Reach out from Whiteman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jovan Banks
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

An Airman’s job is not always easy to explain but neither are life experiences, especially when 200 thousand people are listening.

Twice a month, Airmen have the opportunity to explain their role in the mission and share their personal story with the communities surrounding Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.

With two different radio stations participating in the program, KOKO of Warrensburg and KDKD of Clinton, Whiteman is able to build stronger relationships with our neighboring communities in Missouri.

Airman 1st Class Michael Heatherly, an aircrew flight equipment technician assigned to the 509th Operations Support Squadron, recently had the chance to be on Clinton’s KDKD Speak Out program.

The Clinton broadcast is roughly 10 minutes, airing on the second Thursday of each month on 95.3 KDKD at 9:40 a.m. It was introduced to Clinton in 2003 when David Lee, KDKD News & Public Affairs Director, came to the station.

Each Speak Out segment is saved online for seven days and can be listened to at http://www.westcentralmoinfo.com/speakout/ “Hi, I’m David Lee, this is our Whiteman Speak-Out Program,” is how the host greets his listeners and introduces the featured Airman to Clinton and the six surrounding counties.

“I enjoyed the show,” said Heatherly. “The DJ was very friendly and easy to talk to (and he) did a great job of making the segment a conversation than an interview. I’d recommend the show to anyone.” Opportunities such as the radio show help Airmen feel they are a part of the community, which builds stronger relationships with the communities surrounding Whiteman.

“Having a relationship with the surrounding community is important because we are a part of the community whether we realize it or not,” said Heatherly. “For as long as an Airman is stationed here, this should be home. We should feel that way when out in the community, not like a visitor.” These shows not only boost community relations, but also the morale and welfare of the Airmen.

“It is an opportunity to get out and have a good conversation with someone who supports us,” said Heatherly. “Any opportunity to share our own personal story and get feedback from a local should make us feel more at home. Plus getting a chance to talk about yourself is always good for morale.”

Every Airman has their own personal Air Force experience to share, with that in mind if you would like to participate in the Speak Out program contact your first sergeant or the 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs office at 660-687- 5727. We, along with Missouri, look forward to hearing from you.