916th hosts brass for annual meeting

  • Published
  • By Maj. Shannon Mann
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Seymour Johnson has seen its fair share of generals pass through its gates, but maybe not in the vast number it experienced in late August.

On August 23-25, the 916th Air Refueling Wing hosted the board of the National Airlift Tanker Association. The event brought eight active duty and retired generals ranging from one to four stars to eastern North Carolina, along with more than two dozen other officers, senior non-commissioned officers and civilians.

"The board goes to at least two bases per year to hold board meetings and meet with the local chapter as well as the wing leadership," said Master Sgt. Bill McQueen, 911th Air Refueling Wing boom operator and event organizer.

McQueen, who also serves as the local Kittyhawk chapter's vice president, had a team helping him assemble the event at Seymour Johnson. In the wake of a major wing deployment though, it was a daunting task.

"I've never done anything like this before and I had to rely on Lt. Col. Heseltine who really helped guide me during the planning and execution," said McQueen. "The most difficult part was coordinating with all of the different agencies on base and making sure that no tasks were forgotten."

Organizers were not only responsible for preparing the logistics of the meeting, but they also arranged a golf tournament to raise money for the local chapter's scholarship fund and hosted an evening social for their guests at the Flying Shamrock in downtown Goldsboro.

"The A/TA board meeting was a huge success for the wing," said Col. Laen August, 916th ARW vice commander. "They will be promoting the wing and chapter's hospitality at the upcoming convention."

McQueen said that one major reason for hosting the event was to showcase the strong total force integration model the 916th shares with the 911th Air Refueling Squadron.

"The A/TA leadership was really impressed with the seamless integration of the wing members on every level," said McQueen.

They were so impressed in fact, that retired Gen. Walt Cross, former AMC commander, coined a few superior performers from the wing.

Those earning recognition included Lt. Col. Corey Brown for his outstanding tour of the facilities, Capt. Culberson-Swint, A/TA local chapter president, Capt. Derrick Baker, Capt Joshua Rope, Master Sgt. Bill McQueen and Senior Airman Peter Harpster, all who spent countless hours organizing the event. Kross also recognized Master Sgt. Lori O'Connell and Master Sgt. Beverly Hoskins for their superior contributions to the wing.

Although rain threatened the golf tournament, it only delayed the play slightly and overall the event raised more than $750 dollars for the local chapter. The meetings and social functions were a huge success for all involved.

"Team Seymour did a great job hosting the generals and our 27 other DVs during their three day visit," said McQueen. "The board members said we set the standard for all of the other chapters to follow."