2015 Altus Trophy Submission Annual Community Support Award Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council “14 Communities, 3 Wings, 1 Team” Table of Contents Tab 1 Executive Summary Tab 2 Letters of Endorsement Tab 3 Community Description Tab 4 Military Affairs / Armed Services Relations Committee Tab 5 Supporting / Supplemental Material Executive Summary Little Rock Community Council Executive Summary For the last 60 years the Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council has worked tirelessly in support of the 314th Airlift Wing and Little Rock Air Force Base. In the early 1950’s, Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) was just a dream, which eventually became reality, when it officially opened its gates in 1955. Thanks to hard work and determination, the local community raised $1.2 million to purchase some 6,000 acres of land, which in turn was donated to the Department of Defense. Since then, throughout numerous mission and leadership changes the Base has undergone, the surrounding communities have remained inextricably intertwined. Little Rock AFB and the surrounding areas provide military members a place to call home, whether it is downtown amid the bustle of the capital city, out in the smaller communities or the rural areas of central Arkansas. The reputation of our people attests to airmen and their families that they are welcomed and supported with open arms anywhere they go. Due to the unique location of Little Rock AFB, multiple communities combine efforts to support the Base and its units through the Little Rock AFB Community Council. We provide a focal point in which businesses and individuals can come together to help and support the over 8,000 Airmen, 1,500 Civilians, and 57,000 retirees. We appreciate their commitment and dedication and know they have and will continue to provide an integral piece to the community of Team Little Rock. The LRAFB Community Council works with all units on Base as one entity known as “Team Little Rock”. Though the 314th Airlift Wing of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) is a tenant wing, with its tenant partner, the 189th Airlift Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard, they conduct C‐130 formal training for the United States Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and 47 other country's militaries. Together the 314th AW operates seamlessly on Base and within the surrounding communities. Strong community support is an integral part of Team Little Rock’s ability to accomplish its mission. Here are just a few examples of the community's support for Little Rock AFB. Government Interaction: The Community Council maintains awareness on the national level of what the Federal Government is doing in relation to defense planning. We pride ourselves on constant interaction with Arkansas senators and Congressional representatives as well as the Governor, thus providing advocacy of mission support with face‐to‐face interaction. Partnership Efforts: One of the biggest advances in community and military relations has been that of the “P4 Initiative” for community partnerships in order to develop multiple initiatives to efficiently provide mutual services which can reduce military expenses. Currently partnering initiatives being worked are that of cooperative efforts with city of Jacksonville for shared infrastructure services, mass transit, work force transition, education, and health care. Fundraising: In celebration of the continued partnership for the last 60 years, the AirPower Arkansas committee, a subcommittee of the Little Rock AFB Community Council, tirelessly solicited and consolidated community sponsor donations to the tune of over $70,000. This provided the bulk of the funds needed for supporting the 60th Anniversary Gala which was attended by 800+ military and civilians. Among those in attendance, 140 of the Airmen were afforded the opportunity to attend free of charge due to the efforts of the AirPower Arkansas committee. When needed, they also raise funds for air shows, Airlift Rodeo, banquets and other events not totally funded by the Base or Wing. Recognition: As Part of the 60th anniversary celebration, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson signed a proclamation declaring the first week in October LRAFB Week and 9 October 2015 LRAFB day. Following suit, Senator John Boozman officially recognized the 60th anniversary in the Congressional Record. Two of the founding fathers of LRAFB, Mr. Pat Wilson and Mr. Bart Gray, were recognized posthumously by the awarding of the Commander’s Public Service Award for their work in helping to establish LRAFB. Dedication of the MSgt(ret) Parnell Fisher Day Room by Major General James Hecker, Commander of 19th Air Force. The room located in the dorm provides students a place to gather and socialize with fellow Airmen when not in training. Education: Beginning in November 2010 and following through until its grand opening on 15 August 2011, the city of Jacksonville and Team Little Rock leadership procured approval from the Arkansas Board of Education and raised funds to expand a highly successful local charter school, the Lighthouse Academy, onto Little Rock AFB. Hunt‐Pinnacle Group which is responsible for 1,000 homes on the base donated $600,000 toward this endeavor. Two other long‐time supporters of Little Rock AFB also donated significantly: the Walton Foundation donated $250,000, and the Wilson Family Foundation donated another $200,000. Named “The Flightline Upper Academy,” it presently has 194 students, both military and non‐military, and just recently received an “A” rating from the State. Civilian Interaction: The 314th Airlift Wing is heavily involved in the Honorary Commander program. This program educates both military and community leaders on the importance of their relationship and how they can support each other. The honorary commanders attend award ceremonies, changes of commands, and unit functions. Doing so provides an insider look on both sides thus strengthening the ties with the community. The HC’s also have the opportunity to acquaint their military counterparts with interests outside the wire, whether business‐related or social. Event Support: Throughout the year, the Jacksonville Museum of Military History hosts numerous memorials, ceremonies, events, lectures, and banquets that recognize and honor Airmen at Little Rock AFB as well as veterans in the local community. They provide education and venues for promotions and functions. On a regular basis the Museum assists the Airman Leadership School by hosting a C‐130 heritage tour and history lesson, thereby signing off the history section of the student airmen's academic syllabi. This is all done at no cost to the Air Force. Cooperative Support: Throughout the year the Jacksonville Fire Department and Emergency Services team work alongside their military counterparts during exercises and real world events. On 15 June 2015, this relationship was put to the test when a suspect was shot while attempting to gain access through the front gate. Jacksonville Police worked hand in hand with Security Forces to safely resolve the attempted breach. The 314th Airlift Wing also provides security force augmentees that work with military and civilian law enforcement if the situation warrants. Airman & Family Support: Finally, despite the status of the 314th Airlift Wing as a training unit, there are still many Airmen in this wing who deploy to various combat environments around the world. The level of support that the local communities show towards their families is exemplary. This support ensures that the deployed Airmen are confident that their families are being looked after in their absence, and allows them to focus more closely on the job at hand. As you can see, the relationship between the 314th Airlift Wing, “Team Little Rock” and the LRAFB Community Council is absolutely incredible. This relationship is one that is not only mutually beneficial, but is also dynamic and always evolving. Maintaining a Base that is still named after the community in which it resides is a great testament to the pride we have in our working relationship. There are countless other ways our community members support the 314th and LRAFB. I could fill numerous pages with the details of all those activities ranging from discounts to dinners to parades – which would be even more impressive. The fence is truly the only thing that represents any separation between our military friends and our communities; we are truly friends and neighbors. We appreciate your consideration of the LRAFB Community Council, as a representative group of our central communities, for the 2015 Altus Award. My best regards, Brad Hegeman, President LRAFB Community Council Letters of Endorsement Letters of Endorsement Military Leader Colonel James Dryjanski Commander, 314th Airlift Wing Colonel Charles Brown Commander, 19th Airlift Wing Colonel Robert Ator II Commander, 189th Airlift Wing Colonel Craig Drescher Commander, 913 Airlift Group Chambers Mr. Jay Chesshir Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Ms. Amy Mattison Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Ms. Marcia Cook Sherwood Chamber of Commerce Mr. John Garner Lonoke Chamber of Commerce Ms. Amy Williams Cabot Chamber of Commerce Elected Officials Governor Asa Hutchinson Arkansas State Governor Lt Governor Tim Griffin Arkansas State Lt Governor Senator John Boozman United Stated Senate Senator Tom Cotton United States Senate Congressman Steve Womack United States House of Representatives Congressman Rick Crawford United States House of Representatives Congressman French Hill