Base tight-knit part of Dover community

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Soon, thousands will visit Dover Air Force Base and get a first-hand look at what their uniformed neighbors do behind the base's fence line. Other than the distinctive uniforms and wide array of military jargon, most Delaware residents agree that the Airmen assigned to Dover AFB are just like any other Dover neighbor and a valued part of the local community.

Next week, you will see a special Open House insert in The Airlifter as well as in other off-base papers. This collector's insert will be the first to ever be distributed outside the base. Not only does that make it monumental to the base and local community, I can say this it is very special to me. I've been the editor of the base paper and our public Web site for more than two years and have had the privilege of providing Team Dover high-quality and timely news, colorful and inspiring features, and up-to-date sports coverage. However, this is the first time I've gotten the unique opportunity to edit content for a paper intended for the civilian communities across the great state of Delaware.

I've only lived here a short time but can say that everywhere I go in Delaware, I am greeted by some of the nicest people I've ever met, anywhere. The relationship between these communities and this base is unmatched in any assignment I've had so far in the Air Force. I can't imagine a base with more community support than we have here at over. So, when I heard this Airlifter insert was going out to all of you, I was overcome with delight. Delawareans, thank you for your kindness to my family and I. Thank you for your kindness to my subordinates and peers. Thank you for being you.

I randomly interviewed residents on the street and in businesses around base. Here is what they said:

Judy Rigby, Dover resident and Rigby's Karate Academy instructor - "We are blessed to live in close proximity to the base. Military members are much like our karate students in that they share many of our Isshinryu Karate values like: self discipline, courtesy, respect and perfection of character. We always enjoy interacting with Airmen and base family members when they train at our academy."

Thomas Benbow, Dover resident and Happy Harry's clerk - "I've worked here about three years and meet base people all the time. I'd say the base families are some of the nicest and most courteous people I encounter. I feel they really are a part of our community."

Kenny Gordon, Magnolia resident and Just Cuts employee - "We cut military members hair all the time and I also frequently talk to troops when I see them around town in uniform. They are very cordial and friendly. I wish all our troops were home but respect them for doing what is needed overseas."

Paula Ballard, Dover resident and florist - "The base really helps the Dover economy. On a personal level, the base people are model citizens and very helpful. The other day I had to stop and ask a security forces member for directions. Without hesitating, he stopped what he was doing and provided me immediate and courteous information. The Airmen are great!"