Leadership Altus group learns about wing, mission Published Nov. 26, 2008 By Kevin Chandler 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Leadership Altus group, a collection of civic leaders and prominent community figures under the guidance of the Altus Chamber of Commerce, was given a detailed account of the 97th Air Mobility Wing mission at a dinner Nov. 24. After a tour of the base the group listened to a wing mission briefing, enjoyed dinner provided by the Enlisted Club staff, then participated in a panel discussion with base leadership. Mr. "Nub" Smith, co-vice-chairman of the Military Affairs Committee, said the purpose of the Leadership Altus group is to "get young business people and community leaders involved and engaged." He continued by stating many people in Altus know what the area has to offer, but not many know how those things came to be. "We are trying to show class participants that people make things happen," he said. The Leadership Altus group is made up of people with many different specialties and areas of expertise, a quality many participants feel adds to the experience. Ms. Rebekkah Morrow, an instructor at Western Oklahoma State College, said, "this opens doors, there are leaders in so many areas." Ms. DeAnne Warren, an accountant with Red River Federal Credit Union, agreed. "This gives us a chance to network," she said. Additionally, she felt learning about the base was important for those not familiar with the various wing organizations and missions. "The base is extremely important to the Altus community," she explained, "the relationship between the base and the town has always been positive." The panel discussion allowed the wing leadership a chance to echo those sentiments. Speakers not only explained the different missions of base organizations, but also expressed their appreciation for all the support the community provides to the base.