Altus AFB inducts newest Friends of Altus

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jesse Lopez
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - --  Col. Anthony Krawietz, former Altus AFB wing commander and currently the Director of the Executive Group for the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff of the Air Force, inducted two new Friends of Altus at Club Altus Feb. 28, 2014.

Ms. Barbara Burleson, the Honorary 97th Mission Support Group commander and Military Affairs Committee member, and Mr. Jeff Greenlee, President of the National Bank of Commerce in Altus and a member of the MAC, were selected by Krawietz as Friends of Altus for their outstanding efforts of leadership to the Altus community.

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 wing commander.

Ms. Burleson is the daughter of Col. Aaron "Burley" Burleson (deceased), who was chosen by Gen. Williams as one of the first Friends of Altus. Ms. Burleson was chosen for her contributions to the MAC and volunteer hours toward the community.

"When I see aircraft training overhead, I feel safe. I appreciate the Airmen for the job they're doing. When I hear reveille in the morning or taps at night, I'm glad they're here," said Burleson. "I feel very fortunate to be your friend."

Mr. Jeff Greenlee is the spouse of Ms. Lisa Greenlee, who was also named a Friend of Altus in 2011. Mr. Greenlee was selected for his many volunteer activities that NBC bank sponsored such as the Dove Hunt and the Mitten Tree events. Additionally, Greenlee is heavily involved with the Altus Chamber of Commerce and MAC events that improve base members' quality of life, such as the Committee of 100.

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

Before unveiling photos of Burleson and Greenlee, Krawietz spoke about the importance of the surrounding community, and how they provided unyielding support to Altus AFB through every success and challenge during his tenure as wing commander here.

"I'm thrilled to be back at Altus AFB to honor these distinguished members of the local community as Friends of Altus," said Krawietz. "A friend is someone that is there to share in celebration, and also to help work through challenges. Barbara and Jeff were there every step of the way, leading in the community and supporting the mission here--they are truly deserving of this honor, and we are grateful to call them friends," he said.

Since the inception of the program, 20 people have been honored as a Friend.

"I feel very fortunate to be part of this community," said Greenlee. "Everyone in Altus, even if only for a short period of time, is our neighbor. They're part of our local school system, co-workers, and friends. They're also the men and women that provide vital training for U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and the U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker. We take pride that all individuals flying and serving in these systems were trained at Altus Air Force Base."