Above and beyond: a civic leader's experience

  • Published
  • By Gary Mason
  • Dobbins Civic Leader
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  Oct. 13 started as a normal day when I woke up in the pre-dawn hours and began my morning ritual of preparing for the day. That was the extent of my normalcy for this day, however. Instead of heading to my restaurant to begin my work day, I set a course for Dobbins Air Reserve Base for a civic leader tour to the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y. It was nothing less than perfect.

How incredibly humbling it was to board the powerful C-130 and witness the way our reservists work hand in hand to accomplish such a demanding mission. Upon arriving in Niagara Falls, we were greeted by the 914th Airlift Wing commander who provided an overview of the base and its dynamic tactical airlift mission. The day was filled with several interesting and interactive visits to work-centers ranging from emergency management to security forces.

Next, we were treated to a tour of spectacular Niagara Falls, where we learned the social and economic impact the Air Force Reserve has on the city. When my head hit the pillow, I couldn't wait to see what our hosts had in store for us in the coming day.

The morning began with a Military Entrance Processing Station tour. If I wasn't so old, I would have signed up on the spot! The day ended with an explosive ordnance demonstration. There were plenty activities throughout the day.

Throughout the day, I was again impressed with the values and the professionalism of our armed forces. As the day wound down, we again boarded the venerable C-130 and our trek back to northwest Georgia.

Special thanks go out to Col. Tim Tarchick, 94th Airlift Wing commander, and the 107th and 914th Airlift Wings. This was truly, one of the most impressive and memorable trips of my life. It changed the way I view the Air Force and the impact its mission has on my every-day life.

To view a slideshow of photos fro this event, visit:
http://www.dobbins.afrc.af.mil/photos/slideshow.asp?id={3F7325DF-F139-461C-9805-E201D511E0C9}