Readiness Open House, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Nov. 18 - The Great American Smokeout 5K, 3:30 p.m. at the base track
Nov. 19 - Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Robert J. Dole Community Center
Nov. 20 -- NBA 2K11 Tournament 2 p.m. at the Storm Cellar

Veterans Day Parade: Nov. 6 at 11 a.m., Team McConnell members, families, civilians, Guard and Reserve are encouraged to participate in Wichita's Veterans Day parade. Uniform is Airman Battle Uniform or flight suits. Strollers and wagons are welcome. If participating, please be in place at the downtown intersection of Murdock and Main Streets at 10:30 a.m.

Family Fun and Feast: Nov. 9, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Youth Center. Event provides members information about agencies available to them at McConnell. A meal of hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks will also be served. For more information, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (316)759-6020.

Leavenworth Road Closure: Beginning Nov. 11 until May 24, 2011 Leavenworth Street will close for full depth road and a parking lot repaving between Topeka and Kansas Streets. This is an overdue road repair we were able to get funded by Air Mobility Command at the end of the fiscal year. Although this does disrupt normal traffic patterns, there are alternative routes for all areas impacted by this closure. If possible, and weather permitting, we will push the contractor for the fastest possible completion. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Boss n' Buddy, Grill Your Own Steak: Nov. 12, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Storm Cellar. Meal includes steak, loaded baked potato and salad. Cost is $9.95 for members, $11.95 for non-members, additional steaks are $4.95. Designated drivers receive free soft drinks soda. For more information, please call (316) 759-4330.

"Acting Can Be Murder": Nov. 12 through 13, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) in the Robert J. Dole Community Center Ballroom. The McConnell Players will present "Acting Can Be Murder". This play is a mystery comedy that spoofs both Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock. Tickets are $5; children 3 and under are free. For more information, call the community center at (316) 759-6023.

Great American Smoke Out 5 K Run: Nov. 18 at 3:30 p.m., the Health and Wellness Center will sponsor a 5K" Cold Turkey Run." Open to all military, civilians and family members. The run will include one lap around the base track, a loop through the Kruger Recreation Area and finish with another lap around the base track. Prizes will be given to the fastest male, fastest female as well as three other random drawings. Members can sign up at the HAWC beginning Nov. 15 through 18.

Blood Drive: Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Robert J. Dole Community Center Gym. Members are highly encouraged to participate in the blood drive. Participants will be provided food, free of charge, at the cantina. Walk-ins are welcome, but to avoid a long wait, call (316) 268-0835 or visit www.givelife.org to schedule an appointment. For more information, call 1st. Lt. Carrie Kerner (316) 759-2976.

NBA 2K11 Tournament: Nov. 20 at 2 pm in the Storm Cellar. The Airman's Council will host a NBA 2K11 Tournament. Entry is open to all Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, dependents, and Department of Defense Civilians. The cost is $10 per person, $18 to compete on both systems.. Participants can pay by Nov. 17, or pay a walk-in entry fee for $15. Food and beverages will be available for purchase during the tournament. For more information, call Airman 1st Class Eugenio Redmond at (316) 759-5520 or Airman or Airman Basic Kevin Berkley (316) 759-3341.