Wright Flyer June 06.indd - 916th Air Refueling Wing

Page 6 Feature<strong>Wright</strong> <strong>Flyer</strong> s <strong>June</strong> 2006 <strong>Wright</strong> <strong>Flyer</strong> s <strong>June</strong> 2006 FeaturePage 7Business community learns about Reserve unit during chamber eventby Capt. Shannon MannChief, Public AffairsWhen members of the 916 th <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Refueling</strong><strong>Wing</strong> put their minds to doingsomething you can guarantee they doit in grand style.Such was the case on Thursday,April 20, 2006 when the wing hostedthe Wayne County Chamber AfterHours party in their big hangar.The event brings together businessmembers and leaders of the communityto socialize and network once amonth at different locations. Ms. PattyGraham, director of membership andmarketing for the chamber, said thiswas the largest after hours party thechamber has seen to date. More than350 business, community and militaryleadership were in attendance.The 916 th planned for the eventsince summer 2005 and was ready toprovide their guests with an eveningof fun, food and education…learningabout the Reserve mission.Musical entertainment was providedby the <strong>Air</strong> Force Heritage ofAmerica Band Blue Aces and severalunit functional areas were on handwith booths and demonstrations toshare with the guests.The fire fighters brought a truckand fire suits, civil engineering readinessbrought a chemical display, securityforces set up vehicles and weaponsand recruiting and ESGR even set upinformational booths. Part of the highlightof the evening was being able totour a KC-135 Stratotanker and viewthe cockpit of an F-15 Strike Eagle.The biggest event that drew themost attention was the unveiling of aKC-135 named “City of Goldsboro.”Col. J.P. Hall, special assistant toCol. Paul Sykes, wing commander,presided over the event. Colonel Halltold the crowd that not only was theKC-135 50 years old this year, it wasalso the 20 th anniversary of the 916 thin the Goldsboro community. With thehelp of Senior Master Sgt. WilliamMcKinley and Master Sgt. JenniferWard, both of the 916 th MaintenanceGroup, the colonel unveiled the planeto extended applause.Colonel Hall joked with GoldsboroMayor Al King that just because theplane was named the City of Goldsborodidn’t mean that the mayor could takeit home that night. The mayor summonedit up best when he told theaudience, “this is a true testimonialto show your gratitude and support ofour great city.”The event was such a huge successthat several people commented that thewing should host the party every year.“I’m so proud that we could showcasethe unit and our people this way,”said Col. Sykes. “We’ve never gottenthis kind of recognition from the community.They are really starting tolearn more about the 916 th and the <strong>Air</strong>Force Reserve.”Several co-sponsors helped make theevening great.Mr. Bud Brown, right, brings members ofthe chamber up to speed on the EmployerSupport for the Guard and Reserve.Master Sgt. Wendy Lopedote explains toa chamber member the role of the <strong>916th</strong>Security Forces Squadron.Mayor Al King gives his thanks to the<strong>916th</strong> <strong>Air</strong> <strong>Refueling</strong> <strong>Wing</strong> for naming oneof the KC-135Rs for the city of Goldsboro.Even though thiswas Col. J. P.Hall’s last event,Chief Master Sgt.Thomas Smithcould not lethim leave withoutgiving him awing coin. ColonelHall is thespecial assistantto Col. PaulSykes, <strong>916th</strong> <strong>Air</strong><strong>Refueling</strong> <strong>Wing</strong>commander.Chief Smith isthe <strong>916th</strong> ARWcommand chief.The <strong>916th</strong> Civil Engineer Squadron displayssome of their equipment.Lt. Col. Tony Taylor talks to a Mr. HenrySmith, <strong>916th</strong> Honorary <strong>Wing</strong> Commander.Visitors got a close-up look at the F-15EStrike Eagle.The hangar was decked out with planes and equipment for the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce after hours event held onApril 20 at the KC-135R hangar. This was the first time a military unit held the event.During the after hours event membersof the chamber enjoyed sometime touring the KC-135R.Photos by Donna LeaMembers of the 4th Fighter<strong>Wing</strong> joined in on the festivities.The <strong>Air</strong> Force Heritage of America Band Blue Aces fromLangley <strong>Air</strong> Force Base, Va., entertained during the afterhours event.