Little Rock, AR

Transcription

Little Rock, AR

2015 Altus Trophy Submission
Annual Community Support Award
Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council
“14 Communities, 3 Wings, 1 Team”
Table of Contents
Tab 1
Executive Summary
Tab 2
Letters of Endorsement
Tab 3
Community Description
Tab 4
Military Affairs / Armed Services Relations Committee
Tab 5
Supporting / Supplemental Material
Executive Summary Little Rock Community Council Executive Summary For the last 60 years the Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council has worked tirelessly in support of the 314th Airlift Wing and Little Rock Air Force Base. In the early 1950’s, Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) was just a dream, which eventually became reality, when it officially opened its gates in 1955. Thanks to hard work and determination, the local community raised $1.2 million to purchase some 6,000 acres of land, which in turn was donated to the Department of Defense. Since then, throughout numerous mission and leadership changes the Base has undergone, the surrounding communities have remained inextricably intertwined. Little Rock AFB and the surrounding areas provide military members a place to call home, whether it is downtown amid the bustle of the capital city, out in the smaller communities or the rural areas of central Arkansas. The reputation of our people attests to airmen and their families that they are welcomed and supported with open arms anywhere they go. Due to the unique location of Little Rock AFB, multiple communities combine efforts to support the Base and its units through the Little Rock AFB Community Council. We provide a focal point in which businesses and individuals can come together to help and support the over 8,000 Airmen, 1,500 Civilians, and 57,000 retirees. We appreciate their commitment and dedication and know they have and will continue to provide an integral piece to the community of Team Little Rock. The LRAFB Community Council works with all units on Base as one entity known as “Team Little Rock”. Though the 314th Airlift Wing of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) is a tenant wing, with its tenant partner, the 189th Airlift Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard, they conduct C‐130 formal training for the United States Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and 47 other country's militaries. Together the 314th AW operates seamlessly on Base and within the surrounding communities. Strong community support is an integral part of Team Little Rock’s ability to accomplish its mission. Here are just a few examples of the community's support for Little Rock AFB.  Government Interaction: The Community Council maintains awareness on the national level of what the Federal Government is doing in relation to defense planning. We pride ourselves on constant interaction with Arkansas senators and Congressional representatives as well as the Governor, thus providing advocacy of mission support with face‐to‐face interaction.  Partnership Efforts: One of the biggest advances in community and military relations has been that of the “P4 Initiative” for community partnerships in order to develop multiple initiatives to efficiently provide mutual services which can reduce military expenses. Currently partnering initiatives being worked are that of cooperative efforts with city of Jacksonville for shared infrastructure services, mass transit, work force transition, education, and health care.  Fundraising: In celebration of the continued partnership for the last 60 years, the AirPower Arkansas committee, a subcommittee of the Little Rock AFB Community Council, tirelessly solicited and consolidated community sponsor donations to the tune of over $70,000. This provided the bulk of the funds needed for supporting the 60th Anniversary Gala which was attended by 800+ military and civilians. Among those in attendance, 140 of the Airmen were afforded the opportunity to attend free of charge due to the efforts of the AirPower Arkansas committee. When needed, they also raise funds for air shows, Airlift Rodeo, banquets and other events not totally funded by the Base or Wing. 
Recognition: As Part of the 60th anniversary celebration, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson signed a proclamation declaring the first week in October LRAFB Week and 9 October 2015 LRAFB day. Following suit, Senator John Boozman officially recognized the 60th anniversary in the Congressional Record. Two of the founding fathers of LRAFB, Mr. Pat Wilson and Mr. Bart Gray, were recognized posthumously by the awarding of the Commander’s Public Service Award for their work in helping to establish LRAFB. Dedication of the MSgt(ret) Parnell Fisher Day Room by Major General James Hecker, Commander of 19th Air Force. The room located in the dorm provides students a place to gather and socialize with fellow Airmen when not in training. 
Education: Beginning in November 2010 and following through until its grand opening on 15 August 2011, the city of Jacksonville and Team Little Rock leadership procured approval from the Arkansas Board of Education and raised funds to expand a highly successful local charter school, the Lighthouse Academy, onto Little Rock AFB. Hunt‐Pinnacle Group which is responsible for 1,000 homes on the base donated $600,000 toward this endeavor. Two other long‐time supporters of Little Rock AFB also donated significantly: the Walton Foundation donated $250,000, and the Wilson Family Foundation donated another $200,000. Named “The Flightline Upper Academy,” it presently has 194 students, both military and non‐military, and just recently received an “A” rating from the State. 
Civilian Interaction: The 314th Airlift Wing is heavily involved in the Honorary Commander program. This program educates both military and community leaders on the importance of their relationship and how they can support each other. The honorary commanders attend award ceremonies, changes of commands, and unit functions. Doing so provides an insider look on both sides thus strengthening the ties with the community. The HC’s also have the opportunity to acquaint their military counterparts with interests outside the wire, whether business‐related or social. 
Event Support: Throughout the year, the Jacksonville Museum of Military History hosts numerous memorials, ceremonies, events, lectures, and banquets that recognize and honor Airmen at Little Rock AFB as well as veterans in the local community. They provide education and venues for promotions and functions. On a regular basis the Museum assists the Airman Leadership School by hosting a C‐130 heritage tour and history lesson, thereby signing off the history section of the student airmen's academic syllabi. This is all done at no cost to the Air Force. 
Cooperative Support: Throughout the year the Jacksonville Fire Department and Emergency Services team work alongside their military counterparts during exercises and real world events. On 15 June 2015, this relationship was put to the test when a suspect was shot while attempting to gain access through the front gate. Jacksonville Police worked hand in hand with Security Forces to safely resolve the attempted breach. The 314th Airlift Wing also provides security force augmentees that work with military and civilian law enforcement if the situation warrants. 
Airman & Family Support: Finally, despite the status of the 314th Airlift Wing as a training unit, there are still many Airmen in this wing who deploy to various combat environments around the world. The level of support that the local communities show towards their families is exemplary. This support ensures that the deployed Airmen are confident that their families are being looked after in their absence, and allows them to focus more closely on the job at hand. As you can see, the relationship between the 314th Airlift Wing, “Team Little Rock” and the LRAFB Community Council is absolutely incredible. This relationship is one that is not only mutually beneficial, but is also dynamic and always evolving. Maintaining a Base that is still named after the community in which it resides is a great testament to the pride we have in our working relationship. There are countless other ways our community members support the 314th and LRAFB. I could fill numerous pages with the details of all those activities ranging from discounts to dinners to parades – which would be even more impressive. The fence is truly the only thing that represents any separation between our military friends and our communities; we are truly friends and neighbors. We appreciate your consideration of the LRAFB Community Council, as a representative group of our central communities, for the 2015 Altus Award. My best regards, Brad Hegeman, President LRAFB Community Council Letters of Endorsement Letters of Endorsement Military Leader Colonel James Dryjanski Colonel Charles Brown Colonel Robert Ator II Colonel Craig Drescher Chambers Mr. Jay Chesshir Ms. Amy Mattison Ms. Marcia Cook Mr. John Garner Ms. Amy Williams Elected Officials Governor Asa Hutchinson Lt Governor Tim Griffin Senator John Boozman Senator Tom Cotton Congressman Steve Womack Congressman Rick Crawford Congressman French Hill Congressman Bruce Westerman Representative Jane English Mayors Mayor Gary Fletcher Mayor Mark Stodola Mayor Virginia Young Mayor William Cypert Mayor Art Brooke Advocates Ms. DonnaKay Duggar Honorable Barry Hyde Ms. Marleen Eddlemon Ms. Nancy Shefflette Ms. Sharon Thompson Commander, 314th Airlift Wing Commander, 19th Airlift Wing Commander, 189th Airlift Wing Commander, 913 Airlift Group Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Sherwood Chamber of Commerce Lonoke Chamber of Commerce Cabot Chamber of Commerce Arkansas State Governor Arkansas State Lt Governor United Stated Senate United States Senate United States House of Representatives United States House of Representatives United States House of Representatives United States House of Representatives State of Arkansas Senate Mayor, City of Jacksonville Mayor, City of Little Rock Mayor, City of Sherwood Mayor, City of Cabot Mayor, City of Ward Director, Jacksonville Museum of Military History County Judge, CEO Pulaski Count Little Rock AFB Community Council Little Rock AFB University Center Chief, Airman and Family Readiness Center 100Veteran’s Circle
Jacksonville, AR 72076
501-241-1943
11/12/2015
Dr. Joe Leverett
Military Affairs Committee-Altus Trophy
Altus Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 518
Altus OK 73522
Dr. Joe Leverett,
The Jacksonville Museum of Military History opened its doors in April of 2005 with the mission to foster an
appreciation and to educate the public on the contributions and sacrifices made on the battlefield as well as the
home front by men and women in defense of our country. The museum explores both local and regional
military history. Exhibits span from the Civil War to the current day conflicts. In particular we focus on the
contributions and history of the Little Rock Air Force Base. The museum also promotes military awareness by
providing educational outreach programs to schools, churches and civic organizations.
In addition to educating the public, we consider part of our mission is to assist military organizations in our
area. Due to the passionate and patriotic nature of our citizens this is not a difficult task. In the year 2015 the
museum hosted and assisted with several events supporting the military community. We were particularly
privileged and honored to host, along with the City of Jacksonville and the Little Rock Air Force Base, the 4th
Annual “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” Event. We are grateful to be part of a proud and patriotic
community.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
DannaKay Duggar / Director
Jacksonville Museum of Military History
(501) 241-1943
jaxmilmuseum@gmail.com
Community Description The relationship between Little Rock AFB and the local community is integral to the accomplishment of the airbase mission, and it provides a sense of "home" to the Airmen assigned to "The Rock." In this section you will see how Team Little Rock is much more than just Air Force Airmen and the airbase. It also includes the nearby communities and the myriad people who live and work in the central Arkansas region. Local Communities Little Rock AFB is surrounded by 14 key communities within a 30 mile radius. By far the largest of these communities, with nearly 200,000 people, is Little Rock: the Arkansas state capitol which is located about 15 miles to the southwest. Despite this metropolitan center, every town around Little Rock AFB, both large and small, lends its distinct spirit of patriotic support and partnership, which remains high throughout the Central Arkansas region. As you will read in the section on the base's history, the base owes its origins to the motivated local community, and this attitude of ownership carries over to the present, whereby each co1nmunity identifies and appreciates the Airmen of Little Rock AFB as their own. On the following pages you will find further information on the each of the larger communities that support AETC and Team Little Rock through the Little Rock AFB Community council. Little Rock AFB Area Map Searcy Conway Little Rock AFB
Maumelle Jacksonville
Sherwood North Little Rock
Little Rock Bryant Cabot
Jacksonville is Little Rock's closest neighbor, bordering the East and South perimeters of the base, and has a current population of over 28,000. This thriving city is named for Nicholas Jackson, a landowner who deeded the land for the railroad right‐of‐ way to the Cairo & Fulton Railroad in 1870. The community further evolved from the settlement surrounding the railroad depot, eventually incorporating in 1941. In 1941, construction began on the Arkansas Ordnance Plant (AOP), which served as the primary facility for the development of fuses and detonators for World War II. Following the war, AOP ceased operations and the land was sold for commercial interests, including the development of the Little Rock Air Force Base in 1955. Today, portions of AOP still remain including the Arkansas Ordnance Plant Guard House which is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Jacksonville Museum of Military History. The mayor of Jacksonville is Gary Fletcher. Little Rock was actually named for a small stone outcropping on the bank of the Arkansas River by early settlers as a navigation landmark, "La Petite Roche" (French for "the Little Rock"), so named in 1722 by French explorer Jean‐ Baptiste Benard de la Harpe, marked the transition point from the flat Mississippi Delta region to the Ouachita Mountain foothills. Travelers would soon refer to the area as "the Little Rock" and the name stuck. Both French and Spanish expeditions followed, but even as late as 1819, when the Arkansas territory was created, the Little Rock area was still little more than a wilderness. The graceful bluffs of "La Petite Roche," did not go unnoticed for long. Little Rock became the seat of the new territorial government in 1821 and in 1831 was incorporated as a city. In 1836, Little Rock became the capital of the state of Arkansas. Little Rock's current population is just over 190,000. The mayor of Little Rock is Mark Stodola. Known only as "opposite Little Rock" until the Civil War, the city of North Little Rock is located in Pulaski County approximately three miles north of Little Rock. Surveyed and platted in 1866, the unincorporated town became known as Argenta. In 1890, the community of Argenta filed papers to incorporate as a city. However, Little Rock quickly passed legislation to annex the little town and make it the eighth ward. Years later, a group of northside businessmen led by William C. Faucette introduced a bill to allow a new city to be created by annexing the eighth ward of Little Rock. In 1903, North Little Rock and Argenta town residents voted to merge. Little Rock mounted a court challenge, but in 1904, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the 1903 merger of North Little Rock and Argenta (named for silver mines), with more than 8,000 residents. In 1906, North Little Rock changed it's name to Argenta, but in 1917, renamed itself back to North Little Rock. North Little Rock has a population of over 60,000. The Mayor is Joe Smith. The town of Sherwood is Southwest of Little Rock AFB, with a population of over 29,000 residents. Sherwood started out as a small farming community with no utilities or running water. By 1923 residents had running water and in 1925 electricity became available for the community. Sherwood continued to grow over the next twenty years until its formal incorporation as a town on April 22, 1948. After the first citywide election, Sherwood was a town with no budget. Ladies from the two Home Demonstration Clubs and seven girls, their parents and friends came to the rescue. At a penny a vote, $525 was raised in the First Miss Sherwood Contest. The night of the coronation, a Bingo game and the sale of cold drinks brought in another $75. The $600 raised was turned over to the Sherwood Improvement Fund to help the newly elected officials address the community’s needs. The mayor of Sherwood is Virginia Young. To the North East of Little Rock AFB is the city of Cabot. Cabot began as a small settlement at a refueling station on the Cairo & Fulton Railroad . The small settlement first appeared in 1873 and is thought to have been named after a railroad surveyor. The city of Cabot was officially incorporated November 9, 1891 as the 139th city in Arkansas. Early on Cabot was often overshadowed in northern Lonoke County by the much larger city of Austin (originally named Oakland), which was briefly considered for the state capital. However, Cabot experienced a massive growth spurt during the 1950s and 1960s, due to its proximity to the Little Rock Air Force Base. Historically, Cabot was directly on the Memphis to Fort Smith spur of the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Route. As of the 2010 census, Cabot had a total population of 23,776 residents. The mayor of Cabot is Bill Cypert. A bustling college town and one of the fastest growing communities in the state with over 50,000 residents, is located approximately 30 miles northwest of Little Rock AFB along 1‐40. According to city records, it was founded in 1875 by A.P. Robinson who came to the area right after the Civil War. The mayor of Conway is Tab Townsell. Located 20 miles southwest of Little Rock AFB, Maumelle has a colorful and historical past that started long before the early 1970's when it was developed as a "New Home Town Coming True." Since its beginning nearly 200 years ago, Maumelle has grown into an attractive and complete community with businesses and industries, shopping centers, churches and schools. The population today exceeds 17,000 residents. The planned community was declared a first‐
class incorporated city on June 20, 1985 and has a mayor/aldermanic form of government. The mayor of Maumelle is Michael Watson. 314th Airlift Wing & Team Little Rock 19th Airlift Wing
Little Rock Air Force Base Snapshot
Unrivaled Tactical Airlift Propelled by Airmen,
Fueled by Innovation
• Local economic impact of $813.6 million
• 3,479 indirect jobs creation of $146.1 million
• Opened in 1955, landowners donated 6,100 acres,
valued at $1.2 million in 1952
• 4th largest employer in the state of Arkansas
• Over 30 years’ of C-130 tactical airlift in Arkansas
• 8,200 Airmen/1,500 Civilians/57,000 Retirees
• 72 C-130 H/J aircraft – 22% of total USAF C-130 fleet
• Home of the C-130 – Combat-focused operators and
the Formal Training Unit
• Jacksonville – Little Rock AFB University Center,
DoD benchmark for community/base partnership
• Winner of the 2009 & 2011 Abilene community
support award and the runner-up for the 2010 &
2011 Altus community support award.
• 2012 Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations
Award recipient for effective local civic organization
partnership
• Team Little Rock = Total Force!
AMC/AETC/ANG/AFRC/ACC
USA/USMC/Community Partners
Little Rock Air Force Base is the “Home of C-130 Combat Airlift.” We have a five
Major Command relationship with three wings from: Air Mobility Command, Air
Education and Training Command, and the Air National Guard. We also host an
airlift group from the Air Force Reserve, and a squadron from Air Combat
Command. Collectively, we call ourselves “Team Little Rock.”
The 19th Airlift Wing’s priorities are safe, efficient Mission execution by Airmen
who are trained and ready, all within the strong supporting network of our
community and military Partners. Focusing on these priorities helps us deliver
rapid, flexible, and precise combat airlift to contingency operations worldwide.
In today's fiscally-constrained environment, Little Rock Air Force Base
continues to look for ways to remain good stewards of taxpayer dollars. To this
end, our leaders empower Airmen to think creatively, innovate, and find new
solutions. We have formalized our current, local partnerships by implementing
our latest initiative: Public-Public, Public-Private (P4) Partnerships. The P4
program expands our partnering process to maximize cost savings. We can see
successes of P4 right now in the Jacksonville-Little Rock AFB University Center,
energy and electrical updates through Entergy Corporation, water and sewer
privatization, as well as continued initiatives to provide better educational
facilities for our youth.
Our community partners, the citizens of Arkansas, are key members of our team
who provide exemplary support to our military members and their families. This
support enables Team Little Rock to be the Nation's center for C-130 training
and warfighting capability. Little Rock Air Force Base is committed to fulfill its
key role in the global air mobility enterprise, but no matter the mission, the
sustainment of our base infrastructure and our greatest resource, Airmen, will
keep Little Rock Air Force Base viable for the future.
189th Airlift Wing ANG Governor’s Report
Category
Pay & Allowances + Travel
Inactive Duty Training & IDT Travel Costs
AGR Pay/Allowances & Travel
Annual Training & AT Travel
Service School Program
Special Projects/Conferences/Short Tours
Recruiting/Retention & Travel
Technician Pay
Non-Prior Service Training
Student Loan Repayment
Selected Reserve Incentive Program (Bonuses)
MPA days
Airman/Soldier Support
Individual Clothing/IADT Clothing
Subsistence
Physical Exam/Medical Supplies and Services
Recruiting Support Expenses
Family Centers & Family Support Program
Operations & Maintenance Support
Direct OPTMEPO (AVPOL, FLY SUPPLIES)
Indirect OPTEMPO
Transportation
Communications & Visual Aids
IT Equipment Purchases ADPE Non-DBOF
GSA Vehicle Expense
Admin Services (Postal/Records Mgmt/Toners)
Civilian Security Personnel Payroll
Mobilization Offset Costs
Facilities Maintenance & Repair
FOMA Supplies and Services &SRM
FOMA Utilities
Sustainment, Restoration, Modernization (SRM)
Safety & Environmental Expenses
Special Programs
Counter Drug/Narcotics Program
Major Military Construction
FY14
$50,645,230
$4,632,777
$14,823,687
$1,839,638
$1,625,912
$1,861,842
$9,750
$18,775,138
$908,657
$2,586
$740,000
$5,389,632
$284,641
$56,600
$10,477
$56,141
$126,314
$35,110
$24,966,380
$22,151,600
$2,396,030
$33,185
$38,765
$115,201
$50,000
$42,762
$138,836
$0
$4,905,759
$620,275
$384,210
$3,875,932
$25,342
$4,710
$4,710
$0
Grand Total
$80,806,721
Equipment On Hand
$17,314,637
Airframes On Hand (ANG Only)
$770,350,837
Team Little Rock
The 19th Airlift Wing (Air Mobility
Command) provides the Department of
Defense mission ready Airmen and
supports the largest C-130 fleet in the
world. As part of AMC's Global Reach
capability, the wing's responsibilities
range from supplying humanitarian airlift
relief to victims of disasters, to
airdropping supplies and troops into the
heart of contingency operations in
hostile areas as well as supporting base
partners as the host unit.
The 314th Airlift Wing (Air Education and
Training Command) is the nation's
tactical airlift "Center of Excellence" and
trains C-130J aircrew members from the
DoD, U.S. Coast Guard, and 47 allied
nations. The wing trains more than 1,800
students annually, including international
students, in DoD's largest international
flight training program.
The 189th Airlift Wing (Air National
Guard) works in conjunction with the
314th Airlift Wing to provide C-130H
flightline initial qualification training and
upgrade training for pilots, navigators,
flight engineers and loadmasters. If an
emergency occurs, the wing performs
the state mission as directed by the
Governor of Arkansas.
The 913th Airlift Group (Air Force
Reserve Command) began as a Reserve
detachment in 2010 then stood up the
airlift group in July 2014. As a result of
the Air Force's Total Force Integration
initiative, the 50th Airlift Squadron under
the 19th Airlift Wing is an associate unit
of the group’s 327th Airlift Squadron. The
913th will continue its transition to
become a fully operational, combat-ready
unit to support global operations.
Little Rock Air Force Base
Economic Impact
The Economic Impact Statement (EIS)
provides unclassified information about
the resources and economic impact of
Little Rock AFB on the surrounding
community.
This document is made available to
senior military officials, federal, state,
and local officials, as well as local
business leaders and visitors to the
base.
The installation’s economic impact on
the local community is calculated from
local area spending based on budgetary
expenditures.
For the computation of average pay, the
local community includes Little Rock,
North Little Rock and Conway. All
information captured herein is current as
of Sept. 30, 2014.
The total value of Little Rock AFB’s
economic impact is $813.6 million.
EIS is prepared by the
19th Comptroller Squadron
Financial Analysis Office
For questions, please contact the
Little Rock AFB Public Affairs Office
Telephone: 501-987-3601
Email: 19AW.PAAll@us.af.mil.
Aircraft Assigned
Activity
Construction
Aircraft
No.
314th Airlift Wing (AETC)
C-130J
13
189th Airlift Wing (ANG)
C-130H
23
913th Airlift Group (AFRC)
C-130H
9
19th Airlift Wing (AMC)
19th Airlift Wing (AMC)
C-130H
C-130J
4
23
Total:
Type
Military
Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF)
Family Housing O&M
O&M (Runway & Renovations)
Other Base Construction
Total:
Type
Service Contracts
Utilities, Telephone, DECA
Personnel Type
Active Duty/Reserve
Civil Service
NAF/AAFES
Contractor/Private Co.
Total:
Amount Payroll
8,276
662
370
511
9,819
$333.0M
$42.8M
$12.4M
$32.2M
$420.4M
Housing Location
Personnel Type On Base Off Base
Active Duty
Traditional Reserve
Trainees/Cadets
Civil Service Employees
NAF/AAFES/Contractor
Total:
490
8
772
8
27
4,735
587
1,684
654
854
1,305
8,514
Payroll by Housing Location
Personnel Type On Base Off Base
Active Duty
Traditional Reserve
Trainees/Cadets
Civil Service
NAF/AAFES/Contractor
Total:
Total Annual Payroll:
$13.4M
$0.2M
$2.8M
$.0M
$.9M
$17.3M
$300.1M
$9.4M
$7.1M
$42.8M
$43.7M
$403.1M
$420.4M
Total:
$820,810
$980,000
$363,100
$174,360,485
$4,669,193
$181,193,588
Amount
$10,359,751
$15,176,474
$25,536,225
Little Rock
3%
Austin
3%
Total:
$105,732,073
Other Areas
19%
Little Rock
3%
Jacksonville
20%
Sherwood
7%
Amount
Commissary
$450,097
$76,620,259
Health (TriCare, Government Cost)
$2,656,375
Education (Aid & Tuition Assist)
Temporary Duty Travel (In the local area) $1,539,519
$24,465,823
Misc (Materials, Equip, Supplies)
On-Base
19%
Other Areas
21%
North Little
Rock
5%
Materials, Equipment & Supplies
Type
Civil Service Member Residency
Amount
Services
72
Personnel by Category
Active Duty Member Residency
Cabot
19%
North Little
Rock
3%
Sherwood
3%
Jacksonville
25%
Cabot
33%
Austin
5%
Ward
3%
Ward
3%
Estimate of Number & Dollar Value of Indirect Jobs Created
Type of Personnel
Active Duty
Reserve//Trainee
Civil Service Employees
Other Civilians
Total:
Base Jobs
5,225
3,051
662
881
9,819
Multiplier*
0.41
0.16
0.55
0.55
Indirect Jobs
2,142
488
364
485
3,479
Expenditure Summary
Type
Military
Federal Civilian
Other Civilian
Total Annual Payroll:
Construction
Services
Materials, Equip & Supplies
Amount
$332,994,774
$42,780,702
$44,653,072
$420,428,548
$181,193,588
$25,536,225
$105,732,073
Total Annual Expenditures:
$312,461,886
Total:
189th Airlift Wing Total:
Grand Total:
$732,890,434
$80,806,721
$813,697,155
Note: An estimated 6,000 dependents, 57,000 military
retirees and 20,000 VA recipients that are DoD ID card
holders are not included in the overall total.
Estimated Indirect Jobs Created: 3,479
Average Annual Pay: $42,020
Estimated Annual Dollar Value of Jobs Created: $146,187,580
Data Sources:
Multiplier LMI Economic Impact Database, Installations and Indirect/Induced Job Multipliers, Feb 1995.
Average Annual Pay: Current tables for Average Pay Levels in Metropolitan Areas and Annual Pay,
by State and Industry are accessible at: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm
314th AIRLIFT WING
Building Partnerships
 Little Rock Air Force Base operates
the Air Force’s largest operations
and maintenance international
military training program supporting
47 nations with all aspects of C-130
training and maintenance support.
Transitioning “legacy” C-130H flight
line training to Arkansas Air National
Guard while growing Active Duty C130J training capacity.
Conquered 2015 AETC UEI Capstone
2013-2014
Tactical Airlift Training Professionals
 Aircrew training & aircraft maintenance
was being accomplished by integrated
crews from Active Duty and Air National
Guard.
Internationally Requested
International Student
Production:
FY12: 204 students
FY13: 284 students
FY14: 180 students
FY15: 112 students and counting…
Growing Demand
Countries with C-130J orders thru 2019
Norway Singapore Kuwait Chad
Botswana Belgium Poland Iraq
Austria Saudi Arabia Austria
Countries listed are a small sample of those actively or
previously trained at Little Rock Air Force Base
C-130 Center of Excellence
Mission Transition
 Earned an Overall “Effective” with
2 of 4 Major Graded Areas as
“Highly Effective”
 Train 500+ students on any given day
 Partnering with Lockheed Martin to
execute 39K simulator flight hours/year
 As the active duty C-130H manning
was drawn down, the Air National
Guard and full/part-time manning was
incrementally increased
 Air Force instructors and evaluators
providing capstone training and
awarding final aircrew qualifications
2015-2016
 Completion of the transition of C-130H








flight line training to Arkansas Air
National Guard
Recognized excellence
AF Outstanding Unit Award 2014
AETC Maintenance Effective Award
AF Leo Marquez Award winner
AF Lew Allen Award winner
A/TA Young Leader Recipient x2
AETC Enlisted Flying Inst. of the year
AETC Flight Commander of the year
AETC Col Jabara Award nominee
Global Impact
There are Air Force C-130 aircrew and
maintainers conducting missions on
every continent
…and the 314 AW put them there!
The Cornerstone of C-130 Combat Airlift Excellence!
A Sense of Community
Little Rock AFB Snapshot
 8,200 Airmen/1,500 civilians/57,000 retirees
 6,100 acres available for future growth
 AMC lead/AETC/ANG/AFRC/ACC/USA/USMC
Little Rock Air Force Base opened
in October 1955, thanks to private
local landowner donations of
6,100 acres, valued at $1.2 million.
 Home to 22% of total C-130 Combat Airlift
 >70 C-130H/J aircraft; 3 Active Associate Units
Our community support is just as
strong in 2015 as it was 60 years ago:
 4th largest employer in the state of Arkansas
 Local annual economic impact of $813.6M

