302nd AW shares reserve mission, continues partnerships in local community

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Frank Casciotta
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 302nd Airlift Wing welcomed community leaders from the Pikes Peak region here for its second year of the 302nd AW, Air Force Reserve Partners in Leadership program, April 13, 2018.

The program is designed to share the Air Force Reserve mission and grow existing relations between leaders within the local community and the 302nd AW. Similar to its inaugural run in 2017, this year’s program is scheduled to feature four educational events showcasing Air Force Reserve mission sets and its partnership with active duty organizations in the local area throughout 2018.

The first event this year showcased the 302nd AW, Air Force Reserve mission at Peterson Air Force Base. Program highlights included 21st Space Wing and 302nd AW mission briefs, a Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System brief, a 302nd AW C-130 Hercules aircraft tour given by Reserve aircrew members along with aeromedical evacuation technicians and aerial port personnel. The first event also included a military working dog demonstration given by the 21st Security Forces Squadron, an active duty mission partner of the 302nd AW.

Attendees for this first event included leaders from local chambers of commerce, businesses, academic institutions and nonprofit organizations. Each year, a new group of leaders is invited to take part in the Air Force Reserve-led program.

“As an Air Force Reserve Wing, the 302nd is just one part of the larger military community throughout Colorado Springs,” said Col. James DeVere, the 302nd AW commander. “Our goal here is to further educate leaders in the Pike’s Peak region specifically on the Air Force Reserve and how the Reserve mission is a vital partner to several active duty missions here and in global operations.”

The wing’s next Partners in Leadership event will take place at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, where attendees will learn about the Air Force Reserve contributions to the space mission there.