Civic Leaders witness TFI first-hand

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Air Force Reserve Command team-up with active duty components to show off Total Force Integration providing a unique experience for a group of Civic Leaders during a tour June 7-8.

Col. Kurt Gallegos, 944th Fighter Wing commander, hosted 27 Civic Leaders from around the country on a trip that highlighted the mission of Luke Air Force Base, Arizona and Whiteman AFB, Missouri during an overnight excursion.

“What an amazing trip,” said Tony Cerato, L.G.O. director and local community leader. “I give it a 20 on a scale of 1-10. My favorite part was witnessing the dedication and professionalism our Air Force men and women, both active and reserve, have for our country and their work in keeping us civilians out of harm’s way.”

The first day started with a mission brief at the 944 FW highlighting the mission of the wing. The group then loaded on to a KC-135 from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing at March AFB, California, and headed to Whiteman AFB. During the flight, the group witnessed mid-air refuelings with Luke AFB F-35 and F-16 aircraft.

For most of the participants, this was a first time experience.

“The event was a perfect example of the continuing education of how our Air Force and military operates and the cohesion it utilizes to accomplish its missions across the globe,” said Ron Sites, Fighter Country Partnership president and executive director. “We understand Luke's TFI and seeing how it operates at Whiteman AFB was a positive thing to see.”

Upon arrival at Whiteman AFB, the group was greeted by Col. Brian Borgen, 442nd Fighter Wing commander, Col. Gregory Eckfield, 442 FW vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. James Nudd, 442 FW command chief. Borgen briefed the group on the mission and told combat stories about the A-10C Thunderbolt II. Afterward, the group enjoyed time in an A-10 cockpit simulator and was given a tour of static A-10’s.

To end the day, the Arizona team met with local Whiteman AFB civic leaders and military member’s for dinner.

“Getting introduced to Whiteman AFB senior leadership and their local civic leaders also provided the opportunity to share best practices,” said Sites. “All installations and communities should be doing the same during slimming budgets especially as the requirement for manpower is increasing.”

The next day, everyone loaded onto a bus enroute to the 509th Bomb Wing for a briefing from Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets, 509 Bomb Wing commander, on their mission, structure, and priorities.

The group then got to see first-hand a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. They were divided into smaller groups and escorted by maintainers of the aircraft to provide information and answer questions about the aircraft and its capabilities. Directly from there, the group was loaded back onto the KC-135 headed back to Luke AFB. During the ride home, they again witnessed mid-air refueling, this time with Whiteman AFB A-10’s and B-2 bombers.

“I am still in awe of what happened the last couple of days,” said Christian Hultquist, Climatec, project specialist and tour participant. “I have memories that will last me the rest of life. Everyone we met was outstanding in every way.”

“I hope all our honorary commander’s enjoyed themselves and took away a better understanding of what it is we do, day in and day out,” said Gallegos. “I am proud of what we accomplished and our role as Reservists and I hope our group has a better appreciation for our Air Force.”