 3,479 jobs valued at more than $146.1M
 30+ years of C-130 Tactical Airlift in Arkansas
 The C-130 Center of Excellence

314th Airlift Wing
In January of 2011, the Jacksonville/LRAFB
University Center opened a first-of-its’skind joint venture between the City of
Jacksonville and the Air Force. Residents
of Jacksonville paid $5 million of the $14.8
million total cost. Nearly 800 military and
local community students reap the benefits
of the 6-college University Center.
Air Education & Training
Command
Little Rock AFB, Arkansas

In August of 2011, Jacksonville Lighthouse
Charter Schools opened Flightline Academy
for on and off base students grades 5-8.
This community-led initiative converted the
old conference center in to a state-of-the-art
education center.
Colonel James D. Dryjanski
Commander

Civic leaders sponsor base events, such as
Welcome Home Warriors and Operation
Merry Christmas. Our community is firmly
committed to the Home of Combat Airlift!
Vision
Cornerstone of C-130 Combat Airlift Excellence;
Inspiring Leaders, Strengthening Partnerships
& Developing the Future
Mission Statement
The Little Rock Air Force Base Community
Council was the runner-up for the Altus
Trophy for Best Community Support in
AETC in both 2010 and 2011
Provide the World's Best C-130
Combat Airlift Training
For questions or comments, please contact the
314th Airlift Wing
318 CMSgt Williams Drive
Little Rock AFB, AR 72099
DSN: 731-3141
Comm: 501-987-3141
2015 Overview
314th Airlift Wing Fact Sheet The 314th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., is the nation's tactical airlift "Center of Excellence" and trains C‐130 aircrew members from the Department of Defense, Coast Guard, and 44 allied nations. The 314th Airlift Wing is aligned under Air Education and Training Command, reporting to the Director of Intelligence, Operations, and Nuclear Integration at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The wing flies 12,600 hours annually and utilizes two local drop zones, two local assault landing zones, 10 regional airfields, and 80 flight simulators/training devices to train more than 1,800 students annually, including over 250 international students in DoD's largest international flight training program. MISSION AND VISION The wing's mission is to provide the world's best C‐130 combat airlift training. The wing's vision is to be the cornerstone of C‐130 combat airlift excellence; inspiring leaders, strengthening partnerships and developing the future. PERSONNEL The 314th Airlift Wing consists of approximately 1,200 military and 25 civilian personnel. The instructor force in the 314th Airlift Wing is the most experienced cadre of C‐130 flight instructors in the world. Students receive training in all five crew positions‐‐pilot, copilot, navigator, flight engineer, and loadmaster. Military training leaders assigned to the 714th Training Squadron provide continuous professional development for nonprior service loadmaster students in the initial training pipeline. ORGANIZATIONS The 314th Operations Group and the 314th Maintenance Group operate and maintain the world's largest training fleet of 14 C‐130 aircraft. The 62d Airlift Squadron flies the C‐130H and the 48th Airlift Squadron flies the C‐130J to accomplish the wing's mission. The 714th Training Squadron manages the $1.05 billion C‐130 Aircrew Training System and C‐130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System contracts and oversees 45 training syllabi covering 79 specialized graduate‐level flying training courses. The 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron provides flight line maintenance for assigned aircraft and the 314th Maintenance Operations Flight oversees maintenance programs. UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
COLONEL JAMES D. DRYJANSKI
Colonel James Dryjanski is the Commander of the
314th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base,
Arkansas. He leads a team of approximately 1,200
military and civilian professionals who form the C130 "Center of Excellence" for tactical airlift. The
wing trains C-130 aircrew members from across
the Department of Defense, Coast Guard, and 47
partner nations.
Colonel Dryjanski received his commission from
the United States Air Force Academy in 1992 with
military honors. Colonel Dryjanski has deployed
and flown more than 150 combat and combat
support hours in support of combatant commander
objectives in numerous operations, including
Operations ALLIED FORCE and ENDURING
FREEDOM. He served as the 76th Airlift Squadron
Commander and as Deputy Commander of the
86th Operations Group at Ramstein Air Base,
Germany. His staff experience includes
Headquarters Air Education and Training
Command, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, and the
Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. Colonel
Dryjanski was an Associate Professor of National Security Strategy at the National War College, National
Defense University Fort Leslie J. McNair, Washington, D.C. Prior to this assignment Colonel Dryjanski
commanded the 387th Air Expeditionary Group.
Colonel Dryjanski is a command pilot with more than 3,800 flight hours in the C 21A, C-141B, and the C130H3 performing worldwide operational support, tactical, strategic and special operations low level airlift
missions.
EDUCATION
1992 Bachelor of Science in political science, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
1998 Squadron Officer School, by correspondence
1999 Squadron Outstanding Graduate, Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2000 Combat Aircrew Tactics Course, Air Mobility Warfare Center, Fort Dix, N.J.
2001 Air Mobility Operations Course, Air Mobility Warfare Center, Fort Dix, N.J.
2003 Master of Arts in public administration, Webster University, St. Louis, Mo.
2003 Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence
2006 Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies, College of Naval Command and Staff,
Newport, R.I.
2006 Contingency Wartime Planning Course, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2007 Air War College, by correspondence
2011 Executive Program of Advanced Security Studies at the Marshall Center in Garmisch, Germany
ASSIGNMENTS
1. August 1992 - December 1993, Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Reese AFB, Texas
2. January 1994 - January 1996, C-21A Aircraft Commander, Yokota AB, Japan
3. February 1996 - July 1999, C-141B Special Operations Low Level (SOLL) II, Instructor Aircraft
Commander,
Charleston AFB, S.C.
4. August 1999 - October 2001, C-141B Flight Commander, Operations Group Executive Officer and
Evaluator
Aircraft Commander, McGuire AFB, N.J.
5. November 2001 - June 2003, C-130H3 Instructor Aircraft Commander and Sq Director of Staff, Little Rock
AFB,
Ark.
6. July 2003 - May 2004, Strategic Plans Officer, Directorate of Plans and Programs, Headquarters Air
Education
and Training Command, Randolph AFB, Texas
7. June 2004 - June 2005, Senior Executive Officer to the Director of Operations, Headquarters Air Education
and
Training Command, Randolph AFB, Texas
8. June 2005 - June 2006, Student, College of Naval Command and Staff, Naval War College, Newport
Naval
Station, R.I.
9. July 2006 - June 2007, Chief, Operational Planning Policy Branch, Air Force Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
10. June 2007 - May 2008, Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon, Washington,
D.C.
11. May 2008 - July 2010 Commander, 76th Airlift Squadron and later Deputy Commander, 86th Operations
Group,
Ramstein AB, Germany
12. August 2010 - July 2011, Senior Fellow at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies,
Garmisch, Germany
13. July 2011 - June 2013, Associate Professor of National Security Strategy at the National War College,
National
Defense University, Fort Leslie J. McNair, Washington, D.C.
14. June 2013 - June 2014, Commander, 387th Air Expeditionary Group, Southwest Asia
15. July 2014 - Present, Commander, 314th Airlift Wing, Little Rock AFB, Ark.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command Pilot
Flight hours: More than 3,800
Aircraft flown: T-37B, T-1A, C-21A, C-141B, C-130E/H3
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Bronze Star
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Aerial Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with silver oak leaf cluster
Combat Readiness Medal
National Defense Service Medal with device
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal
Kosovo Campaign Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant May 27, 1992
First Lieutenant May 27, 1994
Captain May 27, 1996
Major December 1, 2002
Lieutenant Colonel December 1, 2006
Colonel May 1, 2012
(Current as of July 2014)
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
____________________________________________________________
COLONEL JEFFREY S. GAST
Colonel Jeff Gast is Vice Commander, 314th Airlift Wing, Little
Rock Air Force Base, Ark., and oversees the nation's C-130
"Center of Excellence" for tactical airlift. The wing's mission is to
train C-130 aircrew members from across the Department of
Defense and 46 nations.
Colonel Gast earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
Mathematics and Operations Research from the U.S. Air Force
Academy and received his commission in 1991. He completed
undergraduate pilot training at Williams AFB, AZ. His career
includes deployments to numerous operations as an aircrew
member, staff officer and commander supporting sustained
combat operations throughout numerous AORs. As a squadron
commander, Colonel Gast's unit won Air Force level awards for
best weather and air traffic control facilities. His most recent
position was Chief, Current Operations Division, Headquarters
United States Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, Ramstein
AB, Germany providing air component crisis action planning
and execution support to two regional combatant commands,
U.S. Africa Command and U.S. European Command.
REPLACE
Colonel Gast is a command pilot with over 4,000 hours in the C-130E/H3/J and T-37.
EDUCATION
1991 Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and operation research, US Air Force Academy
1996 Master of Science, Operations Management, University of Arkansas
1997 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL
2004 Air Command and Staff College (correspondence)
2008 Air War College (correspondence)
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Aug 1991 – Nov 1992, student, undergraduate pilot training, Williams AFB, AZ
2. Nov 1992 – May 1993, student, C-130 initial qualification, Little Rock AFB, AR
3. May 1993 – Aug 1996, C-130E/H3 copilot, aircraft commander, flight scheduler, 50th Airlift Squadron, Little
Rock AFB, AR
4. Aug 1996 – Dec 1996, pilot instructor trainee, 88th Flying Training Squadron, Sheppard AFB, TX
5. Dec 1996 – Jun 1998, instructor pilot, 89th Flying Training Squadron, Sheppard AFB, TX
6. Jun 1998 – Feb 1999, Military Training Officer, 80th Operations Support Squadron, Sheppard AFB, TX
7. Feb 1999 – Jun 1999, assistant flight commander, 89th Flying Training Squadron, Sheppard AFB, TX
8. Jun 1999 – Jun 2000, flight commander, 89th Flying Training Squadron, Sheppard AFB, TX
9. Jun 2000 – Nov 2000, check section instructor pilot, 89th Flying Training Squadron, Sheppard AFB, TX
10. Nov 2000 – Apr 2002, instructor pilot, 97th Flying Training Squadron, Sheppard AFB, TX
11. Apr 2002 – Jul 2003, assistant operations officer, 89th Flying Training Squadron, Sheppard AFB, TX
12. Jul 2003 – May 2004 flight training program manager, Headquarters Air Force, Operational Training Division,
Operations and Training Directorate, Pentagon, Washington DC
13. May 2004 – May 2005, chief combat air forces training, chief Operations and Training programming and
budgeting, Operational Training Division, Operations and Training Directorate, Pentagon, Washington DC
14. May 2005 – Aug 2006, executive officer, Operations and Training Directorate, Pentagon, Washington DC
15. Aug 2006 – Mar 2007, student, C-130J formal training unit, Little Rock AFB, AR
16. Mar 2007 – Dec 2007, assistant operations officer, 41st Airlift Squadron, Little Rock AFB, AR
17. Dec 2007 – Apr 2011, operations officer, 19th Operations Support Squadron, Little Rock AFB, AR
18. Apr 2009 – Apr 2011, commander, 19th Operations Support Squadron, Little Rock AFB, AR
19. Apr 2011 – Jul 2011, deputy commander, 19th Operations Group, Little Rock AFB, AR
20. Jul 2011 – Feb 2014, deputy division chief, HQ USAFE, Current Operations Division, Ramstein AB, Germany
21. Feb 2014 – Jul 2015, division chief, HQ USAFE-AFAFRICA, Current Operations Division, Ramstein AB,
Germany
22. Jul 2015 - Present, Vice Commander, 314th Airlift Wing, Little Rock AFB, AR
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Flight Hours: More than 4,000
Aircraft: C-130 E/H3/J, T-37
Air Medal
Aerial Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2007 C-130J Formal Training Unit Distinguished Graduate
1999 Squadron Flight Commander of the year
1992 Undergraduate Pilot Training Distinguished Graduate and Flying Training Award winner
Second Lieutenant
May 29, 1991
First Lieutenant
May 29, 1993
Captain
May 29, 1995
Major
May 1, 2002
Lieutenant Colonel
April 1, 2007
Colonel
January 1, 2013
CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT BRIAN K. LABOUNTY
Chief Master Sergeant Brian K. LaBounty is the
Command Chief Master Sergeant, 314th Airlift
Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. He is
responsible to the commander for the morale,
welfare, professional development, and combat
readiness of the wing's 1,200 Airmen and 1,800
aircrew students. The wing's mission is to train
C-130 aircrew members from across the
Department of Defense, Coast Guard, and 47
partner nations. The wing flies more than 15,600
hours annually and uses $22 million in equipment,
2 local drop zones,
2 local assault strips, 10
regional airfields, and 80 flight simulators/training
devices. In concert with the 19th Airlift Wing,
189th Airlift Wing (Arkansas Air National Guard),
USAF Mobility Weapons School, and 22nd Air
Force, Detachment 1, Chief LaBounty assists the
commander with oversight of the nation's "Center
of Excellence" for tactical airlift.
Chief LaBounty entered the Air Force in January
1989. His background is comprised of various
duties within the Imagery Analysis and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Sensor Operator (RPA SO) career fields.
His experience includes 41 combat sorties flown aboard the C-130 Hercules in support of operations: JOINT
FORGE,
JOINT GUARDIAN, and ENDURING FREEDOM. Additionally, he has flown 100+ combat support sorties as
an MQ-9 RPA SO and has accrued over 1,000 total hours as an enlisted aviator.
EDUCATION
1993 Airman Leadership School, Wheeler AAS, Wahiawa, Hawaii
1996 Associate Applied Science, Instructor of Technology, Community College of the Air Force
1997 Associate Applied Science, Comms Application, Community College of the Air Force
1998 Certified Technical Training Certification, Chauncey Group International
1999 Technical Training Teaching Practicum, Air Education and Training Command
1999 Master Instructor Certification, Air Education and Training Command
2005 Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
2008 Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education course, National Defense University
2008 Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Maxwell AFB, Alabama
2010 Chief Leadership Course, Maxwell AFB, Alabama
2010 Associate Applied Science, Space Technology, Community College of the Air Force
2013 Bachelor of Arts, Organizational Management, Ashford University
2015 Professional Manager Certification, Community College of the Air Force
2015 Enterprise Leadership Seminar, Kenan-Flagler Business School, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Jan 1989-Mar 1989, trainee, Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, Texas
2. Mar 1989-Jul 1989, student, Imagery Analysis Apprentice Course, Goodfellow AFB, Texas
3. Aug 1989-Jun 1991, Imagery Analyst, 548 RTG, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
4. Jul 1991-May 1995, Facilities Exploitation Manager, JICPAC, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
5. Jun 1995-Sep 1999, Instructor, Imagery Analysis Apprentice Course, Goodfellow AFB, Texas
6. Oct 1999-Oct 2003, NCOIC, Keen Sage Operations, 37 AS, Ramstein AB, Germany
7. Nov 2003-Nov 2006, NCOIC, 1st Phase Imagery, USPACOM JIOC, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
8. Dec 2006-Apr 2007, MQ-1B Predator Sensor Operator student, 11 RS, Creech AFB, Nevada
9. Apr 2007-Jul 2009, Superintendent, 42 ATKS, Creech AFB, Nevada
10. Aug 2009-Dec 2009, Superintendent, 29 ATKS, Holloman AFB, New Mexico
11. Jan 2010-Jun 2010 Superintendent, 49 OG, Holloman AFB, New Mexico
12. Jul 2010-Aug 2010, Superintendent, 29 ATKS, Holloman AFB, New Mexico
13. Sep 2010-Apr 2011, Superintendent, 17 RS, Creech AFB, Nevada
14. Apr 2011-Jun 2013, Superintendent, 432 OG, Creech AFB, Nevada
15. Jun 2013-Jun 2014, Superintendent, 354 OG, Eielson AFB, Alaska
(Served as Superintendent, 451 AEG, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan from Oct 2013-May 2014)
16. Jul 2014-Present, Command Chief Master Sergeant, 314 AW, Little Rock AFB, Arkansas
1993 Distinguished Graduate, Airman Leadership School, Wheeler AAS, Hawaii
2005 John L. Levitow Award, Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
2005 JICPAC AFISR Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
2006 HQ USPACOM JIOC Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award
2008 Distinguished Graduate, Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Gunter Annex, Ala.
2008 432 Wing/AEW AFISR Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
2008 432 Wing/AEW Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
2013 Summa Cum Laude graduate, Ashford University
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
1993 Distinguished Graduate, Airman Leadership School, Wheeler AAS, Hawaii
2005 John L. Levitow Award, Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
2005 JICPAC AFISR Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
2006 HQ USPACOM JIOC Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award
2008 Distinguished Graduate, Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Gunter Annex, Alabama
2008 432 Wing/AEW AFISR Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
2008 432 Wing/AEW Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year
2013 Summa Cum Laude graduate, Ashford University
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
Chief Master Sergeant December 1, 2010
19th Airlift Wing Fact Sheet The 19th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., is part of Air Mobility Command and provides the Department of Defense the largest C‐130 fleet in the world. As part of AMC's Global Reach capability, the wing's responsibilities range from supplying humanitarian airlift relief to victims of disasters, to airdropping supplies and troops into the heart of contingency operations in hostile areas. MISSION The 19th Airlift Wing's Mission is mission ready Airmen delivering premiere C‐130 airlift and installation excellence. GLOBAL REACH CAPABILITIES The C‐130 Hercules primarily performs tactical airlift missions. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and fulfills a wide range of operational missions in peace and war situations. The 19th AW is home to more than 50 C‐130 H and J models and is the largest supplier of C‐130s to the fight. FACILITIES AND PERSONNEL Little Rock AFB opened in October 1955. The base encompasses 6,100 acres and includes one runway and one assault landing strip. The base has more than 8,000 active‐duty military and civilian members, approximately 15,000 family members live and work on and around the base and an estimated 52,000 retirees in the local area. ORGANIZATIONS The 19th Airlift Wing is organized into a quad‐group structure: ‐ 19th Operations Group plans, trains, and executes air and space power ‐ 19th Maintenance Group performs all maintenance on assigned C‐130 aircraft. ‐ 19th Mission Support Group encompasses support and logistic functions ‐ 19th Medical Group provides responsive care and services ‐ 19th Airlift Wing staff includes a variety of agencies that directly support the wing The three major partner units are the 314th Airlift Wing, Air Education and Training Command, the 913th Airlift Group and the 189th Airlift Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
COLONEL CHARLES E BROWN JR.
Colonel Charles E. Brown Jr., is the Commander,
19th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
As the installation commander, Colonel Brown
leads the "Home of C-130 Combat Airlift." He
works in concert with the 314th Airlift Wing
(AETC), 189th Airlift Wing (ANG), 913th Airlift
Group (AFRC) and the 29th Weapons Squadron
(ACC) in all aspects of C-130 training. As
commander, Colonel Brown is responsible for
organizing, training and equipping the personnel
who operate, maintain and sustain more than 65
C-130 aircraft. The wing provides combat ready
forces to meet combatant commanders'
requirements globally. He ensures support for
combat, contingency, and humanitarian
requirements while providing for the health and
welfare of more than 10,000 personnel and
families at Little Rock AFB.
Colonel Brown graduated from Florida State
University in 1994 with a degree in Criminal
Justice and earned his commission through the
Reserve Officer Training Corps. Colonel Brown's
previous assignment was the Assistant Deputy Director, Joint Strategic Planning, Strategic Plans and Policy,
Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. His career has encompassed a wide variety of assignments from
Command Control Officer, C-130H Navigator, F-15E "Strike Eagle" pilot, C-130E instructor pilot and
Assistant Executive Officer to the Commander, Air Mobility Command. In addition Colonel Brown was a
National Security Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University; Commander of
the 62nd Airlift Squadron, Little Rock AFB; and Vice Commander, 374th Airlift Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.
Colonel Brown is a seasoned aviator with more than 300 combat hours and 160 combat sorties. He has
participated in the U.S. Global War on Terrorism in Operation NOBLE EAGLE, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM,
and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
EDUCATION
1994 Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Florida State University, Fla.
2002 Distinguished Graduate, Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
2008 Masters of National Security and Strategic Studies, Naval War College, Newport, R.I.
2012 National Security Fellow, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. December 1994 - December 1996, Command/Control Officer, Andersen AFB, Guam
2. January 1997 - March 1998, Student, Joint Undergraduate Navigator Training, Pensacola Naval
Air Station, Fla., and Randolph Air Force Base, Texas
3. October 1998 - August 1999, C-130 Navigator, 517th Airlift Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska
4. September 1999 - July 2001, Student, Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Columbus Air Force
Base,
Miss., and Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas
5. August 2001 - May 2004, F-15E Pilot, Flight Commander and Chief of Training, 335th Fighter Squadron,
Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.
6. November 2004 - May 2006, Director of Staff, 41st Airlift Squadron, and Wing Executive Officer, 43rd Airlift
Wing, Pope Air Force Base, N.C.
7. June 2006 - June 2007, Assistant Executive Officer to the Commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air
Force Base, Ill.
8. July 2007 - June 2008, Student, Naval Command and Staff College, Newport, R.I.
9. July 2008 - March 2009, Chief of Wing Safety, 314th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
10. April 2009 - April 2011, Commander, 62nd Airlift Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
11. May 2011 - May 2012, National Security Fellow, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
12. June 2012 - May 2013, Vice Wing Commander, 374th Airlift Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan
13. June 2013 - April 2014, Division Chief, Strategic Alignment Division, Joint Staff, Pentagon,
Washington D.C
14. May 2014 - May 2015, Assistant Deputy Director, Joint Strategic Planning, Joint Staff Pentagon,
Washington D.C. 15. May 2015 - Present, Commander, 19th Airlift Wing, Little Rock AFB, Ark.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Senior Pilot
Flight hours: 1600 Hours
Aircraft Flown: F-15E, C-130E, C-130H
Defense Superior Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf cluster
Aerial Achievement Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Second Lieutenant April 30, 1994
First Lieutenant July 21, 1996
Captain July 21, 1998
Major Jan. 1, 2005
Lieutenant Colonel June 1, 2008
Colonel July 1, 2012
(Current as of May 2015)
COLONEL CHRISTOPHER L. BENNETT
Colonel Christopher L. Bennett is the Vice
Commander, 19th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air
Force Base, Arkansas. The 19th Airlift Wing is
responsible for providing worldwide deployable C130 aircraft, aircrews, support personnel and
equipment for Air Mobility Command and Air
Expeditionary Force taskings while providing for
the health and welfare of more than 12,000
personnel and families at Little Rock AFB. The
19th Airlift Wing, in concert with the 314th Airlift
Wing, 189th Airlift Wing, 913th Airlift Group and
29th Weapons Squadron, is the nation's "Center of
Excellence" for C-130 tactical airlift.
Colonel Bennett is a 1993 graduate from the
United States Air Force Academy. During his
career, he has had several operational flying
assignments in mobility aircraft, as well as serving
in staff assignments at Air Mobility Command,
United States European Command and the Air
Staff. He served as the Commander of the 100th
Operations Support Squadron, RAF Mildenhall,
United Kingdom. Prior to his current assignment,
he was the Chief of the Air Force Decorations Board, Air Force Review Boards Agency, Joint Base Andrews,
Maryland.
Colonel Bennett is a Command Pilot with more than 3,100 hours of flight time, primarily in the KC-135 R/T
and the C-130 E/H.
EDUCATION
1993 Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematical Science, United States Air Force Academy, Colo.
1999 Squadron Officer School, in correspondence and residence, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
2002 Master of Arts Degree in Business Administration, Webster University, St. Louis, Mo.
2004 Air Command and Staff College, in correspondence, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
2007 Master of Arts in Joint Campaign Planning & Strategy, Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va.
2009 Air War College, in correspondence, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. November 1993 - November 1994,student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance Air Force Base, Okla
2. January 1995 - June 1995, student, KC-135 Combat Crew Training School, Altus Air Force Base, Okla.
