WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Carol Comer, visited Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, on Jan. 31, 2018.

“The purpose of Ms. Comer’s visit was twofold,” said Glenn Golson, the environmental element chief assigned to the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron. “She visited the base to become familiar with our mission at Whiteman while also getting a more in-depth look at our environmental programs that her department regulates.”

As the Director of the Missouri DNR, Comer leads her department to help protect Missouri’s air, land and water, and the natural and historic areas.

Comer’s visit was essential to Whiteman and the Missouri DNR because it helped to spread information and an understanding of both the department’s and Whiteman’s mission while also building a strong relationship.

“The visit will build good relations in the near future with the new leadership of the Department of Natural Resources,” said Golson. “Which is important because they are the state regulatory agency that enforces environmental regulations.”

Along with building good relationships between the base and the Missouri DNR, Comer’s visit also helped to build a partnership between the state and federal government.

“The goal for both the state and federal government was to build a partnership that accomplished the Air Force mission while protecting the resources of the state,” said Golson.

As Comer learning about the base’s specific mission, she met some of the Airmen who play a part in completing the mission every day. She was also given a more comprehensive look at Whiteman’s impact on the economy and Missouri.

“While becoming aware of our mission, Ms. Comer was also able to understand the economic benefit the installation brings to the state of Missouri,” said Golson.

With her past experience, Comer realize that the protection of the environment and the growth of the economy go hand-in-hand with one another.

“You can’t have a healthy environment without a healthy economy, and you can’t have a healthy economy without a healthy environment,” said Comer.

Comer's visit to Whiteman helped to hone in on the importance of the Air Force’s overall environmental protection processes and establish a better working relationship between the installation and Comer’s department.

“The Air Force is diligent about protecting the environment," said Golson. "With the assistance of the state agency, assures that Whiteman is providing a suitable place to work and live.”