Col. Jeffrey T. Pennington, 433rd Airlift Wing commander, welcomes over 70 Leadership San Antonio participants before they board an Air Force Reserve C-5A Galaxy during their June 5, 2013 visit to the "Alamo Wing". The tour was part of the day's events which highlighted the diverse missions of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and focused on military and veterans' affairs. Senior Master Sgt. Charles Cardenas, a 356th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, explains his duties inside a C-5A Galaxy's cargo hold to participants of Leadership San Antonio Class 38 during their visit June 5, 2013 to the 433rd Airlift Wing. The tour was part of the day's events which highlighted the diverse missions of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and focused on military and veterans' affairs. Leadership San Antonio learns about Alamo Wing mission by Elsa Martinez 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs 6/6/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Lackland -- More than 70 Leadership San Antonio participants toured a C-5a Galaxy at the 433rd Airlift Wing here June 5. Leadership San Antonio -- a jointly-sponsored program of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce -- provides a learning experience for existing and emerging leaders who live and work in the San Antonio metropolitan area. Participants are given the opportunity to develop an understanding of the promises and challenges facing their community. Tim O'Krongley, San Antonio International Airport's assistant aviation director of operations and tour participant, was a member of a seven-member team tasked with selecting a class topic and planning the date of speakers, tours and information sessions. The group settled on the military and veteran affairs in the area. "We wanted to emphasize the real importance of the 433rd in San Antonio and what it has to offer," said O'Krongley. "After walking through the C-5 and talking to the aircrews who fly it, I think we more than met our objectives." The tour was able to enlighten local employers with no prior exposure to the Alamo Wing's mission. "So many of our employers are unaware of what the 433rd really does," said Megan Legacy, executive director of the Christian Hope Resource Center and LSA class member. "Now, I think we have a greater understanding of the sacrifices Air Force Reservists make and what they do and what employment opportunities really serve them." Even though the group was only able to see a small sliver of the wing, they were able to spend the time with wing's senior leader. "It's always my pleasure to meet and host bright, up-and-coming leaders in San Antonio," said Col. Jeffrey T. Pennington, 433rd AW commander. "These community leaders showed exemplary interest in learning about our mission, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be surrounded by such talent." For more information about Leadership San Antonio, visit their website at http://sachamber.org/cwt/external/wcpages/getinvolved/leadership.aspx.