MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 927th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill hosted nearly 30 civic leaders from the Tampa Bay area on a two-day orientation flight onboard a KC-135 Stratotanker, March 23-24.
The civic leader flight was specifically intended for local people of influence to educate them on the roles and missions of the Air Force Reserve.
“I was absolutely amazed by the capabilities of the Air Force and the role that the Reserve plays in national security,” said John Bowman, reginal compliance manager at Raymond James Financial Services. “To see this firsthand was an incredible experience, one I won’t soon forget.”
The event began with a mission briefing from Col. Frank Amodeo, 927th ARW commander, and remarks from Capt. Joe Simms, 927th ARW public affairs officer. After a short flight on a KC-135 that departed from MacDill, the group arrived at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, where they received a firsthand look at the inner workings of Air Mobility Command and Transportation Command.
“I had no idea what was involved in moving troops and supplies throughout the world,” said Victor Holcomb, senior partner, Holcomb & Leung P.A. Law Firm. “A well-oiled machine -- you make it look easy.”
There are many ways to resolve a conflict and promote dialogue. While at Scott, the civic leaders enjoyed a performance from the U.S. Air Force Band of the West. The band’s mission is to honor, inspire and connect with audiences across the nation through music.
The next day, after a quick breakfast, the group departed for Tyndall AFB, Florida, to see F-22 Raptors. While airborne, the leaders had the opportunity to witness an air-to-air refueling mission, when several A-10s from Moody AFB, Georgia, pulled up to the boom of the KC-135 to receive fuel.
“Words cannot express the respect that I have for the men and women of the U.S. military, to be able to refuel an aircraft at 20,000 feet and only 30 to 40 feet apart is incredible,” said Dave Williams, certified financial manager. ”And to think that you [reservists] only do this part time -- absolutely amazing, much respect!”
Civic leaders provide a unique level of support to the 927th ARW and the Air Force Reserve. Through developing relationships with wing leadership and learning about the Reserve mission, civic leaders help increase understanding and cooperation between the civilian and military communities.