ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In honor of 46 years of partnership and connection, 97th Air Mobility Wing Airmen welcomed local agricultural members for the Airpower and Agriculture: Base Tour, Jan.12, 2024.
Airpower and Agriculture is held annually to give Airmen and the community the opportunity to gain insight on each other's roles and cultures.
This tour was the final part of the two day event, continuing the long-standing partnership in southwest Oklahoma.
Emily Smith, Air Education and Training Command civic leader, shared why the tour was impactful for agricultural community members.
“The Air Power and Agriculture Tour is a wonderful opportunity for local farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businessmen not only to visit Altus Air Force Base, but to have candid conversations with base leadership,” she said. “As always, we were welcomed with sincerity and the time that leadership spent with the group was invaluable. Southwest Oklahoma is known for Altus AFB and its farming industry so it is a fascinating day when the two can collide to learn more about each other.”
The impact of the tour was clear for Mike Schultz, agricultural member and Friend of Altus, as he expressed why attending the event is meaningful for both himself and the local agricultural and farming community.
“I think it is tremendously important for us to come out and see what the men and women on base do on our behalf,” said Schultz. “It is because of their service that we are able to do our jobs and it is extremely important that both of us understand what we do and continue to support each other.”