3. June 1995 - November 1997, Pilot, 905th Air Refueling Squadron, Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.
4. December 1997 - February 1999, Aircraft Commander, Squadron Executive Officer, 905th Air Refueling
Squadron, Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.
5. March 1999 - December 1999, Instructor Pilot, Chief of Mobility, 905th Air Refueling Squadron, Grand
Forks Air Force Base, N.D.
6. January 2000 - May 2000, Instructor Pilot, Squadron Training Officer, 905th Air Refueling Squadron,
Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D.
7. June 2000 - May 2001, MAJCOM Regional Operations Director, Tanker Airlift Control Center, Scott Air
Force Base, Ill.
8. June 2001 - October 2002, MAJCOM Operational Programmer, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force
Base, Ill.
9. November 2002 - April 2003, Student, C-130E Formal Training Unit, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
10. May 2003 - November 2003, Chief of Plans, C-130H Aircraft Commander, 517th Airlift Squadron,
Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska
11. December 2003 - July 2004, Assistant Director of Operations, C-130H Aircraft Commander 517th Airlift
Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska
12. August 2004 - August 2005, Executive Officer, C-130H Aircraft Commander, 3rd Operations Group,
Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska
13. August 2005 - May 2006, Director of Staff, C-130H Instructor Pilot, 517th Airlift Squadron, Elmendorf Air
Force Base, Alaska
14. June 2006 - June 2007, Student, Joint Advanced Warfighting School, Norfolk, Va.
15. July 2007 - April 2009, Contingency Plans Officer, Headquarters U.S. European Command, Vaihingen,
Germany
16. April 2009 - July 2010, Executive Officer, Directorate of Strategy, Policy, & Assessments, Headquarters
U.S. European Command, Vaihingen, Germany
17. July 2010 - August 2011, Chief of Safety, 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom
18. August 2011 - July 2013, Commander, 100th Operations Support Squadron, RAF Mildenhall, United
Kingdom
19. July 2013 - June 2014, Chief, Airlift/Air Refueling, Operational Support Aircraft Requirements, Air Force
Reserve Programs & Requirements, Headquarters Air Force, Pentagon, Washington D.C.
20. July 2014 - June 2015, Chief, Air Force Decorations Board, Air Force Review Boards Agency, Joint Base
Andrews, Md.
21. July 2015 - Present, Vice Commander, 19th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Flight Hours: More than 3,100
Aircraft Flown: T-37, T-38, KC-135R/T, C-130E/H, C-130J
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Air Medal
Aerial Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal
Second Lieutenant June 2, 1993
First Lieutenant June 2, 1995
Captain June 2, 1997
Major August 1, 2003
Lieutenant Colonel August 1, 2008
Colonel December 1, 2014
189th Airlift Wing Fact Sheet MISSION The 189th Airlift Wing is an Air Education and Training Command‐gained Formal Training Unit charged with effectively training and qualifying C‐130 aircrew members in all crew positions, to perform combat airlift operations. PERSONNEL More than 400 members of the wing stand ready for possible world‐wide deployment to perform expeditionary combat support missions as part of the wing’s global readiness posture. The 189th is community‐based and integral to the state and local economy, and in support of our fellow citizens. We are trained and ready to serve the people of Arkansas in emergencies or natural disasters, as directed by the governor. More than 920 Airmen – 55 percent as drill status Guardsmen. More than 35 members deployed in support of overseas operations. ORGANIZATION Located on the Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, Arkansas, the 189th Airlift Wing is a key part of Team Little Rock, working closely with our Active Duty partners at the19th Airlift Wing and the 314th Airlift Wing. 189th Airlift Wing Headquarters 189th Mission Support Group 189th Operations Group 154th Training Squadron 189th Maintenance Group 189th Medical Group Geographically Separate Units 154th Weather Flight UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
COL. ROBERT A. ATOR II
Colonel Robert A. Ator, II is the Commander of the
189th Airlift Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard
located at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.
As Commander, he is responsible for the tactical
employment, administration and training of all units
within the 189th Airlift Wing. The 189th Airlift Wing
provides expeditionary combat support for ongoing
military operations and responds to domestic
emergencies under the direction of the Governor
of Arkansas. The 189th Airlift Wing is equipped
with C-130H Hercules aircraft. Through the
Enlisted Aircrew Academic School, the 189th
conducts entry-level loadmaster and flight
engineer training. The wing also provides initial
and instructor aircrew qualification training for the
Department of Defense and more than 20 allied
nations.
Before joining the Arkansas Air National Guard, he
served for 11 years in the Active Duty United
States Air Force. He is a veteran of several major
combat operations including Operation Desert
Shield and Operation Desert Storm in Saudi
Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait; Operation Provide Comfort in Somalia; Operation Provide Promise in Haiti;
Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia and Operation Noble Eagle in support of homeland defense.Colonel Ator is a
graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. His postgraduate training includes Squadron Officers'
School, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College.
Colonel Ator is an experienced formal training unit instructor/evaluator pilot with over 5,000 flying hours and
responsible for training over 400 U.S. and allied nations' crew members each year. Colonel Ator is a two-time
winner of the Air Mobility and Air Education and Training Commands' prestigious McKay Trophy and Jabara
Awards. Prior to assuming command, he served as the 189 Airlift Wing chief of scheduling, chief of current
operations, chief pilot and chief of wing plans.
EDUCATION
1989 Bachelor of Science in General Engineering, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
1996 Squadron Officer School, in-residence, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2002 Air Command and Staff College, Correspondence
2012 Air War College, Correspondence
ASSIGNMENTS
1. May 1989 - August 1989, Air Officer Commanding CS-41, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs,
Colo.
2. August 1989 - November 1990, student, undergraduate pilot training, Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.
3. November 1990 - July 1992, Co-pilot, 61st Airlift Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
4. July 1992 - September 1994, Aircraft Commander/Tactics Officer, 61st Airlift Squadron, Little Rock Air
Force Base, Ark.
5. September 1994 - July 1997, Instructor Pilot, Evaluator Pilot, Chief Standardization Evaluation Pilot, 61st
Airlift Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
6. July 1997 - December 1999, Instructor / Evaluator Pilot/ Flight Commander, 62nd Airlift Squadron, Little
Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
7. December 1999 - Jun 2003, Instructor / Evaluator Pilot, 154th Training Squadron, Little Rock Air Force
Base, Ark.
8. Jun 2003 - July 2006, Chief Current Operations, 189th Operations Group, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
9. July 2006 - May 2011, Chief Pilot, 154th Training Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
10. May 2011 - July 2012, Chief Wing Plans, 189th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
11. July 2012 - March 2013, Commander, 154th Training Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
12. March 2013 - Jan 2014, Commander, 189th Mission Support Group, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
13. Jan 2014 - May 2014, Vice Commander, 189th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
14. May 2014 - Present, Commander, 189th Airlift Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard, Little Rock Air Force
Base, Ark.
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Medal
Aerial Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four oak leaf clusters
Combat Readiness Medal with one oak leaf cluster
National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Southwest Asia Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Kuwait Liberation Medal
Second Lieutenant May 31, 1989
First Lieutenant May 31, 1991
Captain May 31, 1993
Major May 4, 2001
Lieutenant Colonel Aug. 24, 2007
Colonel Sept.6, 2013
(Current as of May 2014)
COLONEL JOSEPH B. WILSON
Colonel Joseph B. Wilson is the Vice Commander,
189th Airlift Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard. In
this role, he assists the Commander in the tactical
employment, administration, and training of all
units within the 189th Airlift Wing. He also directs
the activities of the wing staff. The 189th Airlift
Wing provides expeditionary combat support for
ongoing military operations and responds to
domestic emergencies under the direction of the
Governor of Arkansas. The 189th Airlift Wing is
equipped with C-130H aircraft. Through the
Enlisted Aircrew Academic School, the 189th
conducts entry-level loadmaster and flight
engineer training. The wing also provides initial
and instructor aircrew qualification training for the
Department of Defense and more than 20 allied
nations. Before taking on this role he served as the
Associate Director and Air National Guard Advisor
to the Director of Logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff
for Logistics, Installations and Mission Support,
Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
Colonel Wilson graduated from the University of
North Texas in 1989 and earned his commission in 1992 from the Air National Guard Academy of Military
Science, Knoxville, Tennessee. Prior to receiving his commission, Colonel Wilson served as an enlisted
maintainer in the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard as a Jet Engine Technician and Crew
Chief on T-37, T-38, F-105, F-4 and F-16 aircraft.
After receiving his commission, Colonel Wilson became an Aircraft Maintenance and Logistics officer. During
his three decades as an airman, Colonel Wilson has held numerous assignments in maintenance and
logistics both home and abroad. Colonel Wilson has commanded at the Squadron, Group and Wing level.
His broad breath of experience also includes staff positions at three Major Commands and Air Force
Headquarters.
EDUCATION
1989 Bachelor of Arts and Science in Education, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
1994 Aircraft Maintenance and Munitions Officer Course, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas
1995 Aircraft Accident Investigation Officer Course, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico
2000 Supply/POL Officer Course, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
2000 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
2001 Logistics Plans and Programs Officer Course, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
2005 Air Command and Staff College - Joint (Correspondence)
2007 Air War College (Correspondence)
2008 Senior Leaders Maintenance Course, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base,
Virginia
2008 Senior Leaders Depot Operations Course, Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah
2014 Logistics Cooperation for Stabilization and Reconstruction, The Institute for Defense and Business,
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
ASSIGNMENTS
1. February 1992 - June 1997, Officer in Charge, Sortie Generation Flight, 188th Aircraft Maintenance
Squadron, Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Arkansas
2. June 1997 - January 1999, Officer in Charge, Component Repair Flight, 188th Maintenance Squadron,
Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Arkansas
3. January 1999 - October 2000, Chief of Supply, 188th Logistics Squadron, Ebbing Air National Guard Base,
Fort Smith, Arkansas
4. October 2000 - December 2001, Chief of Wing Plans, 188th Fighter Wing, Ebbing Air National Guard
Base, Fort Smith, Arkansas
5. May 2001 - August 2001, Deputy Commander, 332nd Maintenance Group, Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base,
Kuwait
6. December 2001 - June 2005, Commander, 188th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Ebbing Air National
Guard Base, Fort Smith, Arkansas
7. June 2005 - October 2006, F-16 Weapons System Manager, National Guard Bureau, Andrews Air Force
Base, Maryland
8. October 2006 - October 2009, A-10 Weapons System Manager, Headquarters Air Combat Command,
Langley Air Force Base Virginia
9. July 2011 - October 2011, Senior Officer for classified Joint Task Force, Joint Special Operations
Command, Mazir E. Sharif Air Base, Afghanistan, Balad and Al Asad Air Bases, Iraq
10. October 2009 - October 2012, Air National Guard Advisor to the Commander, Oklahoma City Air
Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma
11. October 2012 - November 2013, Commander, 161st Maintenance Group, Sky Harbor International
Airport, Phoenix, Arizona
12. November 2013 - February 2015, Associate Director and Air National Guard Advisor to the Director of
Logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Installations and Mission Support, Headquarters U.S. Air Force,
Washington DC
13. February 2015 - Present, Vice Commander, 189th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal with 2 Service Stars
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with 2 Service Stars
Iraq Campaign Medal with Service Star
Armed Forces Service Medal with Service Star
Humanitarian Service Medal
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal
Air Forces Overseas Ribbon Short
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon
Air Force Longevity Service with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Silver Hourglass and 3 "M" Devices
Small Arms Expert Ribbon
Air Force Training Ribbon with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
NATO Medal
Arkansas Federal Service Ribbon
Arkansas Service Ribbon
Arkansas Emergency Service Ribbon
Second Lieutenant February 20, 1992
First Lieutenant September 11 , 1994
Captain September 22, 1996
Major October 15, 2000
Lieutenant Colonel March 9, 2006
Colonel February 2 , 2010
913th Airlift Group Fact Sheet The 913th Airlift Group was activated on July 13, 2014 and is part of the 22nd Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command. The group started out as 22nd Air Force Detachment One in October 2010. The group provides C‐130H combat airlift capability on a world‐wide scale. As a result of the Air Force Total Force Integration initiative the group maintains an active association with the 50th Airlift Squadron, 19th Airlift Wing, Little Rock AFB Arkansas. MISSION To provide combat ready tactical airlift and support resources globally. GLOBAL REACH CAPABILITIES The 913th Airlift Group currently possesses 14 C‐130H aircraft, capable of an array of operational missions. ECONOMIC IMPAC Most members of the 913th Airlift Group live locally and contribute to the Central Arkansas economy. FACILITIES AND PERSONNEL The seven squadrons and group staff comprise nearly 700 people; approximately 35 percent of the 913th Airlift Group work force is comprised of full‐time personnel. These full‐time personnel are either U.S. civil service civilians or Air Reserve Technicians (ARTs). ARTs maintain dual status as a Traditional Reservists (TR) and civil service employees. Little Rock Air Force Base encompasses 6,100 acres and includes one runway and one assault landing strip. The group is preparing to occupy a dedicated Air Force Reserve campus along the flight line. Personnel authorizations of approximately 800 are projected. While the unit is local in nature, its capabilities are global. ORGANIZATIONS 913th Airlift Group Staff 913th Operations Support Squadron 913th Maintenance Squadron 913th Force Support Squadron 913th Aerospace Medical Squadron 327th Airlift Squadron 50th Airlift Squadron (TFI active association) UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
COLONEL CRAIG W. DRESHER
Colonel Craig W. Drescher is the Commander of
the 913th Airlift Group, Little Rock Air Force Base,
Ark. The group reports to 22nd Air Force, Dobbins
Air Reserve Base, Ga. while working in concert
with the 19th Airlift Wing (AMC), 314th Airlift Wing
(AETC) and 189th Airlift Wing (ANG). The 913th
AG supports the combatant commanders with the
worldwide movement of high priority personnel and
cargo. Missions range from local aircrew
proficiency training, aeromedical evacuation and
worldwide tactical airlift, to night vision goggle, lowlevel, short-field assault operations and formation
airdrop. When fully stood up, the group will be
comprised of seven squadrons (one of which is an
active duty flying squadron) and more than 850
members.
Colonel Drescher entered the Navy in 1989
through Aviation Officer Candidate School. In
2004, he entered the Air Force Reserve as a
traditional reservist. As a member of the Navy and
Air Force Reserve he has flown combat
missions supporting several conflicts and
contingencies, which include Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi
Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Joint Enterprise, Operation Coronet Oak and Combined Joint
Task Force Horn of Africa. He is a Master Navigator with more than 3,700 flying hours in F-14A, F-14B, C130E and C-130H2 aircraft.
EDUCATION
1986 Bachelor of Arts, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
1994 Weapons Training Officer School, NAS Miramar, Calif.
1995 Navy Recruiting Initial Qualification School, NAS Pensacola, Fla.
2008 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2013 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2013 Joint Air and Space Operations Senior Staff Course 13-04, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
2014 Safety & Accident Investigation Board President Course, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2014 Mobility Commanders Tactics Course, St. Joseph ANG, Miss.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. November 1989 - March 1990, student, Aviation Officer Candidate School, Pensacola NAS, Fla.
2. March 1990 - August 1991, student, Naval Flight Officer, Pensacola NAS, Fla.
3. September 1991 - June 1992, student, F-14 RIO, replacement air group, Oceana NAS, Va.
4. July 1992 - March 1995, F-14 RIO, Division Officer, Scheduler, PAO, Miramar NAS, Calif.
5. March 1995 - March 1998, Navy Medical Recruiter, Charlotte, N.C.
6. March 1998 - July 2001, Deputy Director National Training Team, Navy Recruiting Command, Pensacola
NAS, Fla.
7. July 2001- July 2004, Naval Reserve Officer Recruiter, Division Officer, Bessemer NRC, Ala.
8. July 2004 - December 2006, Navigator, Executive Officer, 357th AS, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
9. December 2006 - September 2008, Navigator, Planner, 908th OSF, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
10. September 2008 - September 2009, Navigator Flight Commander, 357th AS, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
11. September 2009 - June 2011, Commander, 908th OSS, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
12. June 2011 - September 2014, Commander, 357th AS, Maxwell AFB, AL; January - May 2013,
Commander, 746th EAS, Southwest Asia.
13. September 2014 - April 2015, Deputy Commander, 908th Operations Group, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
14. April 2015 - Present, Commander, 913th Airlift Group, Little Rock AFB, Ark.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Master Navigator
Flight Hours: 3,700
Aircraft Flown: F-14A, F-14B, C-130E, C-130H2
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Navy Commendation Medal with one gold star
Navy Achievement Medal with one silver star
Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with one bronze star
Combat Readiness Medal
National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one bronze star
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border
Air Force Longevity Service with two oak leaf clusters
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with one "M" device
Kuwait Liberation Medal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
Special Qualification: C-130 JPADS, LCLA, Navigator Instructor & Evaluator
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTIONS
Ensign, April 12, 1990
Lieutenant Junior Grade, April 12, 1992
Lieutenant, April 12, 1994
Lieutenant Commander, November 1 2000
Lieutenant Colonel, August 27, 2009
Colonel, March 10, 2015
(Current as of March 2015)
COLONEL ANTHONY P. "TONY" BRUSCA
Col. Anthony P. "Tony" Brusca is the Deputy
Commander of the 913th Airlift Group, Little Rock
Air Force Base, Ark. The group reports to 22nd Air
Force, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. Activated
July 2014, the group provides C-130 combat airlift
capability on a world-wide scale, and is currently in
an active association with the 50th Airlift Squadron
of the active duty 19th Airlift Wing as part of the Air
Force Total Force Integration initiative. The group
is comprised of over 500 members and is slated to
grow to nearly 800 by the end of fiscal year 2015.
Colonel Brusca has served tours of duty at
Barksdale AFB, Louisiana and McConnell AFB,
Kansas. During these assignments he deployed to
numerous locations in support of OPERATION
SOUTHERN WATCH, NORTHERN WATCH,
VIGILANT WARRIOR, DENY FLIGHT, DECISIVE
ENDEVOUR, ALLIED FORCE NOBLE ANVIL,
ENDURING FREEDOME, IRAQI FREEDOME,
NOBLE EAGLE, and UNIFIED PROTECTOR. He
has also served as the commander of the 506th
Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Andersen
Air Force Base, Guam. Colonel Brusca graduated from the University of Notre Dame where he received his
commission through ROTC. He is a senior pilot and navigator with more than 4,300 hours in the KC-135 and
C-130.
EDUCATION
1989 Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Notre Dame, IN.
1993 Combat Flight Instructor Course, Castle AFB, CA.
1994 Joint Employment Tactics School, Ellsworth AFB, S.D.
1995 Squadron Officers School - Residence/Correspondence, Maxwell AFB, AL.
1999 Master of Arts, History, Wichita State University, KS.
2002 Air Command and Staff College - by correspondence
2008 Air War College - by correspondence
2012 Reserve Component National Security Course, National Defense University, Fort Lesley J. McNair,
Washington, D.C.
2012 Leadership Today and Tomorrow Course, Washington, D.C.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. 1990 - 1991, Student, Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training, 323rd Flying Training Wing, Mather
AFB, CA.
2. 1991 - 1993, Navigator, 71st Air Refueling Squadron, Barksdale AFB, LA.
3. 1993 - 1994, Instructor Navigator, Aircrew Training Branch, 71st Air Refueling Squadron, Barksdale AFB,
LA.
4. 1994 - 1996, Stan/Eval Navigator, Chief Squadron Tactics, 344th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell AFB,
KS.
5. 1996 - 1997, Wing Flight Scheduler, Instructor Navigator, 22nd Operations Support Squadron, McConnell
AFB, KS.
6. 1997 - 1999, Long Range Scheduler, Instructor Navigator, 18th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell AFB,
KS.
7. 1999 - 2000, Student, Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, 71st Flying Training Wing, Vance
AFB, OK.
8. 2000 - 2006, Pilot, Aircraft Commander, 18th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell AFB, KS.
9. 2006 - 2007, Flight Commander, 18th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell AFB, KS.
10. 2007, Operations Officer, 90th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Incirlik AB, Turkey
11. 2007 - 2009, Chief Pilot, 18th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell AFB, KS.
12. 2010, Commander, 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Andersen AFB, Guam
13. 2009 - 2012, Commander, 18th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell AFB, KS.
14. 2012 - 2013, Deputy Chief, Standardization and Evaluation Section, 931st Air Refueling Group,
McConnell AFB, KS.
15. 2013 - 2014, Deputy Commander, 22 Air Force Detachment 1, Little Rock AFB, AR.
16. 2014 - Present, Deputy Commander, 913th Airlift Group, Little Rock AFB, AR.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Ratings: Senior Pilot and Senior Navigator
Flight Hours: 4,300+
Aircraft Flown: T-43A, T-37B, T-1A, KC-135A, KC-135R, C-130H
Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Meritorious Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters
AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device and seven oak leaf clusters
Combat Readiness Medal with six oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal with one bronze star
Kosovo Campaign Medal with one bronze star
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one bronze star
Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
AF Longevity Service with two oak leaf clusters
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 3 'M' Devices and Hour Glass
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
AF Training Ribbon
NATO Medal
Second Lieutenant October, 1989
First Lieutenant October, 1991
Captain October, 1993
Major October, 2001
Lieutenant Colonel August, 2007
Colonel October, 2012
(Current as of 16 July 2014)
