Wing flies, educates Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Published March 19, 2013 By Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Senior leadership of the 94th Airlift Wing hosted the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 13 for a tour which included a flight on a C-130 Hercules. Col. Timothy Tarchick, 94th AW commander, hosts these civic leader flights periodically throughout the year to increase community leaders' awareness and understanding of the Air Force's role in national security, an opportunity he offered to Pam Carnes, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce president. "Based upon the number of Cherokee County residents that work there, the partnerships are actually already in place," said Carnes. "While a percentage of Dobbins' employees live in Cherokee County, they contribute to the economic viability of the region as a whole, which allows for growth not only in our community but others as well." Prior to the chamber members boarding the aircraft, they were given a series of briefings to answer their basic questions about the base and safety procedures during the flight. The civic leaders weathered the flight well, being good sports and interacting with the flightcrew. "What an incredible experience," said Carnes. "Most of the attendees in our group had either not visited Dobbins in quite some time or never had been given the opportunity. The business leaders were impressed not only with what they saw but what they heard. Col. Tarchick's presentation, which included the economic impact of Dobbins on the area, opened their eyes to the significance that goes far beyond safety of our country's citizens."
