News

Civic leaders attend CRT

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashlin Federick
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Forty civic leaders from Central Delaware, joined base leaders on a community relations tour to Colorado Springs, Colorado, May 20-21, 2014.

CRTs are a way for members of the Dover community to see other bases and learn about the missions of different major commands outside of the Air Mobility Command. It also teaches them more about the military so they can then share what they have learned with others.

George Krupanski, Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware president and CEO and 512th Mission Support Group honorary commander, said the tour was fantastic and he liked all the new things he was exposed to.

"I gained a broader understanding of the importance of the work that is taking place and the dedication and commitment of our Airmen," said Krupanski. "[CRTs] are beneficial because they certainly give me a better appreciation and a much more willingness to speak out and if necessary support efforts."

The civic leaders and base leadership arrived at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, on a C-17 Globemaster III to start their tour. They were then greeted by Col. Stacey Hawkins, 10th Air Base Wing, U.S. Air Force Academy commander, who introduced them to the mission and facilities of USAFA. USAFA's mission is to educate, train and inspire men and women to become officers of character that are motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to the nation.

Edward McConnell, IPC of Delaware medical doctor, said both of his children graduated from USAFA.

"It was kind of a step back in time," said McConnell. "Things haven't changed much and it is interesting. It seems like it was only yesterday. I have been to the academy a number of times so it wasn't new to me but I learned a lot and got a lot of useful information."

The second place the civic leader and base leadership toured was Cheyenne Mountain. The Cheyenne Mountain Complex's mission is to assist in establishing an integrated North American Aerospace Defense Command and the United States Northern Command command center within the headquarters building at Peterson AFB.

Lori Ewald, Hasbro, Inc. retail merchandiser and 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron honorary commander, said the trip was exciting and informative. She said she thinks it was beneficial because it made everything real and dulled the mystique that Hollywood and legends have planted in people's minds about the military.

"I walked away realizing how the military is such a well-oiled machine and how the skill sets of our military men and women possess and use on a daily basis can be transferred to and such a valuable addition in the civilian world," said Ewald. "I walked away feeling proud of the country I live in and proud of the men and women who put their lives on the line for us."