AAFB Honorary Commanders roll sleeves up, get hands dirty with 97th MSG

Col. Tammy Hollister, 97th Mission Support Group (MSG) commander, briefs Honorary Commanders during an immersion tour at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Nov. 9, 2022. The Honorary Commander program was implemented to create an open flow of communication between commanders and members of the community and to help showcase the Air Force’s capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Miyah Gray)

AAFB Honorary Commanders roll sleeves up, get hands dirty with 97th MSG

Airman 1st Class Bethanie Boggs, 97th Logistic Readiness Squadron aerial operations apprentice, demonstrates how to pack a parachute to Col. Daniel Roberts, 97th Medical Group commander, and Johnny Barron, 97th Maintenance Operations Squadron Honorary Commander, at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Nov. 9, 2022. The Aerial Operations Flight prepares parachutes in order to provide support to loadmasters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Miyah Gray)

AAFB Honorary Commanders roll sleeves up, get hands dirty with 97th MSG

Mary Beth Tischler, 97th Operations Group Honorary Commander, watches as Dustin Balderas, 97th Contracting Squadron Honorary Commander, dons a helmet during an immersion tour at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Nov. 9, 2022. The 97th Security Forces Squadron defenders train in full equipment to prepare for real-life scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Miyah Gray)

AAFB Honorary Commanders roll sleeves up, get hands dirty with 97th MSG

Dustin Balderas, 97th Contracting Squadron honorary commander (left), and Chad Wiginton, 97th Healthcare Operations Squadron honorary commander, tour the inside of a fire truck at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Nov. 9, 2022. The trucks are equipped with LED lighting for better visibility, ultra high pressure and can hold up to 3,000 pounds of water. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Miyah Gray)

AAFB Honorary Commanders roll sleeves up, get hands dirty with 97th MSG

Tony Guyton, 97th Air Mobility Wing expeditionary skills training program supervisor, demonstrates to Angela Cook, 97th Force Support Squadron Honorary Commander, how to load and shoot a Beretta M-9 during an immersion tour at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Nov. 9, 2022. The group was able to engage in virtual shooting, used as a training method for Airmen across the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Miyah Gray)

AAFB Honorary Commanders roll sleeves up, get hands dirty with 97th MSG

Dustin Balderas, 97th Contracting Squadron Honorary Commander, sits in a cyber training range during an immersion tour at Altus Air Force Base Oklahoma, Nov. 9, 2022. The training range is used to educate students on cyber security and support in recruiting efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Miyah Gray)

Altus | AAFB Honorary Commanders roll sleeves up, get hands dirty with 97th MSG

Published Nov. 17, 2022
By Airman 1st Class Miyah Gray
97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla.-- Honorary Commanders from the City of Altus and surrounding communities participated in an immersion tour of the 97th Mission Support Group at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Nov. 9, 2022.

The Honorary Commander program was implemented to create an open flow of communication between commanders and members of the community and to help showcase the Air Force’s capabilities.

“The honorary commanders understanding what our military members do every day really solidifies the support between the community and the base,” said Lt. Col. Laura Styles-Smith, 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander. “It’s evident here at Altus that the community and the base rely on each other. The more our community members understand what we do, the more help and support they can provide to us which we can in-turn provide to them.”

After receiving a brief outlining the MSG’s responsibilities, the group proceeded to the 97th Security Forces Squadron, where they were given an opportunity to participate in firearm training, including virtual shooting and a threat assessment situation.

Next, the Honorary Commanders proceeded to the 97th Communications Squadron where they were given a tour of the facility and a look into the “silent warriors” daily operations.

The group then visited the 97th Civil Engineer Squadron’s fire station and toured the base’s newest fire truck, which is equipped with LED lighting for better visibility, ultra high pressure and can hold up to 3,000 pounds of water.

Finally, the team visited the 97th LRS to experience the multi-step process of parachute packing first-hand.

“The good thing about these tours is that it helps us get a better understanding of what the people here on Altus Air Force Base do, not only for our community but for the world in general,” said Dustin Balderas, 97th Contracting Squadron honorary commander. “I feel humbled and inspired that I was chosen not only to represent my community but to represent Altus Air Force Base in this capacity as well. It's truly an honor.”