Civic leaders take 'priceless' tour to Charleston

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Hickey
  • 934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. --  The 934th Airlift Wing conducted a two-day tour for 20 Minnesota and Wisconsin civic leaders to Joint Base-Charleston, S.C., Sep. 5-6.

The group was accompanied by Col. Darrell G. Young, 934th Airlift Wing commander, and his staff. The group was greeted in Charleston by Col. James Fontanella, 315th Airlift Wing commander, key leaders and public affairs members from the 315th AW.

Day one of the tour included a visit to the Air Education and Training Command's 373d Field Training Detachment. Several Airmen trainers from the detachment briefed the civic leaders on each major system of the C-17 Globemaster III, and explained how new Airmen out of basic training and seasoned non-commissioned officers are trained to repair and maintain the aircraft. The group then toured a static display C-17 Globemaster III on the flightline.

Lt. Col. Dave McDonald, a C-17 pilot with the 315th AW, gave the civic leaders an historical overview of the McDonnell Douglas designed C-17 aircraft, including its first major mission assignment to Bosnia, its tactical and strategic airlift capabilities, as well as its role in humanitarian missions.

Day two of the tour included equipment demonstrations by Airmen from the 628th Civil Engineering Squadron/Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, including a 90 lb. bomb suit and remotely controlled robots. The Airmen at the 437th Operations Support Squadron/ Aircrew Flight Equipment provided demonstrations on how to properly deploy a parachute, use night vision goggles, and inflate emergency flotation rafts, including a floating bassinette for babies.

Christopher Dwyer, the Executive Chef at the Mendakota Country Club in Minneapolis, Minn., was particularly impressed with the night vision goggles and flotation devices.
"I'm in awe," he said. "You see this kind of stuff on The Avengers or Captain America."
Darcy Douglas, the Director of Strategy for the Twin Cities Business Peer Network, explained that the tour was essential in exposing civilians with no-military experience to the Air Force way of life.

"It's important for those of us who have no military background to know what the military brings to our community and how we can support them," she said.
Chris Dwyer described the tour as immeasurable in its ability to bring awareness to community leaders. "It's a priceless tour," he said.

At the conclusion of the tour, Brian Dahl, a sales manager with NOVA Communications in Minneapolis, Minn., stated he was most impressed with the can-do attitude of the Airmen he met at each wing.  "It's clear everyone we've met has a passion for what they do," he said. "Seeing that kind of commitment is very inspiring to me. It's rare."

The Civic Leader Tour is an annual event organized by the 934 AW Public Affairs office. For more information on upcoming events, please contact the 934 AW/PA office at DSN 783-1217. You may also visit the unit's website or Facebook page.