Commander thanks Airmen for participation in WWII reception

  • Published
  • By Col. Jamie Crowhurst
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Team McConnell (Airpower),

Last night, several of you turned out to the Wichita Mid Continent Airport to recognize World War II veterans who returned from Washington D.C. This group of veterans flew to the capital on the Wichita Honor Flight, a local initiative to bring WWII veterans out to visit the World War II memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and several other national memorials. I was humbled by the presence of so many teammates who voluntarily came out and paid tribute to these heroes. The reception was an emotional event and has a direct tie to what we do here at McConnell. Each week, we have re-integration events where we publicly welcome home our own heroes who continue to serve this nation in combat operations. You have been doing it for over nine years now and many of you also do amazing here at home to support combatant commanders...I'm proud to serve with you.

As we head into the weekend, it's time to unwind, and we have a great Oktoberfest event planned Oct. 1. Take this opportunity to congratulate your teammates who were promoted Sept. 30 and also celebrate the end of a busy month. As we look ahead, below are some other upcoming activities.

Thank you for all that you do.

Col. C

· Oct 1 - Oktoberfest and Crud Tournament, 4-7 p.m. at the Storm Cellar and Team McConnell Lounge
· Oct 2 - Honorary Commanders Flight
· Oct 2-9 - Fire Prevention Week & Extravaganza, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Youth Center parade begins 10 a.m.
· Oct 8 - Boss & Buddy, Grill Your Steak and Tri-Base Crud Tournament
· Oct 8-10 - McConnell Weekend Family Retreat (Call 759-3566 to register)
· Oct 16 - Family Mobility Line (Register by Oct. 8 759-6020)
· Oct 23 - Retiree Appreciation Day
· Oct 23 - McConnell Cycle and Run Challenge (Register at gym by Oct 15)

Club McConnell Oktoberfest & Crud Tournament: Oct. 1 from 4-7 p.m. in the Storm Cellar and Team McConnell Lounge celebrate Oktoberfest, there's a great way to let off some post-Open House steam and have some great food, fun and fellowship. The perfect solution - a combination of crud, bratwurst, singing and beverage of choice. Food is free for members and $5 for non-members. For more Oktoberfest information, call 759-4330. To prepare for our tri-base crud challenge and "Grill Your Own Steak Night" on Oct. 8, with Vance and Altus Air Force Base, what better way to get some practice than having our own McConnell inter-wing tournament. If you have a 5-person team and would like to add your group in the mix, please call or email Lt. Col. Robert Mallets at 759-4129. Don't know how to play; there are some practice sessions scheduled between now and then. Or just come out to enjoy the Oktoberfest and cheer on your team. It will be some good, rowdy fun. Point of Contact: Lt. Col. Mallets 759-4129.

Fire Prevention Week & Extravaganza: Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. we will kick-off this year's Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 3-9, a day early with a parade through base housing ending in the Youth Center parking lot, followed by our 6th Annual Fire Prevention Extravaganza from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Attendees can ride a fire truck; learn to use a fire extinguisher and much more. See below list of Fire Prevention Week activities or visit the Wing Calendar for more information as well as newspaper article, parade route and extravaganza flyer. For more information, call the McConnell Fire Prevention Office at 759-3902.

Oct. 3 thru Oct 9: Daily 4-6 p.m., Team McConnell members are invited to tour the base fire department.

Oct. 4, 4 - 6 p.m., Base firemen offer fire prevention training to children at the McConnell School Age Program building.

Oct. 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Base and community fire departments showcase static displays and perform demonstrations at the Sedgwick County Zoo.

Oct. 6, 1:30 - 3 p.m., Base fire department holds fire prevention training at Wineteer Elementary School.

Oct. 6 and Oct. 8, 9 - 10 a.m., McConnell firemen provide fire prevention training at the Child Development Center.

Boss & Buddy / Grill Your Own Steak / Tri-Base Crud Tournament: Oct. 8 celebrate Boss & Buddy from 4 - 5 p.m. in the Storm Cellar with your co-workers while cheering on your team in the Crud Challenge to beat Altus and Vance. Also from 4 - 7 p.m. at Storm Cellar Sports Bar patio (weather permitting) you can "Grill Your Own Steak." Meal includes steak, baked potato and tossed salad. Members are $9.95, non members are $11.95. Call 759-6002 to reserve your steak today. Stay from 5 - 6 p.m. for free bar snacks for club members and a Club Card Drawing. Designated drivers drink free soda all night. Not a Member? Not a problem. Sign up at the door. Call 759-4330 for more information. Crud POC: Lt. Col. Mallets 759-4129.

McConnell Weekend Retreat: Oct. 8 from 4 p.m. through 11 a.m. Oct. 10 at Rock Springs 4-H Center in Junction City, Kan. There will be activities for the whole family along with opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth. $30 a family or $15 for singles includes lodging, food and all activities for entire family. Visit the Wing calendar or www.rocksprings.net for more information or contact the Chapel at 759-3566 to sign up. Registrants are encouraged to sign up early as space is limited. POC: Staff Sgt. Nicole Evenson.

Family Mobility Line: Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. starting and ending at Bldg 732. The Family Mobility Line lets the family experience a mock deployment from base to "Camp McConnell" and back to base again. The process provides kids and families with a fun, educational way to experience a military deployment. Event will contain a trip thru the mobility line, board a KC-135R Stratotanker, fun at Camp McConnell and a return celebration. Call Airman and Family Readiness Center at 759-6020 sign up by 8 Oct.

McConnell Cycle/Run Challenge: Do you bike or run? Then join us Oct. 23 for a 'Dualathlon' - 24.6 mile bike ride and a 10K run, or compete in just one event. Cyclists show time 7:30 a.m., Health and wellness center parking lot and runners show at 9:30 a.m. track parking lot. Challenge is open to all Team McConnell members. Register at the fitness center by Oct 15. $12 entry fee for one or both events - includes lunch and medals. Entrants must provide own gear and equipment. For rules of engagement, route and more information, please visit the wing calendar, fitness center or contact Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Kitzhaber at 759-5500 to volunteer.