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JBSA News
NEWS | Dec. 1, 2006

Randolph welcomes Albuquerque civic leaders

By Capt. Heather Kekic 12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

Twenty three civic leaders received a close look at Randolph Air Force Base Thursday courtesy of a civic leader tour hosted by the 58th Special Operations Wing, Kirtland AFB, N.M.

The Albuquerque civic leaders flew here on a C-130assigned to the 550th Special Operations Squadron. The group is composed of a cross section of representatives including prominent business owners, managers, executives and educators, said Susan Gandy, Public Affairs chief of community relations.

"The purpose of the civic leader tour is to provide community leaders a meaningful understanding of Air Force missions and highlight Air Force personnel and resources different from the Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB," said Ms. Gandy.

While at Randolph, the group dined with wing leadership at the Officers' Club and received the 12thFTW mission briefing from Col. Richard Clark, 12thFTW commander.

Afterward, they traveled to Headquarters Air Education and Training Command and received the AETC mission briefing. The amount of time spent in briefings is limited to increase the contact with Air Force people and operations, according to Air Force Instruction 35-101.

Following the briefings, the civic leaders toured the560th and 99th Flying Training Squadrons getting a first-hand look at the Freedom Hall, Pilot for a Day program and Tuskegee Airmen heritage and displays.

They also toured aerospace physiology and experienced spacial disorientation before going on a windshield tour of the base.

The group stayed the night in billeting here and will depart for Lackland AFB this morning following breakfast at the dining facility with Colonel Clark, Command Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Page and the group superintendents.

Events on tap for the group while at Lackland include attending a Basic Military Training graduation and parade, observing a field training exercise, touring a BMT dormitory and having lunch with BMT trainees.

"I am delighted that Kirtland selected Randolph AFB as part of their civic leader tour," said Colonel Clark. "This is a great opportunity to show off the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of Team Randolph and the United States Air Force."

The tour participants are selected because of their positions as opinion leaders who can influence public opinion and inform and educate their communities and peers on the Air Force, according to AFI 35-101.Participants must be in good health and physical condition and assume full financial responsibility for their lodging, meals and other expenses during the tour.