MAC gains new appreciation for armed forces

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carolyn Viss
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Abilene Military Affairs Committee visited Dyess March 30 for a readiness orientation including a canine demonstration, visit to the Airman and Family Readiness Center, chemical warfare training, combat arms training, and mobility processing. 

Their goal was to see first hand what real-world deployers and active-duty military servicemembers - particularly Airmen - go through in a post-Sept. 11 era. 

"This trip was absolutely fascinating," said Matt Roseborough, a MAC member who's been part of the committee for approximately a month. This was his first time on base, and as a new MAC member he said the trip gave him a new respect and courtesy for the "outstanding" work Airmen do on a day-to-day basis in preparation for warfighting. 

Readiness personnel from the 7th Civil Engineer Squadron allowed the MAC members to try on mission oriented protective posture equipment, weighing almost 40 pounds, to give them a realistic idea of what it feels like for Airmen to be in MOPP 4 for exercises, training and deployed emergencies. 

"I really underestimated all you do," he said. "When I got to put on the flak vest and Kevlar helmet (at the rifle range), it was so much heavier than I expected it to be. I realized you really do have to be in great physical condition. You have to be fit to be mobile in all that gear. I can see that a lot of effort goes into protecting our military servicemembers because that gear is very well-made and carefully constructed, and it's obviously made to protect you from real danger." 

In addition to their stop at the security forces K-9 and combat arms units, the MOPP demonstration, and the mobility processing line, the group stopped at the Airman and Family Readiness Center to see the services they offer. 

"Family care is obviously important to the Air Force," Mr. Roseborough said. "The adaptation everyone has to go through - both Airmen and their families - in the event of a deployment must be so overwhelming, but the communication (the AFRC) provides is vital to their survival. They've gone way beyond anything I would imagine to help Airmen and their families." 

Inclement weather prevented them from taking a planned orientation flight on the C-130, but many of the members expressed interest in returning to Dyess in the future to ride the famous Hercules and experience even more of the military lifestyle. 

Lieutenant Col. Timothy Eichhorn, 7th Bomb Wing director of staff, also addressed the group and said Dyess Airmen were just as glad to have them here as they were to be here. The support the MAC and Abilene communities provides Dyess is vital to the welfare of the Airmen who are stationed here, he said. 

Celia Davis, the MAC chair and City of Abilene councilwoman, was part of the group of approximately 25 members who visited. She said she's been on the committee for about 16 years but has never experienced something quite like what they got to see that day. 

"I really hope we get to do this on a regular basis," Ms. Davis said. "I've been so involved with the base and in the city that I really felt I had a good grasp on what the military does for the community, but this experience has totally changed my perspective. We're so grateful to you for all that you do."