Keeping the community informed Published March 21, 2014 By James Branch 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- The 94th Airlift Wing leadership hosted the Hercules Community Council for its quarterly meeting March 19 at the Dobbins Consolidated Club. The meeting, conducted by Col. Marshall Irvin, 94th Mission Support Group commander, updated council members on recent base activities and issues, and highlighted the wing's tenant units and mission partners. "We are the greatest military in the world because of you," Irvin said to the group. "You all make the economy move, and make Atlanta one of the most productive cities in the nation. It's important that you get involved with the things that are going on here." Irvin discussed the recent Cobb Chamber After-Hours Event, which offered over 500 members of the off-base community networking opportunities and a chance to meet and greet the men and women in uniform, who serve on the base. Guests also received tours and overviews of the C-130, HH-60 and UC-35 aircraft that were on display. "Dobbins does not stand alone," said Irvin. "We have partners with whom we share our land, and runway, such as Lockheed Martin (Marietta)." Another topic of discussion was force structure. The Base Realignment and Closure Commission will make assessments and recommendations to National Commission on structure of the Air Force. Many organizations are advocating for Dobbins Air Reserve Base to remain open and operational. "In 2013, Dobbins had an economic impact of approximately $282 million," said Irvin. "Dobbins and Lockheed Martin currently provide 8,800 jobs" Col. James DeVere, 94th Operations Group commander, gave an update on current operations and maintenance activities. "The 94th AW is currently involved with Coronet Oak, a continuing operation in which Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard C-130 aircraft, aircrews and related support personnel deploy from the U.S. to provide theater airlift support for the U.S. Southern Command," said DeVere. "Because of budget constraints, Coronet Oak missions are now flown from home station, instead of Muniz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico as with previous Coronet Oak deployments. This mission provides great training for C-130 crews and maintenance personnel." The operations group is also scheduled to participate in Maple Flag, an international exercise, joining up with countries from all over the world to train in a simulated combat environment. "The wing must make every flying hour count," DeVere concluded. Army Lt. Col. Jay McNair, executive officer, Georgia National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, closed out the presentations with an overview of the military counterdrug task force mission based at Dobbins. The unit is nationally funded to support local, state and federal law enforcement counterdrug agencies with military skills and resources. "We use ground and aerial reconnaissance, criminal intelligence analysts, GIS mapping and training to support law enforcement agencies," said McNair. "In Fiscal Year 2013, law enforcement officials made 1,114 arrests, seized 9,259 cultivated plants, 370 weapons worth a total of $118,782,324.00" "We also seized $17,857,213.00 in currency and vehicles worth $1,388,743.00, for a total value of $ 138,028,280.00 in drug activity," he added. Council members discussed the need for a social media presence, to serve as a forum, and means of communication between meetings. "The Hercules Community Council is an excellent organization for business and community leaders who have a desire to connect and be a part of the Team Dobbins mission," said Eden Nastel, council member and local business owner.
