News Search

ArticleS

Columbus, Lowndes County named best community support in AETC

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jacob Corbin
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  What the commander and Airmen of Columbus Air Force Base have known for years is now official - Columbus AFB has the most supportive community in Air Education and Training Command.

The City of Columbus was selected as the first AETC community to receive the AETC Community Support Award (Altus Trophy), sponsored by the Altus, Okla. Chamber of Commerce's Military Affairs Committee, during a presentation at the AETC Symposium in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 20.

"This award only restates what I have felt from the first moment I arrived in the Golden Triangle," said Col. Barre Seguin, 14th Flying Training Wing commander. "That we have the best community support in the Air Force."

The City of Columbus was one of eight communities in AETC that submitted an award package for the "Altus Trophy" that recognizes the community which provides the finest support to an AETC unit.

"Colonel Seguin, there are three words I've heard you say I'll never forget," said Mayor Robert Smith, Columbus, Miss., at an event recognizing the community's accomplishment Jan. 22. "They are Fly, Fight and Win ... and we won!"

Mayor Smith said while they have to return the trophy at next year's AETC Symposium, they plan on bringing it home again.

Colonel Seguin said one of the best ways to bring the trophy home again is to continue maintaining the great relationship Columbus AFB and the community share, and have shared for years.

"This trophy is an award 70 years in the making," Colonel Seguin said. "It began when community forefathers reached out to the (Army Air Corps) and offered to lease this land for $1 per year, and it has continued ever since."

"No one (supports the military) better than the people of Columbus, Miss., and the Golden Triangle Region," Colonel Seguin said. "The men and women of this area take great interest in what goes on at Columbus AFB."

Among some of the programs the City of Columbus were best known for in supporting CAFB were: Pilot Partner program, Pilot for a Day program, financial and manpower resources the "Wings over Columbus Air Show and Open House, T-37 static display maintenance, administrative foundation for the Base Community Council, and "adoptions" of military family member for the holidays.