MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FLA --
Members of Leadership Tampa Bay visited MacDill Air Force Base, FL and met with Airmen and civilians who are employed on base to gain a better understanding of the base’s mission with a focus on Airmen, the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, and its training facilities June 2, 2016.
LTB is an organization that develops members of the local community into leaders within their respective communities. The program is designed to identify regional strengths and allow for members to build upon them, also recognizing ways to bridge gaps between the community.
During the visit to the base, members were briefed by Colonel Randy Bright, 927th Air Refueling Wing commander, thanking the LTB community for supporting the wing and coming to visit.
"We couldn’t be more thrilled to have these men and women visiting our base and getting a true sense of what it means to serve," said Bright. “I think it’s important for those out in the community to gain an understanding of what their military does to protect them and this tour provides them with a greater sense of our capabilities,” he concluded.
After the briefing from Col. Bright, the members were given briefings from members United States Special Operations Command, United States Central Command, and the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.
The members visit included stops to the Airman Leadership School, a state-of-the-art training simulator for boom operators of the KC-135, and a visit to the USSOCOM Air Operations Riggers.
One member spoke about how impressed he was with the leadership, and the overall mission of the base.
"When it comes to the Airman Leadership School, this is a program that really taken off," said Topher Morrison. "Then when you have the KC-135 simulator it gives a realistic approach to in-air refueling through a virtual eye, it’s really special. I am truly mind blown at what I saw here today."
Finally, the tour concluded with a visit to a static display of a KC-135, where members gained further insight to the aircraft and its capabilities.
Alice Bessette, a 21-year member of Leadership Tampa Bay voiced how impressed she was of the support she has seen for the 927 ARW mission, and how well they have partnered with community groups like LTB.
“The 927 ARW has made a special connection with the LTB members which is special because it allows the community to gain insight to the mission here,” she said. “We’ve made many trips to the base since I’ve been a member of LTB and every time the members come away with a greater understanding of the military and developing a deeper appreciation of what these brave men and women do, which is exactly what we want them to take from the experience,” she concluded.