97 AMW Welcomes 2 Friends of Altus

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jackson Haddon
  • 97 AMW/PA

“I wanted to recognize a couple of individuals that meant a lot to me and really affected my time serving here as the wing commander,” said Col. Eric Carney, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, as he inducted two new Friends of Altus at the Freedom Community Center, March 29, 2019.

The Honorable Mike Schulz, former United States Senator for the state of Oklahoma, and Jim Gover, president of Lending and Corporate Security Officer at NBC Bank in Altus, were selected by Carney as Friends of Altus for their outstanding efforts in supporting the base and its personnel.

The Friends of Altus tradition began in 1995. It was created by former Altus AFB wing commander Gen. George N. Williams, now retired, who chose the first three Friends of Altus. To be named a Friend of Altus is the highest honor a local civilian can receive from a 97 AMW Commander.

Schulz has been a longtime proponent of the 97th Air Mobility Wing, with strong ties to the local community. During his time in office, he sided with the Air Force stance on windfarm encroachment and worked toward improving the quality of life for Airmen at the 97 AMW and at large.

“I grew up just south of town in the cotton fields watching airplanes go overhead,” said Shultz. “This installation means everything to me. The men and women who serve out here and what they’re willing to do means a lot to me, so I try to do whatever I can do to support the base. I’ve always been happy to do it.”

Gover is a member of the Military Affairs Committee and has served as an Honorary Commander to the Command Chief. He also serves on an emeritus status for the Air Education and Training Command Commander’s Civic Leader Group. Gover served in the United States Navy as a sonar technician.

“Anything that I’ve ever done for this base, for this community, I learned from my father and he learned from his,” Gover said. “I look back at that side of my family to set the example of what I do. I really don’t feel I’ve done anything worth being recognized for; I only did what I felt any American would do. My respect and appreciation goes out to the 97th AMW and the oath they’ve taken to support and defend our country.”

The ceremony consisted of a reception, dinner and an unveiling of the inductee’s portraits that will join the portraits of other Friends of Altus on display in the Wing headquarters building.