Military Affairs/Armed Services Relations Committee As you will read in the history of the Little Rock AFB Community Council, local citizens raised $1.2 million of their own money to purchase and donate to the Department of Defense some 6,000 acres of land in order to bring an Air Force Base to the local community. As a result, the base and the local community are inextricably bound both through our history and our continuing partnership. This partnership is realized through the Little Rock AFB Community Council which holds quarterly meetings with the base to discuss issues and ways that they can help support the Airmen and the base. These members provide broad and varied support to every aspect of the base. Members of the Community Council include Presidents and CEOs, Mayors, retired military members, Chambers of Commerce, major utility companies, as well as dozens of other individuals from the community. History of the Little Rock AFB Community Council by John G. Schmidt, Little Rock AFB Historian The existence of Little Rock Air Force Base was a dream to a handful of people in the early 1950s. However, through patience and perseverance, that dream became a reality when the base opened its gates in 1955. How the dream became a reality is a fascinating story of the ability of the civilian community to work together toward a common goal with the United States Military establishment. In late 1951 the Little Rock area was first considered for a permanent United States Air Force installation. It had been pointed out that Arkansas was like "the hole in a doughnut" in that it was surrounded by states which were already hosting military installations. Additionally, Arkansas was strategically located near the geographic center of the United States, almost equidistant from U. S. coastlines. This would make such an installation far less vulnerable to an attack by hostile forces. Early civilian support for such an installation was apparent. Arch Campbell, the Pulaski County Judge, and Harry W. Pfeifer, Jr., President of the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, sent a letter to Thomas K. Finletter, the Secretary of the Air Force, on January 11, 1952. In that letter they discussed reasons the Little Rock area would be ideal for locating a permanent Air Force facility. When it was determined that the Air Force was interested in the area, Everett Tucker, the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Industrial Manager, was instrumental in laying the ground‐work in site selection. Mr. Tucker flew to Washington D. C. and to Strategic Air Command Headquarters at Offut AFB, Nebraska, to further the planning for the construction of the base. The Air Force agreed with the proposal; however, Congress refused to allocate monies for the purchase of properties to house such an installation. Congress reflected the opinion that enough installations were left over from World War II that purchase of new properties was unwarranted. The Air Force suggested, however, that if the local community were to purchase the land and donate it to the Air Force, such an installation could then be built. The leaders of the Little Rock community accepted that challenge and went to work. After viewing three different sites, the Air Force decided that the area adjacent to Jacksonville, Arkansas, was most suitable for locating an Air Force base. With that decision, the members of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, specifically, the Defense Installations Committee, began to formulate plans to purchase the needed property. The Defense Installations Committee asked the Pulaski County citizens' Council to organize and conduct fund‐raising activities. This council, which later became the Committee of 100, was the forerunner of what is today the Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council. In the incredibly short time of only two months, the Pulaski County Citizens Council raised 1.2 million dollars for the purchase of the necessary land. About two‐thirds of the money came from large corporate or business donations. The remaining third was the result of individual donations ranging from a couple of dollars to hundreds of dollars. It was obvious from the start that the project had the whole‐hearted backing of the local community. Its efforts were rewarded when, in October of 1955, Little Rock Air Force Base first opened its gates. The community support of the project did not end there; in fact, that was only the beginning. The first meeting of the Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council was held August 12th, 1955. At that meeting the Council made plans for assimilating into the surrounding communities the anticipated influx of military personnel. At that time, it was estimated that approximately 6,000 military members would be assigned to Little Rock and, with them, an additional 8,000 to 12,000 family members. There would be many problems involved with the sudden influx of people to the community. First, the base would not be capable of housing so many people tor quite some time, if ever. Also, recreational facilities would not be ready until sometime in the future. Yet, adequate housing, as well as recreational activities necessary to the morale of the troops, would have to be found. It was to issues such as these that the Community Council elected to direct their efforts toward resolving. At their first meeting, the Council organized four committees. They were: 1, housing and commercial, 2, police/health/safety, 3, recreation/religious education/ welfare, and 4, public relations. The Housing and Commercial Committee would be responsible for attempting to meet the housing needs of the incoming airmen and their families, organizing realtors and construction firms to find or build as many rental and sale properties as possible in the nearby area. Also, it would coordinate between the military and the local retailers to insure that the needs of the new families could be met in the stores and commercial outlets in the area. The Police‐Health‐Safety Committee would be responsible for coordinating law enforcement activities and insuring newcomers were aware of Arkansas laws, especially those regarding vehicle registrations and operation. It would also look into health and safety issues which would result from the increased population. Such issues would be the availability of adequate water and sewage facilities and increased traffic flow. The Recreation Religious‐Education‐Welfare Committee goals would be ascertaining the educational needs of the incoming families and insuring its availability, determine the religious needs of the newcomers, and try to organize recreational activities for all the new members of their communities. The Public Relations Committee would be responsible for insuring that the programs conducted by and through the Community Council were well publicized so the incoming airmen and their families could take advantage of them. The overall effect of the Community Council would be to ease the incoming airmen into the existing community with as few problems as possible. The idea of a Community Council was not a new one, but on the scale of which the Little Rock AFB Community Council was activated, it was a major advancement. The Little Rock Community Council was the first to employ a full time, paid coordinator for running the Council and providing liaison between the Council and the base. The first such coordinator was Mr. E. B. Ward. The Air Force closely watched this Council to see what effect, if any, it would have. Before long the Air Force agreed that the program developed by the Little Rock Community Council was the best it had ever seen and it soon became the model by which all other such councils were patterned. In a situation where airmen were being assigned to a base which had not yet been completed, where housing was nonexistent and there were no outlets for relaxation, the morale of those airmen was outstanding thanks to the efforts of the Council. Many problems which could have occurred did not because the possibility of those problems was perceived by the Council and remedied before they could occur. The Council directs its energies to just such problem‐solving activities today. Since its beginning in 1955, the Council has made many important contributions to Little Rock AFB. In 1968 the Council was instrumental in convincing the Pulaski County Special School District to construct an elementary school on the base. The school was needed to alleviate overcrowding in existing schools and to avoid the necessity of busing elementary school children living on the base. In 1975 the Council succeeded in getting legislation adopted which would allow military personnel assigned to Little Rock AFB to attend Arkansas universities at resident tuition rates. Educational considerations were not all the Council was involved with over the years. In 1976, two programs were formed through the guidance of the Community Council. The first was an Area Disaster Preparedness Plan which encompassed ways and means of protecting all area citizens from catastrophe in the event of a natural disaster as well as combining and organizing available resources to recover quickly from such a disaster. The second program was the Ambulance Reciprocity Agreement. Under that agreement, the base hospital could respond to emergency calls off‐base in the event a Jacksonville ambulance was unavailable. Those were just two of the ways the community Council directed and guided the efforts of both the military community and the civilian community to the advantage of both and further integrated the two societies into one. The Community Council involves itself at the national level by being constantly aware of what the Federal Government is doing in the area of defense. They are in constant contact with the Arkansas senators and Representatives to Congress as well as the Governor. Many of the elected leaders from Arkansas have been guest speakers at the Council's quarterly meetings. Council members have also met with the Secretary of the Air Force on different occasions; constantly insuring that they are abreast of current trends in military planning. As Little Rock Air Force Base moves forward it can do so knowing that, thanks to the efforts of the community Council, its journey will be smooth and pleasant. Although names of Council members change and the mission of the base may change, the spirit and desires of the Council formed fifty plus years ago remains the same. Recent Times In recent times, the Council has concerned itself with the Base Realignment and Closure Commissions’ (BRAC) decisions, by staying close to Arkansas’ congressional delegation and the Major Command (MAJCOM) commanders for both the 19th and the 314th Airlift wings. Through their efforts, the base’s future looks bright. The Council has provided monetary support to the Jacksonville Museum of Military History starting in 2005, totaling $10,000. In Feb 2006, the Council voted to establish a Non Federal Organization (NFO) as sub‐committee of the Community Council to raise funds for air shows and rodeo competitions. Under the leadership of Chris Robertson, that committee now routinely raises thousands of dollars to support those events. On 1 October 2008, the 19th Airlift Wing took control of Little Rock AFB under the Air Mobility Command and became its host wing, making the 314th Airlift wing a tenant unit under the AETC command. 2009 ‐ Ground was broken on a new Joint Education Center on Base property, but outside the fence. The City of Jacksonville supported $5 million of the construction costs, while the DoD funded the remaining $10 million. It was the first‐of‐its‐kind project. Our Congressional delegation helped secure $30 million in mil‐con funds. Air Power AR committee raised $22,000 to support the LRAFB Rodeo teams. Retirees volunteered over 15,000 hours at Base facilities & offices. Free tickets were obtained for major concerts, museum speeches, exhibitions and other events. 2010 ‐ Construction continued on the Joint Education Center. This project has set a new standard for Base‐community partnership endeavors. The Airpower Arkansas committee raised $50,000 for the Air Show/Open House which was chosen by the AF Thunderbirds as the “Best Military Show Site” for 2010. 2011 ‐ In January, the new Jacksonville/LRAFB University Center (Joint Education Center) opened. It is the first of its kind joint venture between the City of Jacksonville and the Air Force to jointly fund a project for mutual benefit. The University houses six universities under one roof, accessible for both military and civilian students. In April, an EF‐2 tornado ripped through LRAFB damaging 250 housing units, five C0130 aircraft and 60 flight line buildings. The City and local businesses provided manpower, equipment and financial assistance to those affected. Other cooperative endeavors included fundraising support was provided for the AMC Airlift Rodeo teams, who brought home five of the six “Best” trophies. Quarterly dinners continued for families of deployed airmen. The Flightline Charter School was opened on Base. Hunt‐Pinnacle Group ($600,000), Walton Foundation ($250,000) & the Wilson Family Foundation ($200,000) contributed funds to renovate a building scheduled to be demolished. We WON the Abilene Trophy for 2011 “Best Community Support of an AMC Base”! 2012 – In June, the Community Council along Congressman Tim Griffin announced the “Little Rock Difference” initiative. The new brand of “Rock & ROLE” was created. Rock is for “The Rock”. “R.O.L.E.” applies to the guiding principles embodied by the local communities and the Base ‐ “Responsive”, “One Team”, “Leading”, and Excellence”. In March, The Jacksonville Museum of Military History held the first annual “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” Day, noted as one of the first such events to be held. Also in March, patriots from around Arkansas ran 130 miles to honor Arkansas service members who laid down their lives during OIF and OEF. In September, the 2012 Heritage & Heroes Open House & Air Show was recognized with the Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award. Over $154,000 was raised to support the event. Community Wins Abilene Trophy 2009 & 2011 The Abilene Trophy is the Air Mobility Command’s community support award and is presented annually to a civilian community for its outstanding support to an AMC base. The winner is determined by a selection group from the Abilene, TX Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee with final approval from AMC officials. The LRAFB Community has received the award two of the three years it was eligible in 2009 and again in 2011. Major activities that led to the recognition include:  Groundbreaking and opening of the Joint Education Center, now known as LRAFB‐Jacksonville University Center, in 2009. It is open to both military and civilians, with six colleges & universities under one roof. It is located just outside the fence on Highway 67‐167 in Jacksonville.  The APA (formerly known as Air Power Arkansas) committee raises funds in support of the bi‐
annual air show/open house. Over $50,000 is contributed by area business and individuals in support of this event. The AF Thunderbirds demonstration team selected the LRAFB show as the “Best Air Show of 2011”.  The APA also raises funds for the LRAFB Airlift Rodeo teams. Teams compete with other world‐
wide airlift units in a variety of areas. In 2011, the 314th AW brought home six major trophies for being the BEST in the world.  Civic leaders also help sponsor events on base, awards ceremonies, Welcome Home Warriors events, and other activities for the members and families of LRAFB,  When the tornado tore through LRAFB in 2011, the city of Jacksonville was there to provide immediate assistance. Whether large equipment, manpower or supplies for families who lost homes, the help was there as needed for several days.  Later, when flooding hit Jacksonville, the base rallied its support of cots, bedding and supplies for those displaced by the event. The mutual efforts of the base and Jacksonville were given with no restrictions or expectations, but out of friendship and respect for one another. Unequivocal support of Little Rock Base, its missions, members, and families is a trait inherent to the central Arkansas area. We know these people as protectors of our nation and safety, but also as friends and neighbors. 2013  The Military Spouse Licensure Bill was signed in to law, allowing for a specialty license plate with the “Rock & ROLE” logo design. Proceeds from license plates sold will go to the LRAFB Spouses Club for scholarships.  Annual events continued – AR Run for the Fallen, Vietnam Veteran’s Day, Deployed Spouses dinners, civic leader involvement for functions & events.  During the Sequestration, area businesses offered discounts to those affected, as well as identify short term or part time employment. Financial institutions waived or reduced some fees, offered short term loans to help offset loss of pay.  Welcoming deliveries of the C‐130J aircraft happened throughout the year. 2014  Discussions began for the “P4 Initiative” for community partnerships to identify efficient ways to provide mutual services. Ideas included utility service privatisation, educational issues, health services, infrastructure, libraries & more.  A devastating tornado in April took the life of a 189th AW member and devastated homes of military families in Mayflower & Vilonia. Twenty $100 gift cards were provided to affected military families. 2015  A celebration banquet is being planned in October for the 60th Anniversary of LRAFB. LRAFB Community Council
General Membership Roster - 2015
Last Name
First Name
Represented Company
Alger
Anderson
Arnone
Banks
Barclay
Bartole
Benzing
Berg
Bibb
Biernacki, Jr.
Bowden
Boyd
Boyd
Brightwell
Brooke
Brooks
Brown
Bryant
Burger
Burkhalter
Byrne-McCollum
Byrne
Canham
Carlson
Carlton
Causey
Chesshir
Chlapecka
Christian
Clark
Cobb
Cook
Cook
Crabbe
Crosland
Crump-Westergren
Cypert
Darr
Davidson
Davis
Davis
Davis
Davis
Davis
Day
Deen
DeLong
DeSpain
Dietz
Dodson
Dorman
Driggers
Duggar
Dupree
Durham
Eddlemon
Eggensperger
Elliott
Elmer
English
James David
Leigh Truluck
Amy L.
Sherman
John E.
Thomas A.
Aaron Matthew
Michael D.
Charles E.
Walter L.
Tammy Renee
Craig Alan
Kenny M.
Danny N.
Arthur L.
Anna Marina Johnson
Karilyn Boggan
Neil
Nancy
John C.
Jamie Maria
Rudolph T.
Harry G.
Chad H.
John William
Christopher Chad
Jay
Nancy Lynn
Tammy Renee
Amanda Shay
Jamie R.
Keith E. (Eddie)
Marcia L.
Donald Wayne
Victoria Ann
Carol J.
William A.
Lloyd D. (Doug)
Tara
Annabelle M.
John R.
Lex E. "Butch"
Philip E.
Scott Richard
Bryan
Donna Lynn
Michael Lee L.
Richard Carl
Michael D.
Roger Allen
Wendall R
Michael F.
Dana Kay
Warren Carlee
James M.
Marleen
Harold S. (Steve)
Kenneth
James DeElton
Elizabeth Jane
Delta Trust Investments, Inc., President
LRCVB, Dir of State & Nat'l Accts
North Metro Medical Center, CEO
Banks International Consulting, Owner/CEO
City Clerk, City of Ward
Access Rehab & Therapy Services, Inc.
Hawkins-Weir Engineers, Principal
Mike Berg, Inc., Owner
Retired
AR Federal Credit Union, CEO (retired 8-01-14)
Wyndham Riverfront, DoS
N & N Catering, Owner
Jacksonville Police Dept, Chief
First Community Bank, Community Pres.
MAYOR, City of Ward
ALDERMAN, City of Sherwood
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, District 41
Gadwall Grill, Owner
Modern Chemical, Inc.
Burkhalter Technologies, Inc, Owner/Pres
UALR, Professor
Lockheed Martin, 130J Sim Pilot Instructor
Colonel (USAF, Ret)
Delta Trust Investments, Sr Vice President
Firehouse Subs
AR Aerospace Alliance, Exec. Dir.
LR Regional Chamber of Commerce, Pres CEO
USDA Prairie Co. Farm Service Agy
AR Federal Credit Union, Dir of Op
Coutyard by Marriott, DoS
Gwatney Chvrolet, Vice President
Dir. Of Operations, City of Cabot
Sherwood Chamber of Commerce, Exec. Dir.
First Electric Cooperative Corp., CEO
Holiday Inn Airport, Sales Mgr
Clerk/Treasurer, City of Beebe
MAYOR, City of Cabot
Xerox State & Local Solutions, Inc, Project Mgr
Chamber of Commerce, Exec. Dir
Community Council Exec. Secretary
Retired CEO TLC Apparel & Embroidery
Retired
Your Extra Specialties, Inc., President
Provident Business Solutions, Owner
LR Port Authority, Exec. Director
First AR Mortgage Co., VP/Loan Officer
Pulaski Techincal College, Provost/EVP
Richard C. DeSpain - Artist
Doug Wilkinson Realty, Principal Broker
JUDGE, Faulkner County
Retired Minister
Street Legal Industries, Inc, Proj. Mgr
Jax Museum of Military History, Director
McIntire Rare Collectibles, Mktg Mgr
Dir of Adm, City of Jacksonville
Dir of Op; Physician's Choice, P.L.L.C
Peregrine Integrated Mgmt, Sr. Consultant
ALDERMAN, City of Jacksonville
Colonel (USAF, Ret)
STATE SENATOR
LRAFB Community Council
Everetts
Farnsworth
Farrer
Feldman
Ferguson, Jr.
Ferguson, Jr.
Fisher
Fletcher
Florence
Fogle
Ford
Forester
Fortney
Foutch
Fox
French
Frey
Friedman
Friedman
Funkhouser
Garner
Gastineau
Gay
Gill
Gilchrest
Gillham
Gilliam
Goforth
Gowen, Jr.
Graham, Jr.
Gray, Jr.
Gray
Gray
Green
Griffin
Guyot
Hagge
Hale, III
Hall
Hamlin
Harper
Hartman
Hartwick
Hegeman
Henderson
Henry
Herndon
Hill, Jr.
Holladay
Holst
Hooper
Hopkins
House
Hughes
Hyde
Jeffcoat, Jr
Johnson
Johnson
Johnston
Jones
Keller
Jeffery
Richard Norman
Joseph Bradley
Garrick
Robert D.
Stephanie Lynn
Andrea
Gary W.
Charles M. (Michael)
Penny
Bradley Ray
Lawrence A.
A. Robert
Bruce Alan
David Roland
Tracy Moore
Mary
Craig Daniel
Lloyd Alan
Joel C.
John Wesley
Charles P.
Jerry Alden
Kenneth E.
Normal
Lucien R.
Sidney Ann
Denise D.
James R.
Charles E.
Bartus M.
Daniel
Winfred T. (Thad)
Richard M.
Tim
Debra Lynn
Patrick Joseph
Milas H. "Butch"
Carmen LeAnne "Caite"
Harold
Beverly
Jay Clayton
Terry C.
Michael B.
John B.
Carmie
Thommie D.
Hiram R.
Charles E.
Mark C.
Gregory B.
Elizabeth "Eliz"
Roy Douglas
Thea Denise
Barry Dean
Harold Manuel
Virgil Alton
Robert B.
Timothy J. "TJ"
Dustin
Judy Ann
CS Backgrounds / Little Angel Prints
RNF Photography, President
North Metro Medical Ctr; State Rep 44
Leader Publishing Inc.
Ferguson, Cobb & Associates, PLLC
Crowne Plaza LR, Corp Sales Mgr
US Army, Survivor Outreach Services Coordinator
MAYOR, City of Jacksonville
ALPS, Inc
Small Business Administration
First Electric Cooperative Corp., COO
Lawrence Forester Shelter Insurance
Colonel (USAF, Ret)
ALDERMAN City of North Little Rock
St. Vincent North, President
Centennial Bank, V Chairman
LRAFB Family Housing, Cmty Dir
Vaughan-Friedman Law Firm
Plantation Realty Co. CEO
Garver Engineers, Proj Mgr
Lonoke Chamber of Commerce, Exec. Director
Chamber of Commerce, Sec/Treas
No. Pulaski Baptist Assoc, Dir
Coldwell Banker RPM Realty, Relocation Dir
AR United Way, Dir of CFC Campaign
Retired
ALDERMAN, City of Cabot
AR Federal Credit Union, Sr Mktg Specialist
James Gowen State Farm
Prosecuting Attorney, Lonoke County
Bart Gray Realty
RE/MAX Homefinders & Bart Gray Realty, Gen. Mgr
Bart Gray Realty, Broker, President
Employer Support for Guard & Reserve, Prog. Mgr
LT. GOVERNOR, State of Arkansas
Hilton Garden Inn NLR, Dir of Sales
First AR Bank & Trust,SVP
Sherwood District Judge
Webster University, Asst. Are Dir.
Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C, Mg Mbr
AFCU, Service Center Mgr
Entergy - Customer Service Rep
NLR Chamber of Commerce, Pres/CEO
Nabholz Construction, President
Leader Publishing Inc., Gen. Mgr.
Retired VP, First Electric Cooperative
n/a
Bank of the Ozarks, Exec V-P
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office
Reg Service Mgr, Best Western Int'l
First Baptist Church, Family & Military Pastor
Webster University LRAFB, Asst. Director
STATE REP, Dist 40; US Army Col (ret)
Gen Mgr, Jax Wastewater Utility
JUDGE, Pualski County; Hydco, Inc., CEO
Cabot Public Schools, Dep Supt
Target Printing Co.
ST REPRESENTATIVE, Johnson & Jacobs, CPSS, PLLC
UCA, Dir. Of Special Projects
AR Federal Credit Union
Dir Cmty & Econ Dev, City of Maumelle
Keplinger, Sr.
King
Klein
Knight
Laney
Latture, Jr
Laughy
Leonard
Lester
(Knod) Love
Love
Lucker
Lyford
Lyman
Madding
Maddox
Mahoney
Major, Jr
Malik
Malnar
Marendt, Jr.
Martin
Martin
Martin
Matsoukas
Matthews
Mattison
McDonald
McDonald
McGregor, Jr.
McMillion
Merrick
Moore
Morley
Moulton
Murphy
Nazzaro
Nobles
Norman
O'Brien
Olson
Overton
Parker
Partridge
Patel
Peacock
Pennington
Perry
Perry
Petersen
Premeaux
Probst
Ray
Reichenbach
Rheinhardt
Roach
Roberts
Roberts
Robinson
Robinson
Robinson
Kenneth
Jaquelyn
Henry Carl
Karen S.
Gary Kent
James Paul
Alan S.
Chester Hickman
Bobby G.
Nancy J. (Judy)
Ricky Joe
Melissa J. "Lisa"
Robert M.
Curtis R.
Karen Sue
Cynthia J.
Daniel Martin
Robert A. (Bob)
Eugene James
Sharon
Richard M.
Bruce Alan
David
Harvey (Jay)
Nicole L.
W. Leon
Amy D
John Mark
Robert Keith
K. Dale
Christy
Barbara E.
Jim
David W.
Virginia K.
Michael Lee
John R.
Adam Miller
Andrew Spencer
Patrick H.
Kristina D
Maureen "MO"
Richard S.
Clayton J.
Animeshbhai "Andy"
James E.
Denisa C.
Mark
Steven L.
Keith L.
Sonya
Courtney Brooke
Terry Asa
Jerry
Rebecca "Becky"
Lana
William C. (Chris)
Sharon
Aaron Keith
Joseph Matthew (Matt)
Phillip Lee
ALDERMAN, City of Sherwood+D153
Phoenix Univ., Education Liaison,
Retired CEO, AR Federal Credit Union
Knight's Super Foods
First Community Bank, Bus. Dev. Officer
Retired - LR Port Authority Ex. Dir.
Jacksonville Fire Dept., Chief
National Electrical Contractors Assn., AR, Exec. Dir
Jax Public Schools, Interim Supt
LR Regional Chamber of Commerce, Dir of Admin
R. J. Love Enterprises, Inc. President
Dir of Mktg, Saddle Peak LLC Hardee's
AECC Exec VP/Gen'l Counsel - Retired
Martin Borchert Co., Owner
Sudden Link, System Mgr.
LRAFB - PA (ret)
First Command, Dist. Advisor
NLR Advertising & Promotion Comm, Exec. Dir
First Command Financial Planning
Presidio Networked Solutions, Acct Mgr
Crye-Leike Realty, Exec. Broker
Martin-Wilbourn Partners
H. C. Martin, P.A.
AFCU, VP/Info Tech & Strategic Initiatives
Retired CEO, AR United Way
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce
First United Methodist Church
Centennial Bank, Market President
Cabot Insurance Group, Agent
Jax Sr Wellness & Activity Ctr, Exec. Dir
Cust. Serv. Mgr, Entergy Arkansas
Stonewall Properties Owners Assoc, CEO
First Baptist Church, Discipleship Pastor
Embassy Suites Little Rock, DoS & Mktg
City Attorney, City of Conway
Heart of Arkansas United Way, President
Arvest Bank, Mortgage Loan Officer VP
Nabholz Consturction, Proj. Mgr
BBA Solutions, Bus. Dev. Director
Cartridge World of North Little Rock
Medical Manpower Specilist, 19 MDG
Sam's Club, Gen Mgr
FAB&T Mortgage, Exec. VP
Best Western Inn, Owner
Jacksonville Water Commission, Chrmn
AR Econ. Dev. Commission, Dir Com'l Dev
Modern Woodman Fraternal Financial, Fin Rep
APS Payroll & Insurance, President
CLC Creative Lines, Inc., Owner
UALR, Assoc. Dean for Grad Studies
Candlewood Suites, DOS
State Farm Insurance
AFA State President
AEDC, Sr Mgr, Military Affairs
Wyndham Riverfront, Sales Manager
Southern Bank, Comity Pres
Chamber of Commerce, President
JP - Pulaski Co ; Bond Consulting Eng. Inc., Proj Mgr
Leader Publishing Inc., Pub Mgr
City of Cabot, Fire Chief
Rodgers
Rosenbaum
Scarbrough
Seedtibood
Sellers
Semans
(Everhart) Sexton
Shefflette
Shoptaw
Short
Showmar
Shown
Shurgot
Sims
Sipes
Smith
Smith
Smith III
Sprick
Staats, Jr.
Stafford
Stager
Starks
Stocks
Stodola
Stone
Stuart
Sundermeier
Swaim
Swanson
Tafner
Thomas
Thurman
Toney
Twitty
Twyford
Urquhart
Vaughan
Vick II
Volpe
Ward
Watkins III
Watson
Watson
Weatherford
Webb
West
Whisker
Whitbey
White
White
Williams
Williams
Williams
Williams
Williams
Wilson
Wilson
Wilson
Womack
Wood
Amber Jean
Carl S.
Dushun L.
Yolly
Barry Dean
Jonathan
Tonya Rae
Nancy Anne
Ralph
Jacob Andrew
Rodney Patrick
Barbara
Nicholas Michael (Nick)
John D.
Gary L.
Joseph Allan
Ralph M.
Wallace C.
Wallie G.
James O.
Cindy
Kathy E.
Adam
Mark Thomas
Mark
Larry D.
Ginger Michelle
Roger
Tommy
Jon M.
Christian J. (Chris)
Kirkley Allen
William A. (Tony)
Terrell L. (Terry)
Mary
Matthew H.
Jody
Roy Keith
Terry Lee
Joseph J. (Matt)
Dennis C.
John T.
Brodie Michael
Kelly
Terry Keith
Steven Bryan
Bradley Eugene
James S.
Diane K.
L. Chris
Lloyd Douglas
Amy W.
Beverly
Eddie Joe
Robert Preston (Bob)
Thomas "TP"
Larry T.
Mark T.
Mike
John
Tonya Rae
Holiday Inn Express, Gen Mgr
Safe Foods, Inc, Chairman
MLK Commission, Executive Director
Crye-Leike Realtors
Chamber of Commerce, Dir Econ Dev
CDI Contractors, Div. Mgr
First Electric, VP Mktg & Comm
Arkansas State University--LRAFB, Dir.
Arkansas State Fair, Gen. Mgr
Jacksonville Water Works, Gen Mgr
ARFederal Credit UnionFCU, CEO
Century 21 Unlimited, Broker/Owner
Saddle Peak LLC (Hardee's), President & CEO
Colonel (USAF, Ret)
Jacksonville Police Dept., Chief
MAYOR, City of North Little Rock
Plant Mgr, Ashland Chemical
Garver, Inc., Dir. of Federal Services
Witten, Delony & Davidson, INC.
Golden Corral, Genenral Manager
Holiday Inn Airport, Sales Mgr
First State Bank, EVP Mkt President
President, First Security Bank Cabot
MAYOR, City of Little Rock
Stone Ward, Inc., CEO
Stuart Law Firm, P.A.
First AR Bank & Trust, VP Mktg Dir
