Local military affairs committee visits base

Published Aug. 31, 2010
By Senior Airman Elliott Sprehe
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Local business and community leaders from the Committee of 50 attended a tour here Aug. 26 showcasing Cannon's mission. The tour provided the members with an idea of how their support helps the Cannon family.

The Committee of 50 holds the traditional role of a military affairs committee that is found at nearly every military installation.

"We support Cannon in a number of ways to make life more comfortable for the Airmen and their families stationed here," said committee chairman Lee Maloy.

Some of the events the committee brings to the base include Cannon Appreciation Day, held annually in the summer, as well as the single Airman's Christmas dinner.

These events are almost entirely supported by the Committee of 50, whose members provide the food and prizes to help Airmen, particularly junior Airmen, away from home for the first time, get more in touch with their local community.

"We've also hosted a Commando Rally dinner, provided donations to support the Airman of the Quarter program and also have a Washington committee that travels to Washington, D.C., to help secure funds for the base," said Mr. Maloy.

Mr. Maloy says the Airmen here provide a very positive feedback about the committee and what they do for the Airmen of Cannon.

During the tour, committee members were met by Col. Stephen Clark, 27th Special Operations Wing commander, and Command Chief Master Sgt. William Turner at The Landing Zone before visiting the flightline where they saw static displays of Cannon aircraft.

Visiting the base almost three years after the base's transition to Air Force Special Operations Command, committee members got a first-hand look at the diversity of the 27 SOW.

"It's a much more interesting mission. When ACC (Air Combat Command) was here, it was one aircraft, one mission," said Mr. Maloy. "Now, there's these diverse aircraft with diverse people performing diverse missions."

"I truly believe the future of the military is right here (at this base)."

Following their visit to the flightline, the group learned more about Cannon's mission from Colonel Clark and toured the flight control tower and a flight simulator.

"We get to demonstrate to the community our mission by providing access and awareness," said Colonel Clark. "The feedback is exponential and provides them the opportunity to better support our Airmen and their families."

"By and large it gives people in the community optimism," said Mr. Maloy. "We're more than happy to have the military presence."