'Leadership Altus' strengthens base, community partnership Published Oct. 20, 2022 By Senior Airman Kayla Christenson 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- More than 60 local community members toured Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and spoke with leaders from the 97th Air Mobility Wing about the importance of base partnerships, Oct. 18, 2022. The tour consisted of stops at a static display showcasing the KC-46 Pegasus, the KC-46 simulators, Club Altus and a briefing by the 97th AMW command team and other Altus AFB leaders. "We conducted a base immersion tour as part of the Leadership Altus 2022 course,” said Sydney Doorn, 97th AMW public affairs community engagement chief. “The course is designed to get the next generation of community leaders involved, informed, and inspired to lead by familiarizing participants with different organizations across the city.” Leadership Altus, hosted by the Altus Chamber of Commerce, has a mission to create a dynamic group of leaders who shape the growth of Southwest Oklahoma and meet the vision of the Altus community. “Altus provides critical support for our installation,” said Doorn. “Introducing the course members to our missions, our nationally-recognized community partnerships, and opportunities for them to get involved as future civic leaders was truly a privilege." According to Mary Beth Tischler, Leadership Altus coordinator, the tour left members wanting to know more about how to be involved with Altus AFB. “The Leadership Altus program covers all facets in the Altus area. This includes military, education, healthcare, government, leadership, volunteerism, and the history of the area,” she said. “We consider Altus AFB an integral part of the community.”