Alamogordo community wins 2023 Altus Trophy Published Feb. 8, 2024 By Marilyn C. Holliday AETC Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Randolph, Texas -- Altus Chamber of Commerce officials have named the community of Alamogordo, New Mexico, winners of the 2023 Altus Trophy for their support to Holloman Air Force Base. The Altus chamber partners with Air Education and Training Command officials each year to recognize a community that goes above and beyond in support to members of an AETC wing or tenant unit. “On behalf of the many proud Airmen of the 49th Wing, I can honestly say that the community of Alamogordo has earned the trophy through their steadfast support and dedication of both our mission and to the community,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Justin Spears, 49th Wing commander. With about 12,000 Airmen, family members and civilian employees, Team Holloman makes up over a third of the 31,000 strong Alamogordo population. The Alamogordo nomination package highlighted the many partnerships between the town and base, from education, housing, on- and off-base volunteering, military spouse employment and military construction projects. Civic leader support has been key in the development of housing options in the local area, recently securing the future development of the first new apartment complex in over 20 years. “The strong bond between Holloman Air Force Base and Alamogordo can be attributed to several factors, primarily centered around their shared history, economic interdependence and a common pioneering and resilient spirit,” Jerrett Perry and Nick Paul from the Alamogordo Center of Commerce, wrote in the nomination package. “Supporting Holloman AFB gives the local community a significant sense of pride and is a demonstration of the appreciation for military personnel and their service to our country. The Alamogordo Center of Commerce, MainGate United and Veterans Affairs committee bring local clubs and organizations together to interact with Airmen, Guardians and military families.” Members of the 49th Wing support national security objectives by deploying worldwide to support peacetime and wartime contingencies. The wing provides combat-ready Airmen, training F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots and MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators. The trophy will be presented at a later date in Alamogordo in partnership with Holloman leadership and local civic leaders.