Civic leaders learn about Air Force mission

  • Published
  • By Ms. Robin DeMark
  • 4th Fighter Wing
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The survey results are tallied, and the voices of several distinguished civic leaders were heard loud and clear.

The 916th Air Refueling Wing hosted 32 civic leaders from Wayne County to see the mission of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., August 21-22.

Tour participants are selected because of their position as opinion leaders who can educate and inform their communities and peers. These tours provide a broader view of the Air Force mission and are strategically designed to highlight the Air Force's warrior mindset and the mission of providing global vigilance, reach and power.

According to the participant's surveys, popular demonstrations and displays included watching an in-flight refueling mission, listening to the weapons school briefing and seeing the MQ-1 Predator.

"I'm a newcomer in Goldsboro. I've told friends the two most impressive features of the trip were the refueling mission and meeting the dedicated Air Force men and women at Nellis AFB," said Darryl Mills, vice president of Finance for Turkington APV. "I sleep better at night knowing that these are the caliber of people who are defending our country."

Briefings and tour stops by the 99th Air Base Wing at Nellis emphasized key messages to the group. Unmanned aerial systems are critical to the Global War on Terror and the Nevada Testing and Training range is a national treasure.

"These briefings gave me a good idea of things to come," said Al King, mayor of the city of Goldsboro. "The knowledge gained moved me to another level; it was priceless!"