Moody strengthens relationship with community through MAC tour

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Melissa K. Mekpongsatorn
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Members of the Military Affairs Committee had a chance to tour base May 2 to see operations on Moody. It allows community members to have a better understanding of what life is like here on Moody.

Having a good relationship with the community is important not only to Airmen, but to the families of the Airmen and people who live around the base.

"Having a close relationship between the military and community is extremely important," said Michael Jetter, interim executive director of the Valdosta-Lowndes County conference center and tourism authority, and honorary commander of the 23rd Maintenance Group. "Tours like this allow us to have a better understanding of the sacrifices the military men and women have to make."

Eleven members of the committee got a chance to try out the C-130 simulator, learn about life support equipment and see static displays of the aircraft.

This isn't the first time Mr. Jetter has been on base for a tour, but he says he always learns something new.

"I've done this a few times and I'm very fortunate to have the opportunity to be able to experience these tours," said Mr. Jetter. "I try to take what I see and learn on the tour and educate the community so they can learn what the Airmen do here on base."

The base tour gave each of the committee members a chance to see several aspects of military life.

"The tour creates a real sense of what's going on around base," said Ron Wilson, current MAC chairman. "We understand the mission a little bit better and are able to relay that to members of the community."

Often, the local community may not be aware of what goes on behind the gates of a military installation. The base tour allows committee members the chance to tell others in the community about what the Air Force does.

"Military families often sacrifice a lot, and we want to be able to support them when they need it," said Mr. Jetter. "During these tours I get a better understanding of what Airmen do and it gives me a huge appreciation for the mission."

Community support isn't achieved just through one tour of the base, so Moody and the local area strive for a positive ongoing relationship.

The Military Affairs Committee tries to help improve the mission value of Moody AFB and the quality of life of the people who live and work there.