BCC- Reinforces civilian-military bond

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Montse Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  For the past 20 years, individuals from Whiteman AFB and 18 local communities have established a civilian-military partnership. The group of more than 350 members meets at the Mission's End here once a month to reinforce this alliance.

"This council consists of representatives from the local area and is chartered to support Air Force Global Strike Command Whiteman personnel," said Jesse Kellock, Base Community Council president. "Working alongside the military is a wonderful opportunity for civilian BCC members to work toward a mutual community interest."

Each squadron in the 509th Bomb Wing is assigned a partner community to get Airmen involved in local organizations and work with community members on various projects and events.

The BCC is compromised of members of Team Whiteman, and the cities of California, Clinton, Cole Camp, Columbia, Concordia, Higginsville, Holden, Jefferson City, Kansas City, Knob Noster, La Monte, Lexington, Lincoln, Marshall, Sedalia, Warrensburg, Warsaw and Windsor.

BCC luncheons are hosted by one or more communities and are scheduled the first Thursday of each month. The next BCC is June 2, and the featured communities are Lexington, and Marshall.

The 509th Contracting Squadron represents Whiteman AFB through partnership with the community of Lexington.

Founded in 1822, Lexington overlooks the Missouri River, the artery that brought life and commerce to the city. It still possesses a distinctly Southern heritage, and is known for the dramatic three-day 'War Between the States,' also known as 'The Battle of the Hemp Bales,' according to the Lexington Chamber of Commerce.

"Strong partnerships with the communities surrounding Whiteman are a critical component to the continued success of the mission of the 509th Bomb Wing and tenant units, said Maj. Travis Pond, 509th Contracting Squadron commander. "Lexington has always been a strong supporter of Whiteman AFB, and the 509th Contracting Squadron is actively involved in annual events and activities that support the community of Lexington and its people.

Major Pond said they are very fortunate to have community leaders devoted to Whiteman AFB and the military members that live in the communities surrounding the base.
"The members of the 509th Contracting Squadron will continue to foster a strong partnership and be actively involved with our sister city of Lexington," Major Pond said.
The 509th Force Support Squadron and Marshall support one another.

Marshall is a small town located in the heart of Missouri between Kansas City, and St. Louis. This farming community is steeped in history from old Victorian homes to the Civil War Battle of Marshall. As in times past, the Marshall Municipal Band still performs on the lawn of the town square Thursday evenings during the summer, according to the Marshall chamber of commerce.

Lt. Col. Stanfield, 509th FSS commander and liaison for Marshall, said he truly appreciates the support Whiteman AFB receives from the Marshall community and works to show Whiteman's appreciation by giving back to the community in various events and projects.

"The 509th Force Support Squadron raised money and supplies for the city's animal shelter, and we are currently in talks with city leadership about helping to re-fence the animal shelter," he said. "This type of partnership is important and shows everyone that the military and its supporting community work together for the defense of our great nation and the betterment of the society in which we live."

For more information log on to www.marshall-mo.com.

For more information about Lexington log-on to www.historiclexington.com.

Members are welcome to join the BCC. Military members can join free of charge, for more information contact the BCC treasurer at (660) 503-3011.