MCCONNELL AIR FOCE BASE, Kan. -- Civic leaders from communities surrounding McConnell Air Force Base traveled to Travis Air Force Base, Cali., where Col. Corey Simmons, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, hosted the Civic Leader Tour from Sep. 13 to 15.
“We can’t thank Col. Simmons and Team Travis enough for their time, effort, and hospitality in showcasing their installation,” said Col. Nate Vogel, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander.
The civic leaders expanded their knowledge on the mission Air Mobility Command provides to the United States and its partners. More specifically, the essential role that Rapid Global Mobility has in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“We were able to see another shining example of the incredible capability of our Air Force through Team Travis’ ability to mobilize and move the full power of the U.S. Air Force anywhere in the world on incredibly short notice,” said Shane Pierce, 22nd Maintenance Squadron honorary commander (HCC).
The CLT empowered McConnell civic leaders to better communicate with and support our Airmen by gaining familiarity of the complete scope of AMC operations.
“The tour helped me be a better honorary commander by increasing my knowledge and connections to share and spark ideas,” said Kara Hunt, 22nd Maintenance Group HCC. “There were some great discussions that occurred on the trip that I know are going to be beneficial.”
Airmen from Travis AFB briefed and held conversations about the vital role they have in rapid global mobility for AMC and witnessed first-hand the air refueling mission that McConnell AFB provides.
The tour included trips to various locations on the installation; including, the Phoenix SPARK Lab, David Grant USAF Medical Center and the Global Readiness Deployment Center. While visiting Travis, the civic leaders were even given the opportunity to tour aircraft that supported the recent evacuations from Kabul, Afghanistan.
Civic Leader Tours allow community leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the mission AMC holds in the U.S. Air Force.
“Positive and meaningful engagement with our local communities is vital to a healthy installation,” said Vogel. “This trip was a phenomenal opportunity for a few of our key civic leaders to see another part of the AMC mission while building relationships with each other, and with AMC leaders.”
The tour will spark more in-depth conversations between community and military leaders on how to support Airmen and their families in McConnell’s surrounding communities.
“I wish everyone had the opportunity to peek behind the curtain of The United States Air Force; Mission Minded, Service focused and executing with Excellence,” said Jana Day, 349th Air Refueling Squadron HCC. “That of course, is not their ‘motto,’ but it is what I walked away with from my recent trip to Travis AFB. I am humbled to be in the Honorary Commander program, to be a conduit between the Wichita community and McConnell AFB, sharing the story and needs of these amazing men and women.”