Brig. Gen. Michael T. Brewer 412th Test Wing commander, attended the Nov. 8 meeting of the Edwards AFB Civilian-Military Support Group Board of Directors.
This was a usual 7:30 a.m. Civ-Mil meeting, at which the volunteer civic group discussed its service projects in support of the base military, dependents, and civilian personnel. President Danny Bazzell explains the group’s purpose by saying “we support those who support the nation.”
Brewer was accompanied by the usual Air Force coordinator attendees, CMSgt. Brian Randolph and MSgt. William Russell. Brewer thanked the group for its service to the base and its personnel. Continued advocacy for the base is welcomed.
He said that the activation of the 412th Test Wing responsibilities both for the physical operations of the base, and for the testing programs is going well. The Air Force Material Command 5-Center organization is also working well. In view of the nation’s budget, efficiency is the current Air Force emphasis. The entire Air Force test enterprise is proceeding well. The F-35 test program shows good progress, with the recent demonstrations of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons releases. The F-35 has flown at a 50-degree angle of attack, which is remarkable.
The Civ-Mil annual project for the base has been completed. All the flags at the Bdlg. 1 Flag Park were replaced. The new flags were in place for the POW/MIA day activities. Founder Aida O’Connor coordinated purchasing these Made-In-America flags of all 50 states and the possessions, as well as a duplicate set. Civ-Mil paid $2,000 for the flags. Candidates for next year’s project are now being solicited.
Past President Mike Belzil and other directors informally discussed the Oct. 12 luncheon with the Honorary Squadron Commanders Association from Aviano Air Base, Italy. Civ-Mil directors and members shared Club Muroc tables with the visitors. There were warm feelings of friendship exchanged despite language barriers at some tables. The Italians met up with base leadership, visited the Air Force Test Pilot School, and were later given a tour of the base by the 412th Test Wing Public Affairs Office. The members also visited the Air Force Flight Test Museum at the end of their tour.
The Edwards Honorary Commanders program is being revitalized. This program matches an interested community person with an Edwards AFB commander. They periodically meet to exchange information. Civ-Mil originated the program at Edwards in July 2005. Members have been invited to express their interest in participating. Base leadership will select honorary commanders in late January.
Activities for the upcoming holiday season were discussed. As in the past, Civ-Mil will participate in Operation Warm Heart and the Angel Tree set up at the Base Exchange. Russell is coordinating activities for the First Sergeants Association. Names and ages of children who might not otherwise get Christmas gifts are hung, and appropriate gifts donated and distributed. Operation Warm Heart provides commissary checks to purchase holiday meals to personnel-mainly junior enlisted – in need of assistance.
Civ-Mil membership is open to persons wanting to “serve those who serve.” They are invited to visit eafbcivmil.org, or to contact membership chairman Art Furtado at (661) 965-5452.