MAYOR, City of Jacksonville (ret 6/30/09)
Exec. Dir., MEMS
Peregrine Support Services, Inc., Pres/CEO
AR Elec Cooperatives, VP Govt'l Affairs
Cabot Public Schools, Supt.
Whit Davis Lumber, President
ALDERMAN, City of Jacksonville
AEDC, Reg'l Mgr - Community Dev.
Farm Bureau of Arkansas, NC District Coordinator
Vaughan & Friedman Law Firm
AFCU, SVP. Chief Lending Officer
US Magistrate Judge, US District Court
City Motors Pre-Owned
Garver Engineers,VP- Dir of Facilities Design
MAYOR
Whit Davis Lumber, Mktg Coordinator
Edward D. Jones, Financial Advisor
Baptist Health Medical Center - NLR, VP Patient Serv.
Gwatney Automotive Group, Pub. Rel MGr
City of Jacksonville, City Engineer
City Clerk & Treasurer, NLR
Remington Sporting Group, Dir of Op
Curtis Stout Company, Vice Presidenet
Cabot Chamber of Commerce, Exec. Dir
ALDERMAN, City of Sherwood
STATE SENATOR
Delta Trust Investments, Inc., Mng Dir
Colonel (USAF, Ret)
First Arkansas Bank & Trust, Chairmen
First Arkansas Bank & Trust, Vice Preisdent
Michael K. Wilson, Attorney at Law
Arvest Bank of Little Rock, CEO
Supt, Jacksonivlle/North Pulaski School District
Young
Young
Zumwalt
Chad Thomas
Virginia R.
Joan R.
W D & D Architects, Principal, VP
MAYOR, City of Sherwood
Zumwalt Enterprises, Inc., President
BIOGRAPHY
TEAM LITTLE ROCK CIVIC LEADER
BRAD HEGEMAN
Current President to the Little Rock AFB Community Council and President of Nabholz Construction
Services
Background
Brad Hegeman is President of Nabholz Construction Services. He oversees management of the
South Central Operation which produces over $275 million each year in the commercial
construction industry. As part of the executive management team, Brad helps develop and
implement company-wide strategic direction and growth strategies for the company’s 27
service groups which operate across a 44-state region.
Brad began his career at Nabholz Construction in 1996 and has served in a variety of
leadership positions throughout the organization. In 1999 he became the Vice President of
Business Development following his role as Controller. Brad also served as Executive Vice
President, before being named President in 2009. He serves on Nabholz’ Executive Council
and has been a stockholder with the company since 1998.
Education
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2006 Associated General Contractors of America - Advanced Management Program
1996 Masters of Business Administration - University of Central Arkansas
1992 Faulkner County Leadership Institute
1988 Bachelors of Business Administration Accounting - University of Central Arkansas
1984 St Joseph High School - Honor Graduate
Previous Work Experiance
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
1982 – 1986, Factory work, Virco Mfg Corporation
1986 – 1988, Part-time accounting clerk, Virco Mfg Corporation
1988 – 1996, Accounting manager, Virco Mfg Corporation
1996 – 1999, Controller, Nabholz Construction Company
1999 – 2002, Vice President Business Development, Nabholz Construction Company
2002 – 2004, Vice President/General Manager, Nabholz Construction Company
2004 – 2009, Executive Vice President, Nabholz Construction Company
2009 – present, President, Nabholz Construction Company
Major Awards and Recognition
R. D. Nabholz Leadership Award
Nabholz Construction Excellence in Leadership Award
President’s Award – St. Joseph Athletic Booster Club
Patrick Henry Award - National Guard Association of the United States
2014 Business Executive of the Year – Conway Area Chamber of Commerce
CIVIC AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION INVOLVEMENT
Current
UCA Foundation Board of Directors
Audit Committee Member
ARVets Board of Directors
Conway Corporation Board of Directors – Vice-Chairman
Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council – Chairman
Member – Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program
Member - Conway Development Corporation
Lyon College President’s Council (charter member)
Conway Public Schools Foundation Capital Campaign Committee
Camp Joseph T Robinson Community Council
Arkansas National Guard Association
American Public Power Association
Associated General Contractors of America - Federal Acquisition Regulation Committee United
States Green Building Council
Air Force Association
Past
Boys and Girls Club Capital Campaign Co-Chair
Conway Regional Health Foundation Capital Campaign Steering Committee – Corporate Chairman St Joseph
Parish Pastoral Council – Immediate Past Chairman
St. Joseph School Board – Board of Directors, Past Chairman
St. Joseph Athletic Booster Club Board of Directors – President
St. Joseph School Bazaar Executive Committee – Chairman
St Joseph School Alumni Association Board of Directors – Vice President
City of Conway Blue Ribbon Committee/Citizens Taskforce
CASA Festival of Chairs - Honorary Event Chairman
Conway City Council – Two terms
 Chairman - Parks & Recreation Committee
 Chairman - Finance Committee
 Co-Chairman - Streets Committee
Toad Suck Daze Central Committee Chairman
Toad Suck Daze Honorary Event Chairman
CARTI Foundation Board of Directors
Conway Area Chamber of Commerce - Board of Directors
Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas
 Board of Directors
 Executive Committee
 Chairman - Capital Fund Raising Campaign
American Red Cross - Board of Directors
Arkansas Chapter Associated General Contractors of America – Board of Directors
Kiwanis Club of Conway - Board of Directors – Past Treasurer/Vice President Boys &
Girls Club – Board of Directors
St. Joseph School Bazaar - Finance Committee Chairman 1989 - 2009
United Way of Faulkner County - Small Business Campaign Chair
Construction Financial Management Association
Metroplan Board of Directors
Conway Human Development Center Volunteer Council
BIOGRAPHY
BARBARA THOMPSON MERRICK
Customer Service Manager, Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
Business
Barbara is the Customer Service Manager for Entergy Arkansas, Inc. She is the interface with all of
the elected officials and community leaders in Lonoke and Pulaski Counties. In that role she serves on
numerous boards and committees and manages any issues that arise between Entergy and its
customers both residential and commercial. Barbara is also responsible for the service related issues
for the large industrial customers in this area including LRAFB. She is the project manager for the
Base’s electrical privatization contract.
Education
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2005 Masters of Community and Economic Development - University of Central Arkansas
2004 Graduate, LeadAR, University of Arkansas
2002 Graduate, Community Development Institute, University of Central Arkansas
1999 Graduate, Economic Development Institute, University of Oklahoma
1987 Bachelors of Business Administration, Finance and Banking - University of Arkansas
1983 Cabot High School - Honor Graduate, Salutatorian
Community Involvement
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Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce – Board Member
Metro Little Rock Alliance – Board Member
Lonoke County Leadership – Board Member, Treasurer
Jacksonville Rotary Club
Keep Jacksonville Beautiful – Board Member
Alpha Kappa Psi – National Business Fraternity
Sherwood Chamber of Commerce
Cabot Chamber of Commerce
Arkansas Economic Developers
First Baptist Church, Cabot
LRAFB Involvement
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
Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council – Executive Board Member, Membership
Chair
AirPower Arkansas - Vice Chair
Current as of 24 June 2013
BIOGRAPHY
ANNABELLE M. DAVIS
Current Executive Secretary to the Little Rock AFB Community Council and retired Marketing & Public
Relations Manager for the Jacksonville Parks & Recreation Department
Background
Annabelle M. Davis is retired from the City of Jacksonville after 35 years of service. She was the
Marketing & Public Relations Manager for the Parks & Recreation Department, but also represented the
City in numerous organizations and functions. She and John, her husband of 31 years enjoy playing golf
as often as possible. Both are members of the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville where they sing in
the choir.
Education
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Master’s degree in education
Maintains a professional certification through the National & Arkansas Recreation & Park
Associations
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The Heart of Arkansas Tourism Association
Pulaski Visitors Council
Arkansas Hospitality Association
Leadership Jacksonville program
Active member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and local Rotary Club
LRAFB Involvement
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Former 19th Airlift Wing Honorary Commander; 29th Weapons Squadron Honorary Commander
Emeritus
Affiliation with LRAFB began over 32 years ago through the Chamber of Commerce Military
Relations committee
Has attended SAC Missile Competitions, National Security Forums, AMC Airlift Rodeos and
civic leader tours
Currently attends Team Little Rock Staff weekly meetings as the 19 AW Honorary Commander
Member of the LRAFB Community Council, currently serving as the Executive Secretary
Organizer of the Air Power Arkansas committee, a fund-raising arm for military-related events
(Current as of January 2012)
BIOGRAPHY
DANIEL GRAY
Bart Gray Realty Co. Inc.
Background
Daniel Gray is the Treasurer for the Little Rock AFB Community Council, and a 3rd generation
executive broker for Bart Gray Realty Co. Inc. He is the grandson of Bartus M. Gray Sr. and the son of
Thad Gray. The motto for Bart Gray Realty is “There are no strangers here, just friends we have not
met” and Daniel Gray has continued in the footsteps of the Gray family tradition by serving the local
Jacksonville Community. He is married to Amy gray and the couple has two sons, Ethan and Seth.
Education
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B.S. in Finance and Real Estate, University of Arkansas
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Director of Jacksonville/North Pulaski Education Corps
Board of directors for the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce
Board of directors for the Jacksonville Boys & Girls Club
Deacon First Baptist Church Jacksonville
Vice President of the Jacksonville World Class Education Organization
Honorary Commander for the 41st Airlift Squadron
Charter Member Jacksonville Kiwanis Club
Jacksonville Youth Baseball Coach for the Bart Gray Realty Cubs
LRAFB Involvement
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Former LRAFB Honorary Commander for the 41st Airlift Squadron
Member of Air Power Arkansas committee
Member of LRAFB Community Council
BIOGRAPHY
LARRY BIERNACKI
President/CEO, Arkansas Federal Credit Union
Background
Larry Biernacki was the President and CEO of Arkansas Federal Credit Union (AFCU) since June of
2005. He retired in 2014. AFCU is the largest credit union in Arkansas serving over 71,000 members
through twelve full-service branches. It has assets of over $700 million. Larry has spent 30 years
involved in the credit union/ banking industry. He held mid- and senior-management level positions in
many different aspects of financial institution management but heavily weighted in the lending arena.
He has successfully built and grown many different profitable direct and indirect portfolios including,
automobile, marine, RV, home improvement, and manufactured housing. Larry has supervised as many
as 200 employees. He has introduced, implemented, and trained staff on many different lending products
and systems, and he is responsible for innovative new products and enhancements being delivered to the
marketplace.
Larry has been happily married to Pam for over 34 years. They have one son who lives in Texas and
four grandchildren. Larry is an avid golfer. His hobbies include collecting baseball cards and playing the
guitar. He is deeply involved with his church, leading the Parking Lot Ministry Team and The Upward
Basketball program. In 1990 he was a starter on the USSSA World Champion Softball Team
“Thunder”. He also enjoys fishing and attending sporting events.
Education
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BS Mathematics, Northern Arizona University
National Installment Credit School, Norman OK
Pacific Coast Banking School, Seattle WA
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Jacksonville Museum of Military History board member
Jacksonville Rotary Club
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce
LRAFB Involvement
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President, Little Rock AFB Community Council
314th Airlift Wing Honorary Commander Emeritus
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AETC Commander’s Civic Leader Group Alumni
Air Force Association community partner
Airlift/Tanker Association member
Staunch supporter of Little Rock AFB Quarterly & Annual Award Programs
(Current as of October 2011)
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AETC Commander’s Civic Leader Group Alumni
Air Force Association community partner
Airlift/Tanker Association member
Staunch supporter of Little Rock AFB Quarterly & Annual Award Programs
(Current as of October 2011)
IN ATTENDANCE (Derived from Sign In Sheet):
Members:
Sherman Banks, Tom Bartole, Mike Berg, Ed Bibb, Larry Biernacki, Craig Boyd,
Mayor Art Brooke, Marina Brooks, Jamie Byrne, Harry Canham, Nancy
Chlapecka, Marcia Cook, Don Crabbe, Mayor Bill Cypert, Doug Darr, Tara
Davidson, Annabelle Davis, John Davis, Donna Deen, Richard DeSpain, Wendall
Dorman, DannaKay Duggar, Warren Dupree, Jim Durham, Marleen Eddlemon,
Steve Eggensperger, Kenny Elliott, Jim Elmer, Sen Jane English, Jeff Evveretts,
Garrick Feldman, Stephanie Ferguson, Michael Florence, Charles Gastineau,
Jerry Gay, Lucien Gillham, Ann Gilliam, Denise Goforth, Daniel Gray, Thad Gray,
Richard Green, Jay Hartman, Brad Hegeman, John Henderson, Carmie Henry,
Mayor Virginia Hillman, Doc Holliday, thea Hughes, Harold Jeffcoat, Dustin
Jones, Hank Klein, Paul Latture, Bobby Lester, Judy Love, Bob Lyford, Amy
Mattison, Barbara Merrick, Ginny Moulton, Andrew Norman, Kristen Olson, Clay
Partridge, Andy Patel, Steve Perry, Sonya Premeaux, Courtney Probst, Jerry
Reichenbach, Lana Roach, Matt Robinson, Barry Sellers, Nancy Shefflette, Ralph
Shoptaw, Jake Short, Rodney Showmar, John Sims, Mayor Joe Smith, Wallie
Sprick, James Staats, Cindy Stafford, Kathy Stager, Mark Stocks, Roger
Sundermeier, Tommy Swaim, Chris Tafner, Kirkley Thomas, Mary Twitty, Matt
Twyford, Terry Weatherford, Steven Webb, Brad West, Jay Whisker, Doug White,
Amy Williams, T. P. Wiliams, Larry Wilson, Mark Wilson, Mike Wilson,Joan
Zumwalt.
LRAFB:
BGen Dwight Balch, Lt Col Charles Bolton, CMSgt Donnie Bolton, CMSgt Rhonda
Buening, Robert Chatham, Heather Cooley, Lt Col Angela Cross, Col Archie Frye,
Lt Col Philip Geelhood, Col Keith Green, Maj Lucas Hall, Maj Jamey Hartsell, Maj
Mike Hickam, Lewis, Holston, Col Tammy Hutchins-Frye, Mike Klapmeyer,
CMSgt Jimmy Ku, Lt Col Thomas Lankford, Col Doug Littlefield, Col Dan Lockert,
Maj Joel Lynch, Cynde Maddox, Col Clay Mason, Bob Oldham, Col Patrick
Rhatigan, Maj Cameron Richardson, John Steele, Maj Tim Stout, Joseph Villaur,
Capt Ashley Walker, Col Steve Weaver, Maj Michelle Whitfield
CODELS: Tom McNabb (Cong Griffin)
GUESTS:
Rebecca Boyd, Katherine Kopreski, Candace Matthews, Camille Bennett, Cathy
Gastineau, Kate Quinlan-Laird, Becky Gay, James Bedwell, Beverly Williams,
Beverly Harper, Don Smart, Sam Wilson, Kelly Ferguson, Tammy Christian, Deb
Bostic, Mark Chard
MINUTES
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Fourth Quarter - 2014
November 18, 2014
JACKSONVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER
MEETING CALLED
TO
ORDER
President Brad Hegeman called the meeting to order at 12:00 pm. After the
prayer & Pledge of the Allegiance, dignitaries & special guests were introduced.
Minutes of 3rd Quarter Meeting 2014 - Minutes were approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report - Daniel Gray reported receipts of $ 2,238.45, disbursements
of $ 6,875.20, leaving total cash resources of $88,917.01 at the end of the 3rd
Quarter.
APA (formerly Air Power Arkansas) Report – Barbara Merrick ported receipts
of $329.45, withdrawals or $ 325.00, balance of $17,875.53. She added that
$1,152.38 has been transferred to the Spouses’ Club so far this year
from
license plate sales, money to be used for scholarships. She also announced that
2015 will have two big events – AMC Rodeo in summer, and the 60th Anniversary
Ball in October. Fundraising for both events will begin soon, so she encouraged
everyone to include these in their 2015 budgets.
Membership Report – Barbara introduced the following new members approved
by the Executive Board: Amanda Campbell, Harold Jeffcoat, Jr., Kathy Stager,
and Kirkley Thomas.
Brief Remarks from Commanders
Col Keith Green, 314th AW/CV, stood in for Col Dryjanski. He noted that by
the end of the year, the 314th will have trained 1,700 students, with 422 onsite
today. They have graduated 124 international students from 24 countries. He
noted that Arkansas fingerprints are all over them as they carry their experience
here back to their countries. Capt Austin Nick recently received AETC's
nomination for the Jabarra Award; the award recognizes an Air Force Academy
graduate who has made significant contributions to aviation during the award
period. Capt Kevin Caughlin recently returned from Israel where he was teaching
Israel's C-130J pilots how to better utilize the "all-weather" capabilities of the Jmodel. Currently the “H” and “J” simulators are being upgraded. General Robin
Rand, AETC/CC will be visiting in February.
Col Marc Sicard, 189th AW/CV, announced they will be hosting the Director of
the Air National Guard when he visits Dec. 5-6. While here, the 189th will be
dedicating a road in honor of a fallen airman MSgt Daniel Wassom, an Instructor
Loadmaster in the 154th Training Squadron. He will be awarded the Airman's
Medal, posthumously, for giving his life protecting his daughter during the tornado
event in Vilonia last spring. The ANG hosted a day with County judges, local and
state officials, to showcase their preparedness capabilities for disasters.
Col Archie Frye, 913 AG/CC, said their group is 600 strong now. He has 1200
members with only 10 hours left to earn their Associate’s Degree, with 80 having
already obtain it. This is a requirement for their unit. He reminded us that these
folks come from our communities and have their own jobs. He also announced
that he will be retiring in January after 38 years in the service. He looks forward to
perfecting his golf game.
Col Patrick Rhatigan, 19th AW/CC. Told the audience that we currently have 23
new J’s for the 28 planned. Currently, there are eight aircraft and 300 airmen
deployed. With the current medical situation, we have 20 airmen on standby to
deploy to West Africa on 130’s in support of the ebola outbreak. They recently
sent planes & crews to Alaska for a training exercise call “Red Flag”. In
recognition of the long history and accomplishments of the 19th Airlift Wing, it
was awarded with the Doolittle Award in Washington, DC. Also, the 19th
earned the Outstanding Unit Award and had two airmen who received Purple
hearts. At the end of their fiscal year, funds were available for projects that
had not had funding. Finally, he mentioned that 2015 is the 60th Anniversary
of LRAFB. A Ball is being planned for Oct. 9th. More will come about that
event.
PROGRAM - MR. FRED MEURER, FORMER CITY MGR, MONTEREY, CA
Col Rhatigan prefaced an AF video about the P4 Initiative – Private-Public
Partnership Program, which introduced the concept of preparing for the long
term of mutual benefits of partnering with military installations and local
communities for the common good. The essence is “getting to YES” when
considering opportunities. He introduced Mr. Meurer by saying his efforts in
Monterey were the first in using this concept, and forging the road for
authorized & legal avenues to identify and pursue partnerships from a
community’s point of view.
Mr. Meurer stated from his military background he recognized the duplication
of services when he began working with the City of Monterey. With Fort Ord
and other installations in the area, they identified acres of unused land,
buildings and services that could be combined or put to better use and
utilities & municipal services that could be merged or shared. With Ft Ord on
the BRAC list to be closed in 1991, and another Naval Base in 1993,
becoming more efficient with resources became even more important. As he
began to recognize the deficiencies in services & facility usage, he convinced
the Council to forge ahead with formulating plans to combine, divest, and
reshape to address the potential or partnerships could offer. Over time,
successful efforts were made dealing with privatized housing & utilities, child
care, parks & play fields, fire departments, equipment maintenance, and
other public works projects. The concept of a “City Base” took shape. A new
law was written and passed in 1993, the “National Defense Legislative Act”,
which allowed for addressing municipal & military partnerships. In 2012,
special legislation was added – Section 331of 2013 Authorization Bill – that
completely authorized ways to integrate partnering with communities. This
provides avenues for gains both ways, and for planning for the Base of the
future. He noted that LRAFB is one of the Bases selected to participate in
the “P4” process, which is currently underway. He noted that if small towns
work together, it is better than one big town. Avenues for partnering efforts
included basic contractual agreements, Memorandums of Understanding
(MOU), Joint Powers Authority, leases, Federal Acquisition Regulations
(FAR), and others. Each of these is needed for different projects. He noted
that it is important to remember that every organization has a culture &
history that must be respected when trying to merge or change. He
encouraged the group to begin thinking about opportunities for partnerships o
benefit both LRAFB & area.
Announcement: Next Year’s meetings will be 2nd Wednesday of the 2nd month each
quarter. With no other business, the meeting adjourned at 1:10 pm.
Members:
James Alger, Leigh Anderson, Sherman Banks, John Barclay, Tom Bartole,
Larry Biernacki, Craig Boyd, Danny Brightwell, Mayor Art Brooke, Harry Canham,
Chad Carlson, John Carlton, Nancy Chlapecka, Tammy Christian, Marcia Cook,
Don Crabbe, Mayor Bill Cypert, Annabelle Davis, Donna Deen, Richard DeSpain,
Michael Driggers, DanaKay Duggar, Jim Durham, Marleen Eddlemon, Steve
Eggensperger, Kenny Elliott, Jim Elmer, Sen Jane English, Garrick Feldman,
Mayor Gary Fletcher, Michael Florence, Brad Ford, Robert Fortney, Jerry Gay,
Ann Gilliam, Denise Goforth, Daniel Gray, Thad Gray, Richard Green, Pat Hagge,
Beverly Harper, Jay Hartman, Brad Hegeman, John Henderson, , Rick Hill, Doc
Holliday, Harold Jeffcoat, Judy Keller, Ken Keplinger, Paul Latture, Chief Alan
Laughy, Bobby Lester, Judy Love, Rick Love, Richard Marendt, Amy Mattison,
Barbara Merrick, Ginny Moulton, Andrew Norman, Kristen Olson, Richard Parker,
Jim Peacock, Denisa Pennington, Steve Perry, Sonya Premeaux, Courtney
Probst, Lana Roach, Chris Roberts, Matt Robinson, Chief Phil Robinson, Carl
Rosenbaum, Barry Sellers, Nancy Shefflette, John Sims, Cindy Stafford, Mark
Stocks, Larry Stone, Ginger Stuart, Roger Sundermeier, Tommy Swaim, Chris
Tafner, Terry Toney, Matt Twyford, Terry Vick, Joe Volpe, Mayor Michael Watson,
Terry Weatherford, Brad West, Jay Whisker, Amy Williams, T. P. Wiliams, Larry
Wilson, Mark Wilson, Mike Wilson, Mayor Virginia Young, Joan Zumwalt.
Military Guests:
BGen Dwight Balch,Capt Lissete Booker, CMSgt Rhonda Buening, Lt Col Robert
Chatham, Lt Col Angela Cross, Lt Col Brain Daniels, Rolondo DeLeon, Cheri
Dragos-Pritchard, CMSgt Anthony Erskine, LtCol Mike Fellona, Col Keith Green,
Maj Lucas Hall, Lt Col Neil Hede, Maj Daniel Henderson, Maj Michael Hickam,
Col Mike Klapmeyer, CMSgt Brian LaBounty, Col Doug Littlefield, Cynde Maddox,
Lt Col Johnnie Martiniz, Bob Oldham, Col Bill Otter, Col Patrick Rhatigan, Col
Domenic Sarnataro, Lt ol Derek Scott, Randy Sellers, Dale Stanley, John Steele,
Lt Col Kimberly Tooman, Capt Ashley Walker, Col Steve Weaver, Lt Col Eric
Westby Maj Michelle Whitfield, Lt Col Chris Zeger.
CODELS: Mark Thomsen (Cong Crawford), Tom McNabb (Cong Hill),Ken Griffin,
(Gov Hutchinson), Annamarie Atwod (Lt Gov Griffin)
GUESTS:
Nikki White, Rafael Bravo, Carlyn Canham, Megan Ladd, Nancy Douglas, Amy
Arnone, Kelly Watson, Paula Volpe, Chief James Bedwell
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
First Quarter - 2015
February 10, 2015
HANGAR 1080
MEETING CALLED
TO
ORDER
PROGRAM - COL MICHAEL KLAPMEYER, 19TH AW CE/CC
Minutes of 4th Quarter Meeting 2014 - Minutes were approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report - Daniel Gray reported receipts of $ 8,582.48, disbursements
of $ 6,378.08, leaving total cash resources of $91,121.41 at the end of the 4th
Quarter.
APA (formerly Air Power Arkansas) Report – Chris Roberts reported receipts
of $7,630.26, no withdrawals for a balance of $25,505.79. Chris announced that
the APA committee is being activated this year to raise funds to support the AMC
Rodeo teams, which is part of their charter. He also said they would support the
60th Anniversary Ball, but it has its own committee which will be raising funds,
also. He told members to expect to hear from them when fund raising begins.
by the Executive Board: Bryan Day, Cynde Maddox, David Martin and Beverly
Williams.
Col Keith Green, 314th AW/CV, stood in for Col James Dryjanski. The 314th just
completed an inspection and were rated an overall “Highly Effective”. They also
had the fewest write-ups of all AETC Bases. Currently there are 385 students
here, 11 of which are international students. For FY 16-17, the projection is for an
average of 1,600 students per year.
Col Domenic Sarnataro, 189th OG/CC spoke for Col Robert Ator. They are on
track to have 970 students. They have 17 airframes on the ramp and are close to
100% manning. Col Ator is in DC for an AF Commander’s Call. He attended the
“Portraits of Courage”, representing MSgt Dan Wassom, who was killed in the
tornado last spring.
Lt Col Neil Hede, 327th OG/CC spoke on behalf of the 913th AG. He said they
have 12 airframes at this time and 600 personnel, 120 of whom are full time. The
Reserve Unit is now an operational mission under the 19th AW. They will be
transitioning from the “H” model to the “J” model later this year.
Col Patrick Rhatigan, 19th AW/CC. told the audience that he and the other CC’s
just returned from DC attending the AF Chief of Staff’s Commander’s Call.
Speakers relayed that the AF has to change, and can no longer do business as
usual. Strategies must change to adapt & respond faster to adversarial threats
the next 30 years. They do not anticipate any more cuts in manpower, but
demands are up, meeting them with the smallest AF in history (313,000 in 1947;
306,000 now). Currently, LRAFB has 300 deployed, including Afghanistan, Horn
of Africa, the Yukon and central Europe. The 19th AW leadership recently had a
