AMC civic leaders visit Travis

Published Oct. 24, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Amber Carter
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Air Mobility Command civic leaders met at Travis Air Force Base Oct. 15 to join Gen. Darren McDew, AMC commander, on his first visit of the installation since assuming command in May.

Civic leaders were given the opportunity to speak with McDew, who addressed the importance of the civic leader program and the partnership between the Air Force and the community.

"General McDew is an extraordinary leader and communicator," said Sandy Person, Solano Economic Development Corporation president and AMC civic leader. "I relished every opportunity to hear his vision, focus, priorities and also his insight on current events and challenges."

Civic leaders are nominated civilians that serve as key advisors, communicators and advocates for AMC and Air Force issues. These community civic leaders are volunteers who serve a three-year term.

"I was motivated to volunteer my time as a civic leader because it's an opportunity to meet the talented men and women of the United States Air Force who dedicate their lives to serving our country," said Kevin Hull, Military Affairs Union League Club of Chicago chair and AMC civic leader. "I also wanted to learn about the mission of AMC, both humanitarian and during periods of conflict, in order to act on my sense of patriotism through opportunities available to civic leaders."

Travis was selected as the meeting place of the civic leader tour to showcase AMC's strategic capabilities and core capabilities.

"The significance of Travis cannot be overstated," Person said. "It's Solano County's largest employer, contributing over $1.6 billion annually to our region's economy, and the Airmen and civilians employed on base and their families are valued members of our communities. It is essential that we remain active and engaged in supporting and protecting its mission."

The tour involved events such as a Purple Heart ceremony and mission brief at the 621st Contingency Response Wing, a visit to the 60th Aerial Port Squadron, a demonstration at the 60th Maintenance Group and a tour of the Fisher House II and David Grant USAF Medical Center.

"One of the most compelling takeaways is seeing and feeling how every person plays their own critical role in the overall mission," Hull said. "It reminded me of my time working in the operating room before going to law school, where everyone had their role with absolute reliance on each other succeeding to achieve the collective mission for that particular event."

They also spent their lunch hour conversing with Airmen at the Travis Sierra Inn dining facility and saw firsthand the value placed on the families of Airmen.

"One of the aspects that stood out was the amazing leadership of the spouses," Hull said. "From Mrs. McDew to Mrs. Martin to hearing about spouses of the Airmen we shared lunch with, it reinforced my passions for working back home to ensure every resource is aligned and made available to the families that serve."

Travis also showcased the wing's capabilities and helped explain the mission of Air Mobility Command.

"Travis' three mobility organizations, 60th Air Mobility Wing, 349th AMW, and 621st CRW, showcased Team Travis' vast capabilities," Person said. "It showed how they work together to serve our country's global airlift needs, fuel the fight and save lives."