Columbus, Miss., wins inaugural Altus Trophy Published Jan. 24, 2011 By Maj. Rosaire Bushey AETC Public Affairs SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The kick-off to the 2011 Air Education and Training Command Symposium could hardly have been better for a contingent from Columbus, Miss. The small group of community leaders were the first-ever recipients of the AETC Community Support Award and the Altus Trophy. The award is given to the community that best exemplifies steadfast support to AETC Airmen and their families. "We're very proud to receive the first award," said Roger Burlingame, a member of the Columbus Military Affairs Committee. "As one of the smallest AETC base communities, we have a strong relationship with our Air Force base that has many facets. We understand those who are assigned to Columbus are only going to be with us for a short period of time and we have a deep reverence for the sacrifices they make on behalf of our community and country. We've become accustomed to welcoming our Air Force friends into our homes, schools, churches and community activities and so we do everything we can to make Columbus 'home' for our Air Force families." Eight AETC communities took part in the competition and according to Dr. Joe Leverett, Chairman of the Altus Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, the competition was extremely close. "All eight applications were really strong and especially between Columbus and Little Rock," said Dr. Leverett. Finalists in the competition were judged by two former AETC commanders, retired generals Bill Looney and Don Cook. All eight of the communities participating had their application binders on display at the AETC Symposium, where more than 3,500 people had the opportunity to look at the contributions each community has made to their respective Air Force bases. "This award has been earned by all of the citizens of Columbus and Lowndes County Mississippi," said Mr. Burlingame. "We are glad to have won but we would do it without the recognition. It gives us pride just knowing we play some small part in the preparation of those who serve and defend our great country."