day long strategy session focused on being more efficient. Some areas
discussed were functioning as one AF (combining active duty, ANG and AFR
integrated into one wing), deepening community relationships to create what will
be known as “hybrid bases”. The P4 Initiative addresses how to do this by
reducing excess capacity, partnering for services and programs, etc. We are way
ahead of most bases already.
Col Rhatigan said many of LRAFB’s challenges for this process fall under the Civil
Engineer’s purview. He then introduced Lt Col Michael Klapmeyer, Commander of
the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron. Lt Col Klapmeyer began by saying he was a big
fan of STEM outreach to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers and
ensure our nation remains competitive on a global scale. His job as the civil engineer
squadron commander is to develop, operate, sustain and protect LRAFB as a
platform for the projection of combat airlift for the United States. Air Force civil
engineers have a challenging job, maintaining a pavement total 229 times larger than
DFW Airport and acreage equivalent to 3 times the land mass of Connecticut. In FY
2014, LRAFB obtained a record-setting $190 million in project funds, accounting for
35% of the total amount available in all of Air Mobility Command. Of particular note is
the repair of the 12,000 ft runway over the next two years, where the water table in
that area has undermined the integrity of the subsurface soils. The project will
successfully address the drainage issues on the airfield and will also resolve current
line-of-sight deficiencies that compromise pilot visibility and safety. A new fuel cell
maintenance hangar should be complete this July. Because we are AETC’s Center
of Excellence for training, a new simulator will be installed later this year.
Infrastructure improvements include natural gas, electrical distribution, and roadways.
For the airmen and families, the former BX is being totally revitalized into “The
Commons,” a consolidated community support facility. It will house a new library,
Airmen & Family Readiness Center, and a community center. Demolishing the old
buildings these activities are currently housed in will results in a cost savings of
approximately $300,000 a year. Lt Col Klapmeyer also discussed an Encroachment
Management initiative, where LRAFB will identify actions likely to inhibit, curtail, or
impede current or future activities within the LRAFB mission footprint; or any
deliberate Air Force activity that is incompatible with the community’s use of its
resources. Local governments and other stakeholders will be integral to that process.
The future of LRAFB will see a blurring of the lines between military and community.
Through key community partnerships, we will ensure LRAFB remains a strong and
viable installation, able to efficiently and effectively support our national security
objectives.
Announcements
Brad reminded members that dues are payable this month, as well as
Member Update forms.
The “Welcome Home Vietnam Vets” event is set for April 11 at the Jax
Museum of Military History.
He encouraged member to purchase the Rock & Role license plate when
renewing tags. Proceeds are for scholarships through the LRAFB Spouses’
Club.
Finally, he acknowledged the years of service to the AF and Community
Council of Cynde Maddox, who will be retiring Feb. 27th. She has been the
“face of the Base” for most civilians through her community liaison work with
the Public Affairs office. A standing applause followed.
Adjournment. With no other business, the meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm.
Members:
Mike Berg, Ed Bibb, Karilyn Brown, Nancy Burger, John Carlton, Marcia Cook,
Don Crabbe, Mayor Bill Cypert, Annabelle Davis, DannaKay Duggar, Steve
Eggensperger, Kenny Elliott, Jim Elmer, Sen Jane English, Garrick Feldman,
Mayor Gary Fletcher, Brad Ford, John Garner, Ken Gill, Lucien Gillham, Denise
Goforth, Daniel Gray, Thad Gray, Caite Hall, Beverly Harper, Jay Hartman, Brad
Hegeman, John Henderson, Thea Hughes, Judy Keller, Chief Alan Laughy,
Bobby Lester, Cynde Maddox, Dan Mahoney, Eugene Malik, Richard Marendt,
Dale McGregor, Barbara Merrick, Denisa Pennington, Steve Perry, Sonya
Premeaux, Lana Roach, Chris Roberts, Chief Phil Robinson, Barry Sellers, Nancy
Shefflette, Jake Short, Mark Stocks, Tommy Swaim, Terry Toney, Matt Twyford,
Kelly Watson, Mayor Michael Watson, Terry Weatherford, Brad West, Jay
Whisker, Amy Williams, T. P. Wiliams, Larry Wilson, Mark Wilson, Mike Wilson,
Mayor Virginia Young.
Military Guests:
Col Robert Ator, Lt Col Charles Bolton, Lt Col Dawn Brooks, Lt Col Dawson
Brumbelow, CMSgt Rhonda Buening, Capt Lissete Booker, Lt Col Angela Cross,
Lt Col Heather Cudley, Col Craig Drescher, Lt Amanda Farr, Col Keith Green, Maj
Jamey Hartsell, Col Mike Klapmeyer, CMSgt Brian LaBounty, Col Dan Lockertt,
Col Clay Mason, Lt Col Chris Montanaro, Col Bill Otter, John Steele, Lt Col
Kimberly Tooman, Louis Vance, Col Steve Weaver, Maj Michelle Whitfield,.
CODELS: Russell Hagood (Cong Cotton), Annamarie Atwood (Lt Gov Griffin)
GUESTS:
Adam Starks, Tony Wood, Andrew-James Coy, Nancy Douglas, Chief James
Bedwell, Sarah Jones, Nikke Wentling
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Second Quarter - 2015
May 12, 2015
HANGAR 1080
MEETING CALLED
TO
ORDER
Minutes of 1st Quarter Meeting 2015 - Minutes were approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report - Daniel Gray reported receipts of $14,838.47, disbursements
of $13,307.37, leaving total cash resources of $92,652.51 at the end of the 1st
Quarter.
APA Report – Chris Roberts reported receipts of $306.22, withdrawals of
$754.00, leaving a balance of $25,058.01. Chris announced that AMC Rodeo has
been cancelled, so the committee will not have to raise funds for it. However, he
said they would support the 60th Anniversary Ball, but it has its own committee
which will be raising funds, also. He told members to expect to hear from them
when fund raising begins.
by the Executive Board: Nancy Burger, Carmen “Caite” Hall, Timothy “TJ”
Johnston, Maureen “MO” Overton and Kelly Watson.
Col Bill Otter, 19th AW/CV represented Col Rhatigan, who is taking his “fini” flight
today before his change of command on May 27th. The 19th currently has 450
deployed now, with more to leave soon, as well as return soon. Airmen are in
Afghanistan, fighting anit-ISIS in Iraq, Europe, and the African continent, not to
mention several scattered around the world. They recently completed another
Green Flag exercise with the Illinois and Nevada Guard, support airborne and
British troops. The runway will be reduced to half length in July, but will not impact
the mission. LRAFB is actively involved in shaping the future with the “Integrated
Wing” initiative 2023. The thought is to combine all units into a single organization
for better efficiency. The Charter for the P4 partnership between LRAFB and City
of Jacksonville was signed representing the intent and process to partner in a
number of areas. Finally, although the ten “J”s will stay at Keesler, the Base will
be working with them for flight operations. He thanked the community for support
during the past 60 years, culminating with the Ball this fall.
Col Keith Green, 314th AW/CV, stood in for Col James Dryjanski. The 314th
currently has 3896 students here, 215 on the “H” and 181 on the “J”. The project
1,600 students this year. With the Yakota Japan base receiving “J;s”, we expect
more students from there. Airmen are in Iraq, Afghanistan as air advisors to be
sure they are operating the “J’s” as trained.
Col Robert Ator, 189th AW/CC commented that while several Wing leaders are
leaving this summer, the ANG is the constant. They have 400 students in the
FTU. Several from Security Forces are deployed, with more from CE ready. The
AMP program is still being discussed in Congress. With recent weather events,
the RRAT teams have been busy with rescues, clean up medical deliveries. All
this with both part-time & full time Guardsmen standing ready to serve.
Col Craig Drescher, 913th AG/CC. Having only been here six weeks, he has
already seen how busy it is. The Reserve unit have 25 deployed from the Aerial
Support Squadron. At the last drill, he awarded decorations to several members.
Since not getting the Keelser air frames, their mission may be altered, but
unit still here to stay. All teamwork initiatives will continue long term.
PROGRAM - MR. Bobby Lester, Interim Jax/North Pulaski Superintendent
Daniel Gray introduced Mr. Lester by saying Mr. Lester was PCSSD Superintendent
when he was in grade school. Lester recognizes the importance of this issue to the
quality of life for military families stationed at LRAFB. The interim Board on which
Daniel serves hired Lester, a proven leader in education, who has extensive
background & knowledge of the issues facing the new school district.
Mr. Lester began by saying he has been a member of the Community Council since
1985, so knows well the importance of LRAFB and its missions. He recounted the
history of the Base being located here and the pending 60th Anniversary celebration in
October.
After 30 years of effort, last fall the local citizens voted 95% to create its own school
district and leave the Pulaski County Special School District. He came out of
retirement to be hired as the interim superintendent until June 30. At that time, Mr.
Tony Wood will take over as the first official superintendent of the Jacksonville/North
Pulaski School district. During this transition time, zoning had to be determined for
Board positions, which will be five (5) zones and two (2) at-large members. The
millage rate will be 40.7 mils, the current rate for PCSSD. It will need to be increased
later to help with construction and overhead costs, the issue most likely on the ballot
in 2016. Staffing issues are also being discussed as to how teachers will be hired or
re-assigned based on the split. A process is in place to reach a settlement that is fair
to the teachers and both districts.
Timeline:
This summer two assistant
superintendents will be hired, who will then hire principals. By January, interviews for
teachers will begin. By fall of 2016, the split should be complete. Plans are for the
current middle school to be closed and merged into Northwood for 2015-16 school
year. In 2016-17, North Pulaski will then become the middle school, and NPHS &
JHS will be combined. The band & athletics programs will merge this fall. The Air
Force is partnering to provide at a low/no cost lease for land across from NPHS for a
new elementary school. Arnold Drive Elementary on LRAFB will be moved into the
new school as well as Tolleson Elementary. Also, the AF has offered 240 acres east
of NPHS site for additional campus space to build a new high school. This would put
all secondary school on one campus. The AF has pledged $18 million cash & in-kind
to support the construction of the new elementary school. A group has been hired to
study the eligibility process to obtain 40-50% State matching funds to help with all the
costs. Mr. Wood was introduced to the group. He was superintendent in Searcy for
16 years, during which time technology was introduced into the classrooms and new
school buildings were built. Mr. Lester ended by saying the next few years will not be
easy, but will set a new path for success of the new school district.
He thanked LRAFB for their continued presence here, and the outstanding
community relationship that has been maintained.
Announcements
Mr. Hegeman asked the military members who will be leaving this summer to
stand & thanked them for their service while here.
Adjourned: With no other business, the meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm.
Members:
Amy Arnone, Chief Kenny Boyd, Danny Brightwell, Marina Brooks, Nancy Burger,
John Carlton, Nancy Chlapecka, Jamie Cobb, Don Crabbe, Mayor Bill Cypert,
Annabelle Davis, Wendall Dorman, Michael Driggers, DannaKay Duggar, Steve
Eggensperger, Kenny Elliott, Jim Elmer, Sen Jane English, Michael Florence,
Brad Ford, Robert Fortney, John Garner, Ken Gill, Lucien Gillham, Thad Gray, Pat
Hagge, Caite Hall, Beverly Harper, Brad Hegeman, State Rep Doug House, Thea
Hughes, Judge Barry Hyde, State Rep Bob Johnson, TJ Johnston, Ken Keplinger,
Judy Keller, Hank Klein,Chief Alan Laughy, Bobby Lester, Judy Love, Lisa Lucker,
Cynde Maddox, Dan Mahoney, Eugene Malik, Dale McGregor, Barbara Merrick,
Ginny Moulton, Andrew Norman, Mo Overton, Andy Patel, Denisa Pennington,
Steve Perry, Sonya Premeaux, Courtney Probst, Lana Roach, Aaron Robinson,
Chief Phil Robinson, Carl Rosenabum, Yolly Seedibood, Barry Sellers, Tonya
Sexton, Nancy Shefflette, Ralph Shoptaw, John Sims, Ralph Smith, Adam Starks,
Mark Stocks, Ginger Stuart, Roger Sumdermeier, Tommy Swaim, Chris Tafner,
Terry Toney, Matt Twyford, Kelly Watson, Terry Weatherford, Brad West, Amy
Williams, Mark Wilson, Mike Wilson, Chad Young.
Military Guests:
Lt Col John Arellanes, Col Robert Ator, Col Chris Bennett, Maj Gen Mark Berry,
Col Charles Bolton, Lt Col Dawn Brooks, Col Eric Brooks, Col Chip Brown, Lt Col
James Bruner, CMSgt Rhonda Buening, Lt Col Robert Chatam, Lt Col Don Clark,
Lt Col Heather Clay, Lt Col Heather Cooley, Cheri Dragos-Pritchard, Col Craig
Drescher, Col Jeff Gast, Lt Amanda Farr, Maj James Hartsell, Lt Col Henderson,
Maj Michael Hickam, CMSgt Lewis Holston, Lt Col William Holyfield, Capt
Zachary Hunt, Capt John Killian, Col Mike Klapmeyer, CMSgt Brian LaBounty,
Col Doug Littlefield, Col Chris Montanaro, Bob Oldham, Tammy Reed, Col Don
Sarnataro, Maj Michael Scianna, Mike Ramsey, Maj Randy Sellers, Maj Peyton
Smith, Capt Casey Staheli, Lt Col Dale Standley, John Steele, Maj Grey
Steenburge, Maj Jared Thompson, Lt Col Mark Timko, Col Joe Wilson, Louis
Vance.
CODELS: Anita Deason (Sen Boozman), Russell Hagood (Sen Cotton), Richard
Maxwell & Tom McNabb (Cong Hill), Annamarie Atwood (Lt Gov Griffin), Ken
Griffin (Gov Hutchinson)
GUESTS:
Charlotte Brown, Molly Bennett, Kelly Lyon, Billy Holt, Les McGregor, Dianne
Williams, Rebecca Rheinhardt,
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Third Quarter - 2015
August 20, 2015
HANGAR 1080
MEETING CALLED
TO
ORDER
Minutes of 2nd Quarter Meeting 2015 - Minutes were approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report – Barbara Merrick reported receipts of $4,722.10,
disbursements of $9,064.551 leaving total cash resources of $88,310.10 at the
end of the 2nd Quarter.
APA Report – Barbara reported receipts of $5,406.82, withdrawals of $400.00,
leaving a balance of $30,064.83. Amy Mattison provided information about the
upcoming 60th Anniversary Ball October 9th. Cards with specific sponsorship
information are on the tables. Opportunities exist to be a sponsor with benefits
according to the level of the contribution or even to just sponsor an airman. She
announced that the Community Council is the “Presenting Sponsor”. The Ball
has a link from the website, also, www.lrafbc.us
by the Executive Board: Amy Arnone, Joe Farrer, Chief Kenny Boyd, Lisa Lucker,
Adam Starks and Tony Wood.
Marketing Report – Roger Sundermeier encouraged members and military to
purchase the Rock & Role license plate when getting new tags. Each tag sold
puts $25 toward the Spouses’ Club scholarship fund. He also mentioned the idea
of a newsletter that would be created to keep members informed. It would be
emailed on a bi-weekly basis.
Col Jeff Gast, 314th AW/CV, stood in for Col James Dryjanski. He commented he
has only been here a few weeks, but has been stationed here before. They are
continuing with the training mission, expecting about 1,600 students this year.
There is currently a Norwegian General here training. He still expects the 62nd will
continue to draw down.
Col Robert Ator, 189th AW/CC commented that while many new faces have
joined the leadership team this summer, they continue to work together. The
189th recently had summer camp at Gulfport for training exercises. There are
currently two squadrons (SFS & CE) deployed in harm’s way. The unit is also
beginning to take a larger load in training. They are manned for 12 airframes, but
currently have 23. The partnership on the flightline helps that situation. The 913th
loaned them four aircraft to help with training needs. They are continuing to
explore emerging missions. For instance, with the 123rd moving to Ft. Smith, their
building is secure enough to host a cyber-type mission. This could possibly add
four more squadrons to the unit.
Col Craig Drescher, 913th AG/CC. Since the unit started five years ago, its
missions have changed from a small detachment for training C130-H crews to
group status flying with the 19th in a combat-ready mision. They recently flew 485
Army troops from Ft. Benning, as well as other transport missions as needed.
Since the 913th did not get the 10 airframes from Keesler as planned, its future is
now uncertain. Because of that uncertainly, several Reservists have opted to
leave the unit or transfer to other units with more stability. It has gone from 32
instructors down to only five. An announcement is expected soon. He expects the
913th to still be here and continue to be associated with the 19th for flying
purposes.
PROGRAM - COLONEL CHARLES “CHIP” BROWN, COMMANDER, 19TH AW
Brad Hegeman introduced Col Brown as the new Commander of the 19th
Airlift Wing, having assumed Command May 23rd. Col Brown commented
that of his 21 years in the AF, five had been spent here, which is the only
Base they really could call “home”. The 19th currently has 500 deployed, with
about half coming back in September. In his first 90 days here, he has
trained with the 189th and the 913th.
On the morning of June 15th, day 19 of being here, there was an “active
shooter” event at the front gate. He gave a riveting account of the entire
event, especially noting the quick response of the defenders at the gate. His
initial thought when getting the call was that AMC had pulled an
unannounced “active shooter” exercise. That was not the case. The
individual who became the “shooter” was driving 80 mph toward the gate
when he hit a semi that had stopped and was waiting to turn around. His
vehicle crashed and stopped within a few feet of the gate house. Defenders
immediately responded, initially to call for medical assistance, but quickly
turned to a defense posture. As it happened, the 189th had 10 defenders on
site for an exercise that day, and responded quickly as needed. Another
defender bolted out of the Gate House, while a third one ran from the
commercial check point lane. Twenty shots were fired during the event.
People in cars at the entrance were running, uncertain of what was
happening. The Base was locked down. The Jacksonville police responded
in less than two minutes. The Sherwood police secured the Hwy 107 gate.
Public Affairs engaged immediately to handle media presence. By 2:45 pm, it
was all over and everything cleared. The shooter was the only casualty.
The result of this event is a testimony to the partnerships between the
communities, JPD, SPD, 189th and SFS.
Concerning the viability of LRAFB, Col Brown said that during 60 years, the
Base has hosted 13 different missions. Each one has been successful and
led to more missions. The 19th is almost to the end of converting from “H”
models to the “J” model. They have dropped from 41 H-model with three
crews each (about 15 per crew) to 28 J-models with two crews (six per crew).
While right-sizing the J-model wings, infrastructure will adjust accordingly.
The Base plans include preserving buildings for possible mission growth in
the future. He commented that this Base has been successful with every
mission it has been charged with for 60 years. That is the best testament for
viability. It also shows that community matters, as the Base is so
exceptionally supported by the local area. He thanked the group for that, and
asked for continued support in the future.
Announcements
Mr. Hegeman welcomed all the military members who have arrived this
summer, most in new leadership roles.
Adjourned: With no other business, the meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm.
AirPower Arkansas AirPower Arkansas is the only permanent standing committee under the Little Rock AFB Community Council. The specific function of this committee is to coordinate efforts of fundraising to provide for the effective accomplishments of specific events by Team Little Rock and to raise community awareness and appreciation for the Airmen of Little Rock AFB. This fiscal year, AirPower Arkansas raised $70,000 for the October 2015 60th Anniversary Gala. 60th Anniversary Gala Tracker Cash Donor Amt. Pldg. LRAFB Community Council
Nabholz Construction
Legislators GIF
First Command
Ark. Fed. Cred. Union
Lockheed Martin
City of Jacksonville
First Ark. Bank & Trust
Entergy
Webster University
Sherwood A & P
Coldwell Banker‐RPM
Embassy Suites‐ LR
USAA
Ark. AG Office
Rolls Royce‐North America
TOTALS $
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
10,000.00
10,000.00
9,000.00
7,500.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
4,000.00
2,500.00
2,500.00
2,500.00
500.00
500.00
500.00
500.00
500.00
$ 65,500.00 Inv. Sent yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Amt. Rec'd. $
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
15,000.00
10,000.00
9,000.00
7,500.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
4,000.00
2,500.00
2,500.00
2,500.00
500.00
500.00
500.00
500.00
$ 70,000.00 yes
Contact Annabelle Davis
Brad Hegeman
Amy Mattison
Daniel Mahoney
Denise Goforth
Jon Hawley
Jay Whisker
Larry Wilson
Barbara Merrick
Caite Hall
Marina Brooks
Ken Gill
Ginny Moulton
Amy Mattison
Amy Mattison
Dave Kasburg
Sponsorship Level Presenting Sponsor
Social Hour Sponsor
Food
Com. Coin Sponsor
VIP Sponsor
VIP Sponsor
VIP Sponsor
Photo Station
Partner Sponsor
Partner Sponsor
Partner Sponsor
Patron Sponsor
Patron Sponsor
Patron Sponsor
Patron Sponsor
Patron Sponsor
In Kind Donor Source One
Cabbage Rose Florist
TOTALS Value $
$
1,184.63
3,827.00
$ 5,011.63 What Comp
Discount
Category Printing
Flowers
Contact Committee Liaison Denise Goforth
Denise Goforth
100Veteran’s Circle
501-241-1943
TheJacksonvilleMuseumofMilitaryHistory
supportsthe
Little Rock Air Force Base
Military Community Councils
There are several military community councils in central Arkansas. The councils were established to encourage
a strong relationship between the LRAFB / Camp Pike & Camp Robinson and local businesses and citizens.
The councils meet on a monthly or quarterly basis and are hosted by local chambers of commerce. By building
a pre-existing bond with the base and the community we are better able to assist each other in minor and major
ways. When the little town of Mayflower and Vilonia were hit by a devastating tornado damaging or
destroying homes of many military personnel and killing a member of the Air Force Guard, the local
communities were already geared up and ready to assist immediately.
The Jacksonville Museum of Military History is an active member of the following military community
councils.
 LRAFB Community Council
 Camp Pike / Camp Robinson Community Council
 North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Military Relations Community Council
 Sherwood Chamber of Commerce Military Relations Community Council
 Air Force Association
 Arkansas Veterans Coalition
Host for Military Civilian Functions
As base security becomes a greater and greater concern it has become more difficult to hold socials on base.
The museum has volunteered to host these socials so that high ranking military visitors can meet the local
community leaders. By hosting these events at no charge, the military saves money, lessens the hassles for
civilian leaders to get on the base and frees military security to spend their time on other duties. On a lighter
note, the museum exhibits and displays help facilitate interaction between attendees and educates visiting
military personnel on the rich military history of Arkansas.
In 2015 the Jacksonville Museum of Military History hosted the following events.
 LRAFB Key Spouses Recognition Ceremony & Luncheon
 LRAFB International Student Lunch
 LRAFB Spouses Tour
Page 2
Events:
4th Annual Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day
 Honor and Remembrance Ceremony
 Dinner on the Grounds (No charge for Vietnam Veterans)
 Large vinyl map of Vietnam for veterans to sign
 Free viewing of PBS documentary “The Last Days in Vietnam”
 “From Arkansas to the Silver Fields of Vietnam” The display consists of one dog tag
for each Arkansans killed in Vietnam. The dog tags are hung from the ceiling in the
lobby of the museum with the layout in the shape of the state of Arkansas. Each dog tag
has the name of the soldier, branch of service and hometown. There is locater map on the
wall to help friends and family members find the dog tag of their KIA. The display will
remain in place thru the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War which will end in the year
2025
Heritage Day at the Museum:
 Held the Saturday before Memorial Day
 The museum is open at no charge
 Free hotdogs and hamburgers provided by Centennial Bank
 Free viewing of PBS documentary “The Last Days in Vietnam”
 Free viewing of documentary “Injury Slight…Please Advise.”
Assisted with décor at the 60th Anniversary Ball of Little Rock Air Force Base
The Jacksonville Museum made a contribution to the Air Force Ball by loaning one of a kind
artifacts relating to the history of the Little Rock Air Force Base for display purposes. These
items ranged from an opening day program of the base in 1955 thru 60’s, 70’s and 80’s with the
SAC Titian II program up to current day with photos and narrative of LRAFB participation in
OIF and OEF.
Restoration & Dedication of Vietnam Helicopter UH-1B 64-14150
The Jacksonville Museum of Military History in cooperation with the City of Jacksonville and
volunteers from the LRAFB, restored the Vietnam Helicopter UH-1B 64-1415 or “Buc One Five
Zero” and placed it on a pedestal as a static display on the grounds of the museum. We worked
closely with the original crew chief and door gunner, Mr. Sam Grimes of Snow Flake Arizona to
restore it to its original Vietnam Era appearance. On Saturday November 7th we dedicated the
helicopter “in honor and remembrance of all Vietnam Helicopter Crew Members.
Representatives of the City of Jacksonville, museum staff, local Vietnam helicopter pilots,
volunteers from LRAFB, and Mr. Sam Grimes were present for the dedication.
Christmas Collection for Veterans
Every year the Jacksonville Museum of Military History partners with the Major Jacob Gray
Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to collect needed items for the Fort Roots
Veterans Hospital in North Little Rock Arkansas. Items range from new clothing, personal care
items, laundry soap, and recreational items. This has become such a Christmas tradition in our
community that local often start bringing in items before we have sent out the request. In
December of 2014 with the support from the community we collected over 13,000 items at a
value of over $4,800.00
Page 3
Events continued
Miscellaneous:
 Participated in the 2015 National Salute to Veterans Patients at Fort Roots Veterans
Hospital in North Little Rock

