Monthly BCC luncheon reinforces community relationships

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joel Pfiester
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Part of what makes a military installation successful is its relationship and support from the local communities surrounding the base. In order to strengthen this relationship, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., holds monthly meetings and luncheons with local civic leaders and base leadership to discuss how they can support the base by donating time, resources and funds.

The Base Community Council (BCC) is comprised of Airmen from Whiteman and representatives from 18 different communities throughout Missouri.

Airmen from various squadrons team up with partner communities, working with local organizations to help out with  projects and events in these communities.

The BCC is a mutually beneficial program for both the base and the local communities.

"The objectives of the BCC are to identify the common interests of the civilian and military populations, recognize problem areas and support community efforts of concern," said Greg Frencken, the BCC president. "The organization wants to obtain full participation by base and community leaders in solving problems of mutual interest. We strive to provide continuity in the community relations program, in spite of frequent changes of military personnel."

In 2015 the BCC donated approximately $20,000 in support of Whiteman. Some examples include the CLIMB Leadership Program, the Airmen's Bash, the new Stealth Lounge, Wings Over Whiteman and many others.

During the air show the BCC provided food for the vendors and people working the event, they host an annual dinner for the stealth lounge volunteers to show their appreciation for their hard work, and they also routinely donate money to the chiefs group, first sergeants, and wives club for various events on base including the annual awards and air force ball.

BCC luncheons are hosted by one or more communities highlighting outreach programs and concerns. The luncheons take place the first Wednesday of each month. The next BCC luncheon is Feb. 3, and the featured communities are Marshall, Mo. and Cole Camp, Mo.

To learn more about the Whiteman BCC, you can visit their Facebook page titled "Whiteman Air Force Base Community Council."