DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- On Friday, approximately 25 Leadership Abilene members toured Dyess Air Force Base to understand what the Airmen do on a day-to-day basis to accomplish the mission.
Every year, participants from multiple city organizations are selected to take part in Leadership Abilene, a program sponsored by the Abilene Chamber of Commerce that develops strong community leaders. The tour gives members of the group the opportunity to learn about the relations between Dyess and the city of Abilene.
“The purpose is to take various up and coming community leaders and train them on the city of Abilene and the relationship we have with Dyess,” said Laurin Kocurek, a member of Leadership Abilene.
Throughout their visit, Airmen from the 7th Bomb Wing and the 317th Airlift Wing were able to showcase the Dyess mission and the daily operations of the C-130J Super Hercules and the B-1B Lancer. The group toured various facilities such as explosive ordnance disposal, the B-1 simulator and the air traffic control tower.
“I am so glad I got this opportunity to be able to learn more about the operations of the base,” said Elyse Lewis, a Leadership Abilene participant. “I really enjoyed our tour through EOD and getting to learn about the equipment used as well as being able to try on the 80 pound bomb suit.”
This tour, which takes place annually, includes a new group of civic leaders every time.
Inviting Leadership Abilene to visit Team Dyess highlights the long standing partnership between the base and the city.
“I think Abilene has a great relationship with Dyess,” Kocurek said. “The city wants the base to come to all of our events and we want the Airmen to be a part of our programs. As a community we really feel the base is a key part of Abilene.”