April 14th 2014 we along with other communities in Arkansas rang our Memorial Bell 13
times to commemorate the passage of the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery

Hosted Military Appreciation Night at the minor league baseball Arkansas Travelers
Game. Free admission to game was provided by the museum for the military and
members of their family

Attendance at change of command from Col. Rhatigan to Col. Brown. Followed by
reception for Col. Brown

Assisted in setup/take down of Memorial Day Flags at the North Little Rock Veterans
Cemetery

Participated in the 2015 Sherwood Veterans Day Parade

Hosted 2015 Veterans Day Concert performed by the Jacksonville High School Choir

Hosted the Arkansas Fallen Flag Field during the week of Veterans Day
Supporting / Supplementary Material Government Interaction & Partnership Efforts COMBAT AIRLIFTER
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015
TOP STORY >> P4: New partnership program
helps make every dollar count
By Cheri Dragos-Pritchard
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
In 2014 Little Rock Air Force Base began a new way of doing business to address budget
reductions across the Air Force – it’s the Public-to-Public, Public-to-Private Partnerships or
better known as the P4 Community Partnership Program.
This program is designed to shape the future of Little Rock Air Force Base and the local
communities by forming partnerships. These partnerships help leverage the capabilities and
resources of both. Working together, the base and the communities ensure the base remains
viable, postured for the future and families are well-taken care of.
“As we move into 2015, we want to refine the P4 process and explore new opportunities,”
said John Steele, 19th Mission Support Group deputy director. “Our base has been here for
almost 60 years and we’ve been home to a wide variety of aircraft and weapon systems that
provided Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power. We have an obligation to the
Air Force and the people of central Arkansas to continue this proud heritage. To do that, we
need the community’s help.”
To build on this initiative, base and community leadership have pulled together a team to
focus on making the P4 Program a success for central Arkansas.
Some of the partnering initiatives that will be further investigated in 2015 are:
• Joint Shooting Range
• Mass Transit/Pedestrian Access
• Workforce Transition
• Wellness Services
• Aero Club
Currently, the team is diligently working on a series of initiatives dealing with
infrastructure, education, libraries, etc. Each initiative has gone or will go through a legal
review and a cross-functional task force of subject matter experts to determine the best, most
cost-effective way forward.
“We are progressing with the action plans drafted for our original P4 initiatives and
continue to develop our path forward,” Steele stated. “Fiscal challenges continue to change
the way we do business, and sequestration is not going away anytime soon. It is our new
way of operating.”
Steele went on to say the team needed to continue to find ways to sustain our base for the
future.
“This team did great things during 2014 with the original nine initiatives,” Steele said.
“We need to keep that momentum going. We are on the leading edge of P4 and we need to
keep it that way.”
Sustainment of the P4 program depends on the innovative ideas of community partners.
To submit an idea, contact Steele at john.steele.4@us.af.mil or 501-987-1905.
POSTED BY L R AFB D RO P Z O N E A T 1 2 : 3 9 P M
Civic leaders take to the sky
by Tammy L. Reed
10/1/2015 - LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --
Col. Charles Brown Jr., 19th Airlift Wing commander (left), and Chief Master Sgt. Rhonda Buening, 19th AW command chief (right), stand with a group of 25 civic leaders from the
local community Sept. 25, 2015, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The group flew on a C-130J to Dyess AFB, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Harry Brexel)
Local community members from businesses and organizations surrounding the base reported at base operations with a 6:30 a.m. show time, Friday,
September 25, for a special mission.
Their goal - to learn first-hand about the Air Force's mission and how they, as civic leaders, can work with Team Little Rock to mutually support their
communities and the base.
Approximately 25 men and women from towns like Cabot, Sherwood, Jacksonville and Little Rock took part in the annual Team Little Rock Civic
Leader Tour which gave the local leaders a chance to fly aboard a 19th Airlift Wing C-130J see another base's mission up close.
Participants in this year's tour hopped a C-130J flown by Team Little Rock Commander Col. Charles Brown Jr. to Dyess AFB, Texas, to meet with 7th
Bomb Wing and 317th Airlift Group leaders and learn about their base's mission and how they work with the Abilene, Texas community. Dyess' story is
much the same as LRAFB, as Abilene provided land for the base, like Jacksonville did for LRAFB. Both communities continue their close ties with their
respective bases through partnerships and sharing resources.
"My favorite part of the experience was spending time in the cockpit of the C-130. It was such a unique thing to do. I enjoyed the views, learning about
the equipment and visiting with the pilots," said Haley Lagassé, Central Arkansas Library System Head of Public Services and Main Library.
Colonel Brown, Chief Master Sgt. Rhonda Buening, 19th Airlift Wing Command Chief; John Steele, 19th Mission Support Group deputy commander
and the civic leaders then joined Dyess leaders for a stop at the B-1 bomber simulator; lunch with Dyess Military Affairs Committee members; and a
quick weapons demonstration before touring the base and ending with a walk through of a B-1 bomber in the flesh.
"When I saw the C-130, B-1 simulator and the actual B-1 aircraft and its associated avionics equipment, it reinforced the theory I teach in the
classrooms with practical military applications," said Harding University, Associate Professor Charles Wu who teaches circuits, electronics, digital
signal processing and communication theory.
After flying back to Little Rock, Lagassé said she was impressed by the hospitality displayed by all of the Air Force personnel, and it was interesting to
hear from Dyess about their frequent deployments.
"It was obvious throughout the day, the sense of comradery that base personnel have with each other, and I learned more about how the Air Force
intentionally cultivates that from personnel at Dyess," she added. "I enjoyed learning about the community partnerships both bases have with other
organizations in their respective communities."
60th Anniversary About Us | Create Account | Publisher Login | Subscribe/Unsubscribe | Contact Us
Boozman Recognizes 60th Anniversary of Little Rock Air Force
Base
U.S. Senator John Boozman recognized the 60th anniversary of Little Rock
Air Force Base in the Congressional Record, the official proceedings of
Congress.
Publish Date: 2015-10-14
PoliticalNews.me - Oct 14,2015 - Boozman Recognizes 60th
Anniversary of Little Rock Air Force Base
WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator John Boozman recognized the 60th
anniversary of Little Rock Air Force Base in the Congressional Record,
the official proceedings of Congress.
Boozman’s office presentED a copy of the Congressional Record
statement at the anniversary celebration. The following remarks are
printed in the Congressional Record:
Mr. President, I rise today to honor the men and women of Little Rock
Air Force Base and the surrounding communities for their steadfast
support, spirit of service, and faithful dedication to the defense of our
nation.
In 1951, community leaders in Jacksonville, Arkansas and the
surrounding region began petitioning Congress for the creation of a local
air base. The needed support was unattainable in the post-World War II
environment, so supporters took it upon themselves to raise the money
and purchase the land required for the base. In only 32 days, these air
base advocates raised more than $800,000, and with the combination of
purchased and donated land, 6,359 acres were gifted to the U.S.
government for the establishment of Little Rock Air Force Base.
On October 9, 1955, the base officially opened. Since that day, it’s
served as a strategic operating location for numerous mission sets. From
reconnaissance and bomber alert missions to the ever-present readiness
of Titan II missile crews, Little Rock Air Force Base stood ready. With
their cargo aircraft and selfless airmen, the base has responded to
numerous natural disasters and humanitarian missions. Most recently,
with the C-130 Hercules, Little Rock Airmen have had a continuous
global presence. From training members of three U.S. services and 20
foreign nations to supporting operations on five of the seven continents,
they embody their motto as “The Home of Combat Airlift.”
Over the past 60 years, the men and women of Little Rock Air Force
Base have employed weapons systems covering every key tenant of Air
Power. Currently, the base seamlessly blends Active Duty, Air National
Guard and Air Force Reserve Command personnel into a singular
fighting machine, taking Airmen from initial qualification through
graduate-level training.
From its inception, Little Rock Air Force Base has been uniquely suited
to fulfill any mission it is presented. The support of the community
provides an unmatched strength that cannot be countered by any weapon
system. The people of central Arkansas have opened their hearts and
homes for six decades to welcome the men and women of the United
States military.
Mr. President, I am proud to represent the men and women of Little
Rock Air Force Base and the communities who support them. I am
grateful for their service and dedication and look forward to a future of
continued success and cooperation.
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LRAFB’s heritage one of service to world,
nation, community
Airman 1st Class Mercedes Muro/19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Published October 22, 2015 at 12:00 a.m.
File photo
A C-130J takes off at the Little Rock Air Force base after the crew performed a touch-and-go landing on one of the LRAFB runways. At right is one
of the C-130H models of this transport plane that has also been a part of the history of the base in Jacksonville. When this photograph was taken in
2003, the base was preparing to receive the newer model C-130Js. LRAFB is marking its 60th year of existence this year.
In 1955, a pocket of Jacksonville was carved out and dedicated to serving the country. For 60 years, that sculpture has
become the Little Rock Air Force Base. It has sustained its presence by accomplishing a variety of missions, hosting
several units and earning awards such as the Air Force Outstanding Unit award in 2014.
However, the Little Rock AFB is as successful as it is because the community took so much care in molding the base and
ensuring that it had everything needed to operate successfully and efficiently.
“In 1951, the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce learned the Air Force was looking to build an air base, and a
campaign was formed to bring the base to Jacksonville,” said DannaKay Duggar, the Jacksonville Military Museum director
and a local resident.
That campaign evolved into the Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council. The goal of the council was to correspond
with the Air Force and bring a base to Jacksonville.
“The Community Council corresponded with the Air Force officials through a letter to let them know they were interested in
bringing a base to Arkansas,” said Warren Dupree, Jacksonville Military Museum facilities manager. “The officials were
interested because, at the time, Arkansas didn’t have an air base.”
The Community Council also learned that in order to build a military installation, the land had to be donated to the
Department of Defense.
“Approximately 50 to 80 local groups donated a total of approximately 6,000 acres of land,” Dupree said. “Many people
were willing to donate their land; there were very few who didn’t want to give up their land. There was even a fund to buy
out landowners.”
Photo Galleries
In addition to providing land, community members contributed to funding the $50 million project.
The groups raised between $650,000 and $800,000 to contribute to the project. After two years of construction, the base
opened to the public with its first open house on Oct. 9, 1955, and was already occupied by 100 officers and more than
1,000 enlisted members.
Without the reliability of the community, the base would not have been able to accomplish so many missions. Airmen,
similar to the multiple aircraft and units who have passed through the base, have done many things to benefit the
community, including contributing to its income.
“Little Rock AFB is one of the highest employers in central Arkansas,” Duggar said. “Even service members, veterans and
retirees seek employment in the surrounding areas.”
The base has become known as the place to retire from — and many do.
“People who are stationed here tend to retire here and become teachers, police officers and firemen,” Duggar said. “So
they still, in some way, help out the community, even though their military careers are over.”
And when service members retire and get their blue ID cards, many decide to continue their careers and support the local
area by working on the base through contracted companies.
“I liked it here so much I made it my base of preference after five years, and I haven’t left since then,” said Danny Gregg, a
local Little Rock AFB retiree resident. “It’s easy to make friends here and make good relationships.”
Gregg, a resident since 1988, has noticed the stable ties between the base and the community that have created lasting
personal ties, too.
“I believe that military members can make friends and have good relationships with individuals in the community because
of the relationship on base,” Gregg said. “The base holds a lot of respect for the community, the same way the community
has a lot of respect for the base.”
The ties with the community are often formed through professional experiences.
However, sometimes the connections — forged between service members and community members — can generate
personal growth.
“Being in the military, I’ve seen a lot of things,” said Airman 1st Class Kayleigh Fountain, a 19th Force Support Squadron
re-enlistments technician and active community member. “However, the community here has made me even more openminded. I’m more eager to learn about different backgrounds and become a better wingman.”
Even civilians have felt personal improvement working with other service members.
“I work with in a professional environment and with people who are polite and maintain high standards,” said Monica
Young, the 19th FSS marketing director. “The environment on base has rubbed off on me and made me more respectful
when I’m working.”
These first 60 years have paved the way for military operations. In the next 60 years, the goal for the Little Rock AFB is to
continue to uphold its standards and ties with the community as the Home of Combat Airlift.
“We are being good stewards of taxpayers when we’re doing everything we can, and we’re ensured that we have all the
resources and training that we need,” said Col. Charles Brown, 19th Airlift Wing commander. “We trust our civil leaders,
and they trust us back. We have confidence that they have our back and that we will do what we’re asked when called
upon.”
THE ARKANSAS LEADER
THE LEADER HAS BEEN NAMED THE BEST LARGE WEEKLY NEWSPAPER IN
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2015
TOP STORY >> Next 60 years at LRAFB
By GARRICK FELDMAN
Leader executive editor
As Little Rock Air Force Base celebrates its 60th anniversary next month, the
construction of a new runway is one of the largest infrastructure projects since the base
opened on Oct. 9, 1955.
Back in the early 1950s, the community raised $1,180,000 ($10.5 million in today’s
dollars) to buy 6,100 acres of land in Jacksonville and donated it to the military, which
spent $48 million (worth $425 million today) to build the air base. Land was also
donated by the Nixon, Dupree and Thompson families and others.
Col. Charles E. Brown Jr., commander of the 19th Airlift Wing, says the new 2.3-mile
runway under construction shows the military plans to use the air base for several
decades, either as the main installation for C-130s or perhaps as a base for other aircraft
30 years from now.
He said the Air Force considers the air base “a national asset.” The base has an annual
economic impact valued at $813.6 million.
“A $124 million project on just a single runway shows the level of interest and
importance the Air Force has in keeping this air base up and running,” Brown said in an
interview last week.
It’s the first major overhaul of the runway in 60 years. In 2010, the base put a new layer
of concrete over its rough surface, but it was just a stopgap measure until a completely
new runway was built.
The new runway will be 12,000 feet long, the same length as the old one, and 150 feet
wide, 50 feet narrower than the existing runway, but deeper. The first phase of the
project is underway with ground preparation and utility work. It includes demolition of
half the runway during construction.
There have been some delays, Brown said, but “as far as getting it done in the fall of
2017, we’re on time.”
Contractors are digging below the surface where the runway was built and will be
putting in a whole new foundation that will handle any airplane, the colonel said.
A Boeing 747 piggybacking the space shuttle landed here in 2001, Brown said. LRAFB is
up there with the most durable bases, such as Edwards Air Force Base in California and
other big test bases when it comes to versatility and reliability, he noted.
“People ask all the time,” Brown said. “What’s the future of Little Rock Air Force Base? I
tell them, ‘Just look at the air park,’” where several types of airplanes going back to the
1950s are on display.
“We’ve had over 12 different missions, very diverse missions, everything from fighters to
bombers to missiles to helicopters supporting the missiles to reconnaissance to now the
home of C-130Js. We’ve also had the KC-130s, the refueling missions. You look at the
history of the air park, and you say to yourself, ‘Someday this may not be the home of
combat airlift, but it will always be Little Rock Air Force Base because every one of those
missions was successful based on support from the community.
“The community made all 12 missions successful. When you blend a perfect
combination, they make it synergistic with the entire installation. It is a great
relationship and design we have here,” the colonel said.
He trained as a navigator and combat pilot, flying the two-seat Strike Eagle F-15Es in
Iraq and Kuwait in 2003 and C-130s in Afghanistan and Iraq in 2005.
“We’re the home of combat airlift, and that’s not by accident,” Brown said. “The C-130 is
the best at what it does — airdrop formation and delivery, as well as intertheater airlift.”
He trained as a navigator at Little Rock Air Force Base in 1998 and flew C-130Es here in
2004. He was also chief of wing safety with the 314th Airlift Wing in 2008-09 and was
commander of the 62nd Airlift Squadron from 2009-11.
He said he loved flying the old C-130s, but “the best thing about the C-130Js is that it
proves that the only thing that can replace the C-130 is another C-130. I loved my time
in the E and H. The J is definitely an advanced technological system with half the crew.
It doesn’t have the flight engineer, the navigator on board. All of that is made up by
computer systems on the aircraft. It flies just like a C-130, a little more power as far as
cargo payload and some extended fuel range and some efficiencies.”
The 19th Airlift Wing has modernized its fleet with all C-130Js and will have a total of 28
on the flightline, one of the busiest in the Air Force. “It goes into the dirt fields in Africa
and Afghanistan,” the colonel said. “It does the heavy lifting in Iraq. When we’re doing
the intertheater airlifts, it’s definitely a priceless asset.”
The 19th Airlift Wing is involved in operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Africa, as well as
supporting Operation New Normal by keeping aircraft on alert at Ramstein Air Base in
Germany and in support of Operation New Normal in West Africa.
“The genius of the C-130 is that it is always involved in something. If it’s not doing
contingency aircraft, it’s hauling humanitarian supplies to forward outposts in Africa.
It’s doing humanitarian airdrops to folks in northern Afghanistan, and it’s doing
airdrops to refugees in Syria and in northern Iraq. So, one facet or another, whatever
you call it, combat contingency or humanitarian effort, the C-130 is there playing a role.
“I love C-130s. I love taking care of airmen, and, in my adult life, Arkansas is where I
spent more time in my Air Force service, and it’s where I call home. My wife is from
here. We have family up in Harrison. She went to school in Fayetteville. It is a
community I love, a profession I’m compassionate about. It’s like working from home,
and in the meantime I get to take care of airmen.
“When you look at the base, my goal is that every airman should know the role they play
in the mission. Across the board, they’re all participating in a mission we call airlift
command. I tell them your distance from your office to the flightline does not determine
your value to combat airlift, and I use as a vignette the defenders at the front gate on
June 15 who defended this base when evil came knocking at the door, and they
prevented it from coming in. You can’t get further from the flightline than the front gate,
and they were absolutely combat airlifters that day. That was the day of the shooting.”
At a ceremony Monday, Brown presented Staff Sgt. Zachary Freese and Airman 1st Class
Codee Smith of the 19th Security Forces Squadron Air Force Commendation Medals for
stopping the attack by an armed Jacksonville man who crashed his SUV at the front
gate. (See story this page.)
(This is the second part of a three-part interview with Col. Brown. See
arkansasleader.com for the first part.)
•
Webster Joins Little Rock Air Force Base for
60th Anniversary Gala
Oct. 26, 2015
As Webster University commemorates its centennial in 2015,
many of its community partners around the world are also
celebrating milestones.
Representatives of Webster's Little Rock area campuses recently
joined the Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council in
celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Little Rock Air Force Base
at a gala event at the Statehouse Convention Center.
Approximately 850 guests attended with the evening’s speaker,
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
Little Rock directors Lyon and Webster was a partner-level sponsor, for the event, and its Little
Hall at the Air Force base's
Rock campuses were well represented at a table that included
60th anniversary gala.
staff, faculty, alumni, a student, and both a prospective student
and prospective faculty member.
Former base commander, Col. Roy Hart (USAF, Ret.) currently teaches in the Master of Public
Administration at the military campus. Col. Tamhra Hutchins-Frye ’12 (USAF) graduated with a
Master of Arts in Human Resources Management from the metro campus.
Carmen “Caite” Hall ’13, Webster Little Rock assistant area director, attended with her husband,
James Hall, a current student in the MBA program. Little Rock area director Kelly Hunt
Lyon, who teaches in the Management and Leadership program at the metro campus, represented
both staff and faculty.
"We’re proud to continue our long term support," said Hall, site director of the military campus.
"Webster has been here half of the base’s life. It’s an exciting time for me to lead our base campus
because there is new leadership at the base and new leadership at the University Center.”
Webster has had a presence at Little Rock Air Force base for half of the celebrated 60 years, in two
different locations. The current University Center, built on land donated by the community,
illustrates the unique level of public support for the base.
Home » Jacksonville Patriot » News » Local
11:54 am - October 06, 2015
Little Rock Air Force Base turns 60 this Friday
By Greg Rayburn
This Friday marks the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, a milestone that
has many in the central Arkansas area remembering its long and successful history.
According to the LRAFB’s Office of History, the base has had many memorable events since its official opening on
Oct. 9, 1955. In its historical publication called “Little Rock Air Force Base and the 314th Airlift Wing,” the events
preceding the base’s official opening are published in detail.
Over the years, the men and women of the Jacksonville community have developed and cultivated a high level of pride
in their local base. This stems from both the base’s unique origins and the important aircraft and missions that have
been assigned. From the beginning, Little Rock AFB has played a major role in accomplishing the US Air Force mission,
carving out a rich heritage along the way.
In late 1951, after learning of the Air Force’s desire for a new base in the central United States, local leaders sent a letter
to the Secretary of the Air Force urging serious consideration of the Little Rock area. The Air Force was warm to the
idea, but Congress would not allocate funds to purchase the needed property. In an ambitious move, the local leaders
convinced Pentagon officials that funds would be raised locally, then the land would be purchased and donated to the
Air Force. In January 1952, the Air Force agreed to the proposal, and local citizens went to work.
“The fund-raising effort was immense, but by the end of September 1952, the Pulaski County Citizens Council
(forerunner of today’s Air Base Community Council) had collected almost a million dollars, and the Air Base Committee
began buying property from more than 150 private landowners near Jacksonville,” according to the publication. “That
same month, the Air Force announced it would build a $31 million jet bomber base on the site. The fund raising and
purchase process took nearly 18 months, but the land needed most urgently was purchased first, and construction
began on 8 December 1953.”
The Air Force decided to assign the base to Strategic Air Command, and by August 1954, SAC had selected the 70th
Reconnaissance Wing as the first assigned organization. The 70 RW flew RB-47 Stratojet aerial reconnaissance aircraft
and KC-97 aerial refueling aircraft. SAC also decided to assign the 384th Bombardment Wing to the new base. This wing
also flew Stratojets, but they were B-47s in bomber configurations.
As these two wings awaited movement orders, Col. Joseph A. Thomas arrived as the first base commander (4225th
Air Base Squadron) in February 1955. His primary duties were to oversee the construction, coordinating with various
levels of government. Tragically, barely five months after assuming command, Colonel Thomas died in a crash of the
base’s only aircraft, a C-45 assigned for administrative transportation. Before his death, Colonel Thomas was able to
oversee the completion of numerous projects, including the gas distribution system, several buildings, and the railroad
system. Thomas Avenue and the Thomas Community Activities Center were dedicated in honor of his tireless efforts.
Airmen had begun to arrive at the base in 1954, but no living quarters were available on base yet. Consequently, some
airmen lived in temporary quarters at Camp Robinson, while others lived in rooms at the Little Rock YMCA. Some were
even housed in the private homes of local citizens. This housing problem would continue for many years.
The 70 RW activated at the not-yet-completed base on 24 January 1955. The 384 BW soon followed, activating on 1
August 1955. On this same date, the 825th Air Division moved to the base and became the first level of higher authority
in the chain of command for the two wings. Neither wing had aircraft on the new base yet, but the 70th had the
advantage of staging at Lockbourne AFB, Ohio, prior to moving their aircraft in. The 384th, on the other hand, was
