Committee of 100 host Altus AFB newcomers, deployment returnees

NINE-MILE SPRING, Okla. – Altus Air Force Base family members gather together at a farm near Nine-Mile Spring as part of the Altus Committee of 100 dinner, May 20. The event is held quarterly to bring the base and community members together to welcome newcomers and Airmen returning from deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dillon Davis/Released)

Committee of 100 host Altus AFB newcomers, deployment returnees

NINE-MILE SPRING, Okla. – Community members from Altus, Okla. serve BBQ to Altus Air Force Base Airmen and family members during the Committee of 100 welcoming dinner, May 20, at Nine-Mile Spring. The Committee of 100 is made up of local community members and hosts Altus AFB newcomers each quarter as a local outreach program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dillon Davis/Released)

Committee of 100 host Altus AFB newcomers, deployment returnees

NINE-MILE SPRING, Okla. – Altus Air Force Base members ride horses during the Committee of 100 welcoming dinner, 20 May. The Committee of 100 has hosted this event for more than 25 years to help base newcomers and Airmen returning from deployment connect and create lasting friendships with local community members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dillon Davis/Released)

Committee of 100 host Altus AFB newcomers, deployment returnees

Published May 22, 2013
By Senior Airman Dillon Davis
97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

NINE-MILE SPRING, Okla. -- The Altus Committee of 100 invited Altus Air Force Base newcomers and deployment returnees to participate in a BBQ dinner at a farm near Nine-Mile Spring outside of the city of Altus, May 20.

The event gave Airmen and their families an opportunity to meet local community members as well as other military members from the base, and a chance to experience some Southwestern hospitality.

"It is a great way to welcome new people to Altus and make it feel like it is their home while they are here," said Eva Letha Lucas, Altus Committee of 100 chairman.

Airmen and their families were provided a home-cooked BBQ meal, the chance to ride horses, toast marshmallows and get a feel for life in the local area.

"I think it is great that the Committee of 100 has this type of outreach for the base," said Chief Master Sgt. James Powell, 97th Medical Group superintendent.

The Altus Committee of 100 has hosted these quarterly events for more than 25 years to give a warm welcome to base personnel and build community partnerships.

"It is very hospitable and welcoming for the new individuals and it gives them a sense of community and connection," Powell said.

"We want the whole family to come out and have a great time so we can get to know eachother," Lucas said.

Since its beginning in 1984, more than 33,000 newcomers, deployment returnees and family members have attended these events.

"It's a great way to meet other people and get to talk to senior leadership," said Zackary Gamer, 97th Communications Squadron client systems technician.

All newcomer Airmen and deployment returnees are invited to attend the dinners and can contact their supervision to find out dates and times.