McConnell’s neighbors imperative to Airmen safety, base mission

Photo By Staff Sgt. Tara Fadenrecht | A group of landowners from the surrounding area get an inside look at the air traffic control simulator Dec. 3, 2015, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The tour was part of the Landowner’s Appreciation Dinner in which local landowners were welcomed to base to learn more about McConnell, its Airmen and the landowner program. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tara Fadenrecht)  

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KANSAS, UNITED STATES

12.07.2015

Story by Senior Airman Tara Fadenrecht 

22nd Air Refueling Wing

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. - Thousands of people from numerous units on base keep KC-135 Stratotankers in the air every day, but landowners around the base play just as vital of a role.

The landowner program was established in 2007, develops and fosters strong relationships with local property owners surrounding the base to assist the Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard program and keep the refueling mission flying.

“The birds and planes don’t stop at the fence and neither do we,” said Lauren Caister, 22nd Air Refueling Wing BASH program manager. “That’s where the landowners come in. Without [their] assistance and approval, we wouldn’t be able to go out there and do what we do.”

Neighbors who are part of the program allow a trained Border Collie and handler to scare away large birds and flocks from their properties and out of the way of aircraft coming to and from the base.

As part of the program, 22nd ARW hosted the annual Landowner’s Appreciation dinner Dec. 3, and welcomed 20 of the base’s neighbors to tour facilities and learn more about the mission, Airmen and BASH program here.

Carolyn Carter, a landowner who has been part of the base’s program for eight years, attended the dinner, and said she and her husband love being a neighbor of McConnell and playing an important part in helping keep Airmen safe.

Thanks in part to the landowner program and growing support from the local community, the base will continue to spread global air power safely and efficiently.

• Date Taken: 12.07.2015
• Date Posted: 12.08.2015 09:30
• Story ID: 183724
• Location: MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KANSAS, US