Altus welcomes newcomers with Newcomers Bus Tour

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Leandra D. Hernandez
  • 97 Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The Armed Services Young Men Christian Association and the Airman and Family Readiness Center have teamed up to present Altus newcomers with a Newcomers Bus Tour.

"At the Airman and Family Readiness Center, we believe in listening to our customers. Newcomers had commented on how they would like to have had a 'bus tour' upon their arrival. Joyce Schenk and I decided it was time for us to listen and try to accommodate their wishes," said Connie Visitacion.

The tour was formed to introduce Altus newcomers to the base facilities and downtown landmarks.

To make the tour possible, Outdoor Recreation is furnishing the bus and the ASYMCA is supplying the gas as well as a drink and snack for each participant.

The tour is expected to start at the Base Exchange parking lot at 8:30 a.m. and will tour the base. The tour continues to downtown Altus, including the Jackson County Memorial Hospital, tag office, Chamber of Commerce, post office, library, and more. The tour provides information on base activities and about the city of Altus.

"When we were developing the tour, I found places here in Altus that I didn't know existed and I have been here off and on for 8 years," said Ms. Visitacion. "We have a great on- and off-base community and people need to know that instead of being so negative about Altus."

The tours will be conducted on the first and third Friday of each month starting Oct. 1. If the demand is great, A&FRC is willing to consider conducting a tour every Friday.

Newcomers must register for the bus tour as it will only allow 13 passengers. Children are welcomed and must be accompanied by the appropriate car seat. When newcomers register they must register all children as they will take up a bus seat. Each person who attends the tour must have the appropriate ID card to get back on base upon arrival from downtown.

For more information or to register please call the A&FRC, 481-6761.