San Antonio civic leaders experience Reserve missions in Colorado

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino
  • 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --  Seventeen Greater San Antonio area civic leaders experienced the Air Force's Total Force concept in action as they traveled from here to Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., onboard a KC-135 Stratotanker, courtesy of the 931st Air Refueling Group from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.

While en route to Colorado, the passengers received a first-hand look at the aerial refueling mission and a bird's eye view of the Rocky Mountains by sitting in the boom operator's seat in the rear of the aircraft.

During the first leg of the tour, civic leaders were welcome by Col. Kurt Jones, 302nd Operations Group commander, and given the 302nd Airlift Wing mission brief and a tour of a C-130 Hercules aircraft.

The 302nd AW is the only Air Force Reserve unit with the aerial firefighting mission, performed in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service. Lt. Col. Luke Thompson, a 731st Airlift Squadron command pilot, briefed the group on the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System and its aerial firefighting capabilities. Thompson has more than 9,000 hours flying.

"I had no idea about the firefighting with the C-130's," said Jeffrey Downing, group human resources director for Enterprise Holdings.

"The men and women work very hard. A lot of the reservists have other (civilian) jobs, and when they do this, they are very professional and do their best. Civilian employers should support veterans because they have more leadership," he said.

The final stop for the first day of the trip was to North American Aerospace Defense Command. While the Cheyenne Mountain installation was made famous in the 1980's movie "War Games," the actual headquarters of the organization now rests on Peterson AFB.

This is also the Headquarters for U.S. Northern Command, which conducts homeland defense, civil support and security cooperation to defend and secure the United States and its interests.

On the final day of the trip, civic leaders visited the U.S. Air Force Academy. Col. Richard Fogg, 10th Air Base Wing vice commander, briefed the group on the history, mission, academics, faculty composition and the nomination process of USAFA. The 10th ABW provides support to enhance the education and development of more than 4,000 future Air Force leaders.

"I am impressed with the education at the Air Force Academy," said Sylvia Rodriguez, director of community relations for Valero Energy Corporation.

The final stop of the tour was the Academy's Cadet Chapel. There, the civic leaders learned about the chapel's design which is rich in symbolism. It was completed in 1962 and houses three worship areas in one building, It serves as a place of worship for Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Buddhist faiths.

"They had someone who was familiar with the different religious traditions and norms of that particular religion," said Rev. Dr. Michael Jolla, senior pastor, West End Baptist Church of San Antonio. "That is what I would say is a once in a lifetime experience to see all four religions come together. I learned that the Air Force has made provisions for all people to experience their relationship with their god. The Academy has put a high priority, not just on the value of religion, but it is also shown in the chapel design."

"I really enjoyed my trip," Rodriguez said. "I learned that reservists play such a valued role in the military. They are held in high esteem by the active-duty folks. I just thought that was impressive and very important."