standing up an alert bomber wing from scratch, with aircrews in the student pipeline and no aircraft yet assigned.
Sept. 10 1955, the base was opened to air traffic. In a special ceremony, local leaders and assigned personnel
welcomed the arrival of the 70 RW aircraft. These RB-47s included three very special ones: the “Razorback,” “City of
Little Rock,” and “City of Jacksonville.” Although this was the
defining moment, these aircraft were actually not the first RB-47s to land at the base. Two aircrews had landed three
days prior for a one-night familiarization visit. Visual Omni Range was not yet established for the base, so aircrews flew
VOR to Little Rock, then turned north and flew visual for the final stretch. Paint crews, still working on the runway, took a
break as the aircraft made their final approach.
On Oct. 9, 1955, the base was officially dedicated. On this day, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Honorable Donald A.
Quarles, and General Curtis E. LeMay, SAC Commander, joined about 85,000 visitors in the dedication of the Air Force’s
newest base. By that date, 90 buildings were either completed or in the final phase of construction, but the base was far
from complete.
The early years of the LRAFB remembered
According to the Little Rock Air Force Base’s Office of History, the base has had many memorable events since its
official opening on Oct. 9, 1955. In its historical publication called “Little Rock Air Force Base and the 314th Airlift
Wing,” the base’s early days are penned.
On that day, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Donald A. Quarles, and General Curtis E. LeMay, SAC
Commander, joined about 85,000 visitors in the dedication of the Air Force’s newest base. By that date, 90
buildings were either completed or in the final phase of construction, but the base was far from complete.
Prior to the emergence of U-2 aircraft, the B-47 was the perfect airframe to overfly and photograph potential
adversaries. For most of the 1950s, nothing could touch a Stratojet. Surface-to-Air Missiles were in their infancy,
Anti-Aircraft Artillery could not reach it, and enemy fighters could not climb to the Stratojet’s altitude. It could
virtually fly with impunity.
While the 70 RW was a photographic reconnaissance organization, other RB-47s were equipped with sensitive
monitoring equipment and flown right at and sometimes beyond the border into the USSR. This would prompt the
Soviets to fire up their defenses, and the RB-47 crew would monitor, record, and bring home the data. This was
then used as the basis for effective war plans to be carried out by bomb wings like the 384th. This cat-and-mouse
game of testing a potential enemy was extremely perilous. Aircrews were pushing the limits, and many of them
were shot from the sky without so much as a peep in the newspapers.
With their aircraft armed, fueled, and ready to go at a moment’s notice. 384th aircrews also commonly
participated in REFLEX operations, spending short but continually recurring periods of time at forward locations
around the world.
The 384 BW accomplished a truly remarkable feat by being certified combat ready just nine months after
receiving its first aircraft. Stringent SAC requirements called for a specified percentage of the crews to be
certified in order for the wing to be considered combat ready. Since aircrew members were fresh out of student
status, beginning to arrive about the same times the aircraft did, preparing the group to become fully combat
ready was a tremendous task. The culture of the organization would accept nothing less than full effort, and
when the newly formed wing was mission capable by Sept. 1956, it became the first such SAC wing to do so in
such a short time.
By mid-1957, there were over 5,500 military personnel assigned and over 300 civilian employees. This large
increase in personnel in such a short time compounded the continuing housing problem, especially for the
military members with families. Accordingly, the USAF hired Miles Construction to build 1,535 Capehart family
housing units. By 1 May, 1959, all the housing units were either occupied or ready for occupancy.
The 70 RW eventually shifted from a reconnaissance mission to a purely training mission and was redesignated
the 70th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. This training role would prove to be a glimpse at the future of the
base. On 2 June 1958, the wing accepted its first group of students and began training them to fly the Stratojet.
This continued for over three years, then the wing switched from RB-47 to B-47 aircraft and became the 70th
Bombardment Wing. The days of the 70th at Little Rock AFB came to an end on 25 June 1962 when the wing
was inactivated. (The 70th exists today as the 70th Intelligence Wing at Fort Meade, Maryland.) Many of the
aircrew members remained at the base and transferred to the 384 BW, which was still serving in a bomber alert
role.
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60 years in the making: LRAFB’s heritage
one of service to world, nation, community
PHOTO BY: Angela Spencer
Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Parnell Fisher, left, and Maj. Gen. James Hecker hold the plaque that will be in the newly dedicated Master Sgt.
Parnell Fisher Day Room at the Little Rock Air Force Base.
The Little Rock Air Force Base is its own community, complete with a grocery store, a school, housing and an auto shop.
For years, airmen would take their cars to the Auto Hobby Shop to get their oil changed or tires rotated by Parnell Fisher.
What the airmen may not have known is that Fisher is a war hero — a Silver Star recipient — who simply liked to tinker
with cars in his retirement.
Fisher does not work at the Auto Hobby Shop anymore, but his name will not soon be forgotten on base. Wednesday,
during the base’s 60th-anniversary celebrations, Fisher was honored when base leadership dedicated the Master Sgt.
Parnell Fisher Day Room, a gathering space in one of the student dorms on base.
“Today we are here to dedicate a student dorm day room to an American hero — Mr. Fisher,” said Maj. Gen. James
Hecker, presiding officer. “There’s not many people who get a Silver Star. The Silver Star is the third-highest medal that we
give out for valor in the military. They don’t come cheap. You have to do something truly heroic to earn this medal.”
Fisher joined the military in 1950 when he was 17 years old. He served for four years before taking a break to earn his
bachelor’s degree, then enlisted again to serve from 1959-1977, when he retired as master sergeant.
At the dedication Wednesday morning, Fisher told stories about his travels around the world, but the humble hero left the
story of his Silver Star for someone else to tell.
On Dec. 18, 1966, Fisher was aboard an AC-47 in Vung Tau, Vietnam, when something went horribly wrong, Hecker said.
Fisher was helping handle the flares that were used to light up an area so gunmen could see what they were shooting at
below.
“It was quicker if you did it manually,” Hecker said, “but it was a lot more dangerous. The flight engineer set the timer and
handed the flare to [Fisher], who was going to throw it out. [The engineer] didn’t set enough time, and — boom — out goes
the parachute.”
Style show, luncheon set for Oct. 30 in
Heber Springs
Frontier fest gives students hands-on
history lessons
LRAFB’s vet clinic expands services
Fundraiser to benefit Safe Haven
The parachute had released inside the aircraft, and it was only a matter of time before the flare went off. Fisher knew that
the aircraft and all of its passengers were in danger, so he threw the flare out the door.
“But his problems still weren’t over,” Hecker said.
When Fisher threw the flare out the door of the aircraft, the parachute got caught on the door. The aircraft was dragging
the flare along behind it, and the plane’s tail was made of canvas.
“If it ignited, it would have been bad. That airplane would have gone down,” Hecker said. “So what does he do? He pulls
out his knife, he’s leaning outside the door cutting these lines just trying to clear the aircraft. He said when he cut the last
line, the flare immediately ignited just behind the aircraft. He literally saved the entire crew with just about a second to
spare.”
Fisher may be proud of his award, but he said his actions were all just part of his job.
“I’m not trying to take all the credit,” he said. “I did it because it needed to be done. I did everything I did not just for me.”
The dedication took place during a weeklong celebration of the base’s 60th anniversary, which has been themed
“Celebrating 60 Years of Air Power Partners.” The Master Sgt. Parnell Fisher Day Room is one way to honor a hero of the
past while providing space for current airmen.
“It’s been a great journey for me,” Fisher told the young airmen who would be utilizing the day room. “I’d do it all over
again. … I really have truly enjoyed my Air Force career.”
Staff writer Angela Spencer can be reached at (501) 244-4307 or aspencer@arkansasonline.com.
Zoned Editions Staff Writer Angela Spencer can be reached at 501-244-4307 or aspencer@arkansasonline.com.
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News > Hooray for Earth Day
Hooray for Earth Day
Posted 4/23/2015 Updated 4/23/2015
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by Senior Airman Regina Edwards
4/23/2015 - LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark., -- The 45th
anniversary of Earth Day blossomed at Arnold Drive Elementary School
Wednesday.
The school invited 5th and 6th graders from Jacksonville Lighthouse
Charter School: Flightline Upper Academy and homeschooled children to
participate in learning about threatened and endangered animals as well
as other environmental concerns.
"It's important to recognize Earth Day because I think a lot of times we
take the earth and what we have for granted," said James Popham, the
19th Civil Engineering Squadron natural resources manager. "This is a
good time for people to volunteer and reach out a little around base to
build and strengthen our natural environment."
Throughout the day, children in grades Pre-K-6th, walked through a
nature trail, stopping at several exhibits where they learned about the
Monarch Butterfly, Nutria, preserving water, and taking care of the earth to
name a few.
Arnold Drive Elementary School students observe
Earth Day April 22, 2015, at Little Rock Air Force
Base, Ark. Students learned about different
environmental concerns as well threatened and
endangered animals.
Download HiRes
Sparky the fire dog and McGruff the crime were in attendance to take pictures and educate the children about safety.
Team Little Rock Airmen also showed their appreciation throughout the week by planting and grooming in areas around the base,
increasing not only its beauty, but the pride they have for their installation.
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Education Bill for Military Children
Passes
by 2nd Lt Amanda Porter
3/8/2013 - LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- A
new education bill passed March 5, after an official
ceremony in Little Rock, Ark., easing transitions for
military children who frequently move because of their
families' service.
Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe signed the bill
Tuesday, marking Arkansas as the 44th state to adopt
the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for
Military Children.
The compact's purpose is to remove barriers to
educational progress for military children because of
frequent moves and deployments of their parents.
State Sen. Eddie Jo Williams, the bill's sponsor, Larry
Biernacki, Little Rock Air Force Base Community
Council president, and Col. Brian Robinson, Little Rock
AFB commander, attended the ceremony at the
governor's mansion in support of the bill.
Military families watch Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe sign a
new education bill March 5, 2013, in Little Rock, Ark. The
newly adopted Interstate Compact on Educational
Opportunity for Military Children eases transitions for military
children who frequently move because of their families’
service. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Mallory Glass)
"The adoption of this education compact further signifies the outstanding relationship between Little Rock Air
Force and the community," said Robinson. "Addressing the needs of Airman and their families remains of
utmost concern to our leaders. The compact will help overcome obstacles that military parents have been facing
and ensure their children get the continuation and quality education they deserve."
Transitions from state to state are a fact of life for military families and their children. According to a study by the
Council of State Governments, the average military student faces transition challenges more than twice during
high school, and most military children will have six to nine different school systems in their lives from
kindergarten to 12th grade.
The study further demonstrated, among many specific impacts with regards to transitions between school
systems, students have suffered incorrect placement due to transfer of records, redundant or missed
entrance/exit testing and even delayed graduation.
To minimize additional struggles in children's educational development, the compact in a comprehensive policy
approach leverages consistency, allowing continuous and uninterrupted educations process, as well as equal or
better quality education programs.
Military families face four key issues with interstate transitions--eligibility, enrollment, placement and graduation.
The newly adopted compact provides the following solutions:
1. The compact requires schools to share student records in a timely manner in order to expedite the proper
enrollment and placement of students. Moreover, students shall continue their enrollment at the grade level in
the receiving state commensurate with their grade level from the sending state, barring a new enrollment in
Kindergarten.
2. In accordance with the new compact, local education agencies shall be prohibited from charging local tuition
to a child placed in the care of a non-custodial parent (deployments), as well as facilitate an equal opportunity
for military children's inclusion in extracurricular activities to the extent they are otherwise qualified.
3. When a student transfers before or during a school year, the compact require the receiving state initially
honor placement of the student in available courses based on the student's enrollment in the sending state
school and/or educational assessments conducted at the sending state school.
4. The compact mandates that local education agency administrative officials shall waive specific courses
required for graduation if similar course work has been satisfactorily completed in another local education
agency or shall provide reasonable justification for denial.
Children of active-duty members of all the uniformed services, National Guard and Reserve on active duty
orders and members or veterans, who are medically discharged or retired for one year, are eligible for
assistance under the compact.
THE ARKANSAS LEADER
THE LEADER HAS BEEN NAMED THE BEST LARGE WEEKLY NEWSPAPER IN ARKANSAS. IT HAS
OFFICES IN JACKSONVILLE AND CABOT AND COVERS NORTH PULASKI COUNTY, LONOKE
COUNTY AND WHITE COUNTY. THE LEADER IS A FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED NEWSPAPER
THAT WAS FOUNDED IN 1987.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015
TOP STORY >> Report cards: Charter top area
schools
By RICK KRON
Leader staff writer
Based on the state’s re-port cards, the Jacksonville Lighthouse
schools and Lisa Academy North campuses scored better than most
public schools in the area.
Lighthouse had an A, two B’s and a C, while Lisa Academy had one A
and two C’s – better than the many C’s, D’s and F’s given to the
Pulaski County Special School District.
Lighthouse and Lisa Academy also spent about $2,000 less per
student than the state and close to $4,000 less than PCSSD.
The state recently released the report card grades for all state schools,
and 162 schools received A’s, 322 got B’s, 365 received C’s, 160
garnered D’s and 43 were labeled F schools.
Jacksonville Lighthouse, which started in 2009 with one campus,
now has four operating in the Jacksonville area. Mike Wilson, one of
the school’s founders, was pleased with the results and wanted people
to know about the good grades.
Its Flightline Upper Academy, with 194 students and an average class
size of 20 students, received an A from the state with a score of 281. It
was also listed as an achieving school, the second highest ranking in
that category and one of just 67 schools statewide to be so honored.
Exemplary is the best, and only one school in Arkansas last year
reached that title.
Cabot’s four elementary schools — Eastside, Southside, Stagecoach
and Mountain Springs — were the only other schools to get A’s here.
Lighthouse’s College Preparatory Academy, which has yet to run a
full class through graduation, received a score of 257 and a B and was
listed as an achieving school. Its inaugural students are juniors now.
The school has 158 students and an average class size of 18 students.
Its students bested the state average on the algebra and geometry
end-of-course tests.
In the 2013-14 school year that the state grade is based on, the school
had no junior class and there were no scores on the 11th grade
literacy exam.
The original campus — the elementary school with 251 students —
scored 251 points for a B, too. However, it was listed as a needsimprovement school on the state’s other ranking list, which is third
from the top.
The middle school, with 213 students, had 211 points for a C, but was
just two points from falling into the D range. It was also listed as a
needs-improvement school.
Lisa Academy North’s high school, with a student population of 112
and average class sizes of about 12 students each, garnered 280
points for an A, but was listed as a needs-improvement school.
The middle school, with 177 students, received a C with 210 points,
just a point from falling into the D range. It was considered a needsimprovement school, too — one of 876 schools statewide with that
designation.
Lisa Academy North’s elementary school was also given a C grade by
the state with a score of 234, six points short of a B. The school, with
304 students, was also rated as a needs-improvement school.
New school paves runway for
educational excellence
by Airman 1st Class Regina Agoha
8/15/2011 - LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE Ark. -An excited crowd of distinguished guests, proud
parents, faculty and staff all stood outside to celebrate
the Aug. 15 ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Jacksonville
Lighthouse Charter School Flightline Upper Academy,
the base's new middle school.
The on-base charter school, only a dream of local
community leaders a little more than a year ago, has
become a reality for area middle school students in
grades 5 - 8. Flightline Academy has an authorized
enrollment of 175 and is open to both military and nonmilitary children.
The community-led initiative turned the base's old
conference center into a state-of-the-art learning center.
Construction of the nearly $1 million renovation project
was made possible by donations of $600,000 from the
Hunt-Pinnacle Group which is responsible for 1,000
homes on the base; $250,000 from the Walton
Foundation; and $200,000 from the Wilson Family
Foundation, long-time supporters of Little Rock AFB.
Col. Mike Minihan, 19th Airlift Wing commander,
thanked the school staff and the community leaders
who were a part of bringing it to the base on behalf of
his seventh grade son, who is attending the school.
Jody Urquhart (third from left), Jacksonville Chamber of
Commerce representative; Jacksonville Mayor Gary Fletcher;
Mary Ann Duncan, charter school office director; Greg
Ehrhardt, Hunt Development Group representative; Dr. Phillis
Nichols Anderson, Southern Region vice president; Col. Mike
Minihan,19th Airlift Wing commander; Mike Ronan,
Lighthouse Academies president; Mike Wilson, donor and
Wilson Family Foundation representative; Larry Wilson, donor
and Wilson Family Foundation representative; Mike Rooan,
Pinnacle representative; and Keri Urquhart, Lighthouse
Academies of Arkansas board director, cut the ceremonial
ribbon of the new Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School
Flightline Upper Academy with Payton Fraley, Ray Anna
Jordan, Sincere Yellowbird and Monta Ehrcke on Aug. 15,
2011, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The school will
provide a college preparatory education through enriched and
advanced course offerings focused on the needs of lowincome and transient student population, and provide a
meaningful competitive choice of education opportunities for
families. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Jim Araos)
"We are proud of the community teamwork that has brought Flightline Academy to our base and Jacksonville
families. It's a true testament to the dedication of our award-winning community partners and their passion to
increase educational opportunities for both military children and children from our local community," said Col.
Mike Minihan, 19th Airlift Wing commander.
"Our goal is to be an educational center of excellence in Arkansas, and Flightline Academy another positive step
in achieving that goal. We're excited for our children and what this new school means to our base and local
community. It's another great example of the unmatched community support we receive and I couldn't be more
proud of everyone who helped pave the way for this new school," Colonel Minihan said.
Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate outside of the control of a local school district but are
still held to the state's academic standards by the state's board of education.
"The mission of the school is to prepare our students for college through a rigorous arts-infused program," said
Dr. Phillis Nichols-Anderson, Vice President, southern region. "Our goal is for every child to be prepared, not
only admitted to college but to graduate from it," she said.
Anderson said she thinks it's great that military children and civilian children have an opportunity to learn
together side by side in this environment.
Gary Fletcher, Mayor of the city of Jacksonville, said the name Flightline is very fitting for the school. "We
prepare the runway for you to take off in your lives," the mayor said. He also encouraged the children to keep
dreaming their dreams, because they can do anything they want to do.
For more information on Lighthouse Academies charter schools, visit www.lighthouse-academies.org
2015 JROTC Expo
by Senior Airman Harry Brexel
4/30/2015 - LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -Team Little Rock members showed nearly 500 high
school students various Air Force career opportunities
and available resources at the 2015 Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corp Expo April 17, 2015.
The JROTC students traveled from schools across
Arkansas and from as far away as Missouri to spend the
day experiencing life as an Airman.
The day included tours of the Airman dormitories,
fitness center and the inside of the air traffic control
tower. The students also donned bioenvironmental and
chemical warfare suits, interacted with an aircrew inside
of a C-130 and saw how aircrew flight equipment
technicians ensure safety during flight.
High school students from regional Junior ROTC programs
view displays from different agencies and squadrons inside
Hangar 233 April 23, 2015, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
The demonstration was part of the annual Junior ROTC Expo
that provides an overview of the mission at Little Rock AFB.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Harry Brexel)
"Seeing all of this changed my opinion. It makes me want to join," said Little Rock Central High School
sophomore Devon Johnson. "I give the expo a ten out of ten."
Representatives from the sexual assault prevention and response office, TRICARE, the base education center
and chapel were also set up in hangar 233 for the students to learn about programs that help Airmen through
off-duty life.
More than 100 Little Rock Airmen assisted with the event. The JROTC Expo was a learning experience for the
students as well as the volunteers.
"I learned a lot today," said volunteer Airman 1st Class LeeAnne Ogle, a 19th Medical Operations Squadron
family health technician. "Showing local high school students around the base made me feel proud to be in the
Air Force. I am new to the base so I was able to experience a lot of new things along with them."
Despite a tour for nearly 500 JROTC members on base, the event went off without a hitch. Capt. Byron Luckett,
a 50th Airlift Squadron C-130H pilot, was in charge of coordinating the event.
"I think the event went very well," Luckett said. "It couldn't have been done without all of the support from the
19th and 314th Airlift Wings, as well as the 913th Airlift Group."
Miscellaneous Parade to carry on tradition of honoring area veterans
B Y R E NE E H U NT ER C O N T RI B U T I N G W R I TER
Sunday, October 25, 2015
The sixth-annual Sherwood Veterans Parade is somewhat unusual for the area, said Marcia Cook of the
Sherwood Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, organizers of the event.
“There is not really another veterans parade in this area,” Cook said, “and because we are between Camp
Robinson and Little Rock Air Force Base, we have a lot of people’s combined knowledge to draw on.”
The sixth-annual parade will begin at 2 p.m. Nov. 1 and wind its way down Kiehl Avenue past City Hall to Oak
Brook. The parade’s 2015 grand marshal will be Matt Snead, director of the Arkansas Department of Veterans
Affairs.
The chamber is still accepting parade entries, Cook said, adding that he expects to have at least 25 groups
participate, if not more.
“The parade continues to grow every year,” she said.
The entries are usually eclectic. There will be floats, antique cars, Army vehicles and horse posses. Participating
groups will include the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Little Rock ROTC. The Little Rock
Air Force Base will provide a color guard.
“One of the most moving entries has always been that of the Gold Star Mothers,” said Cook, who added that the
mothers will participate again this year. American Gold Star Mothers Inc. is a veterans service organization made
up of mothers who have lost their sons or daughters in wartime service to the United States. The organization
was established in 1928 and was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1984.
With the presidential race heating up, Cook also expects politicians to be well-represented in the procession.
Several candidates took part in the 2014 parade, and Cook expects even more to join the bandwagon this year.
The first Sherwood Veterans Parade was held in 2010, the idea of Lex Edward “Butch” Davis, a longtime
Sherwood resident and a Vietnam veteran, as a way of honoring Sherwood’s veterans.
“Davis and Sherwood Mayor Virginia Hillman Young discussed for many years how they would like to have a
parade for veterans in Sherwood before Butch actually organized the first parade,” Cook said.
For his 1969 Vietnam service, Davis earned a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge for
wounds that left him physically disabled, but still active in life.
He is a former Sherwood alderman, a VFW commander, a co-organizer of the Wheel Chair Olympics, Sherwood
Volunteer of the Year, honorary commander of the Little Rock Air Force Base and an Arkansas National Guard
Community Council member, among his many services to the community. He is a 2011 inductee into the
Arkansas Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame.
Because spectators are a big part of any parade, Cook said, the committee has focused on advertising to get out
the crowds to honor Sherwood’s veterans. She said the event should be a fun couple of hours.
Because spectators are a big part of any parade, Cook said, the committee has focused on advertising to get out
the crowds to honor Sherwood’s veterans. She said the event should be a fun couple of hours.
Altus Trophy Page 2

Little Rock, AR

Transcription

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