Local community shows 'Thanks' to Team Holloman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony M. Ward
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The annual "Thanks Team Holloman" event took place here Sept. 9 in the dormitory courtyard.

The event, which was sponsored by the Committee of 50, along with many businesses and citizens of Alamogordo, was held to show the appreciation the local community has for all members of Team Holloman.

"It's a great opportunity for our civilian partners to come out and show their gratitude for the daily output that comes from Holloman Air Force Base and the daily sacrifices the Airmen here make," said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Gerardo Tapia, 49th Wing command chief.

The Alamogordo and Holloman communities have always worked to maintain a close relationship, and this event is one way to show that connection.

"It's a great venue for the town and base to be connected," said Toots Green, chairman of the event. "The city and base maintain a very good relationship with one another and this event is a great way to express the appreciation to the military and their families for what they do for us."

"Thanks Team Holloman" is supported by both communities, and much is conducted by both to ensure the event runs smoothly each year.

"One of the things done this year was a major cleanup of the dorm campus area," said Tapia. "The campus area doesn't normally look like this. This is the result of 25 Airmen coming out for two days, working in the hot sun sweeping and mopping, picking up trash and leaves, and pulling weeds to make the area look as nice as possible for the event."

The Airmen weren't the only ones working overtime to make this event a success.

"We have about 250 volunteers who come out every year and they love it," said Green. "They love to come out and cook hamburgers and hotdogs, and offer entertainment to show Team Holloman just how much they are appreciated."

This year's "Thanks Team Holloman" event ended with success, according to Tapia.

"On behalf of all the Airmen here at Holloman, I would like to express our appreciation to everyone who helped put this on," said Tapia. "We know that our efforts to keep this nation safe and to be productive members of the city of Alamogordo are not lost to them."