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301 FW highlights Dallas/Fort Worth Civic Leader Day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Randall Moose
  • 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Dallas/Fort Worth civic leaders were given the opportunity to experience the only Air Force Reserve Command F-16 Fighting Falcon unit in the state of Texas at U.S. Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. Civic Leader Day, which demonstrated total force integration of the installation--U.S. Navy, Marines, Air Force Reserve and Air Force Air National Guard-- also highlighted its service members...many of whom are Traditional Reservists who live and work in the same DFW area. 

“The 301 FW is an Air Force Reserve wing meaning the majority of our workforce are Traditional Reservist (TR)," said Col. Korey “Axe” Amundson, 301st Fighter Wing vice commander and TR. "We serve part-time while also having civilian jobs on the outside. We pride ourselves on being Reserve Citizen Airmen. We are as much of this community as we are the mission.”

After being greeted by U.S. Navy Captain Mark McLean, nearly 70 civic leaders representing seven local cities toured the base by visiting the three coordinated locations. At the Air Force location, leaders were able to talk with 301 FW Airmen and Texas Air National Guard 136th Airlift Wing to gain a new perspective on each wing's mission.

“I live near the base and I like listening for the planes,” said Abraham Elizondo, Westworth Village city council member. “I enjoy hearing 'Reveille' in the morning and then 'Retreat' in the evening. I served in the Army back in the eighties, it is just nostalgic. I will go outside every once in a while and watch the planes flying out. Being [on this tour] on the flight line, gives me a new perspective about this base.”

This event not only benefited the civic leaders but also allowed 301 FW Airmen the chance to share their Air Force Reserve stories and get to know their communities.

“When I was asked if I would be able to come out here and talk about the F-16, [I didn't even hesitate]. As fighter pilot, to come out and talk about the jets is awesome. As a vice commander, to talk about our Airmen who make the mission happen every day is awesome too. Yet as much as we have a story to tell, these civic leaders who represent the community we live and work in, they have stories to tell also and I love hearing those stories.”