ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla.-- The Committee of 100 hosted a dinner to welcome new Airmen and their families to Altus, Oklahoma, April 11, 2022.
The Committee of 100, founded in the 1980s, was created by dividing a group of 100 Altus Chamber Board of Directors members into four groups of 25. They host multiple events throughout the year to support AAFB and the community.
More than 50 members attended the dinner where they experienced parts of the Mangum Rattlesnake Derby, learned about Altus’ history, heard a speech from Col. Blaine Baker, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, and participated in family activities.
“We want them to know that we care about Airmen here and we appreciate their service,” said Ryan Graham, Committee of 100 chairman. “It's like opening the doors to our home. The community is here for them and if they need support or anything at all, Sydney Doorn, 97th Air Mobility Wing community engagement chief, said AAFB has one of the most supportive communities that she has ever been in.
“It is a very important opportunity that gives people a chance to interact with community members,” said Doorn. “It is so great to see enthusiastic support from our community members and civic leaders in a forum that's educational and family friendly.”
For many Airmen, this was their first opportunity to attend a Committee of 100 dinner.
“This was my first time coming to an event like this and I really enjoyed it,” said Airman 1st Class Sophia Chabotte, 97th Air Mobility Wing administrator. “It was great eating some food, seeing the rattlesnakes and learning some history about Altus.”