49th Wing Civic Outreach Tour

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Autumn Vogt
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs

Civic leaders from across southern New Mexico toured the 49th Wing, July 29, 2019.

The Civic Outreach Tour was held as an opportunity for key leaders of the local community to view Holloman and see how the backbone of combat air power completes its everyday mission.

“It is very important to let the surrounding community know what we do here on base and how we can benefit from each other,” said Staff Sgt. Timothy Young, 49th Wing community engagement noncommissioned officer in charge. “This tour gave us an opportunity to better our diligence on reaching out to local communities.”

The tour included a quarterly load competition, static displays and the option to operate an F-16 and MQ-9 simulator.

“The determination I see on everyone’s face even though they’re so young (is the best part),” said Ruth Seawolf, Silver City community member. “(They have) a great pride in what they do.”

Many civic leaders were prior military members and enjoyed the opportunity to view military operations in the 49th Wing.

Roy Penick, Hobbs city commissioner, was enlisted in the Army as a military police officer and later became a Ranger. Penick said when the opportunity arose to visit Holloman he jumped on it.

The Civic Outreach Tour provided more than 20 community leaders an opportunity to see how the base runs and to meet the faces of tomorrow’s air power community. The tour was a stepping stone in the 49th Wing’s effort to become a better neighbor and strengthen its community ties.