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Youngstown unveils way ahead in AF Community Partnership

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr.
  • 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office
YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio --  The 910th Airlift Wing hosted an Air Force Community Partnership Program way ahead meeting here, Jan. 22.

The partnership is designed to identify and develop mutually beneficial partnerships between Air Force installations and surrounding communities. The aim is to leverage the intellectual capital, resources and entrepreneurial spirit of our installation and community to improve cost effective operations and quality of life programs; all while supporting local economic goals and interests.

Youngstown is one of 17 Air Force installations and the first of two Air Force Reserve Command units participating in the AFCPP to explore cost-saving opportunities through partnerships and shared services with local communities, government agencies and private sector.

During the last several months, the Youngstown AFCPP identified and developed plans for six partnership areas: airfield services, public safety training, combined medical training, education, blight removal and grain bin training.

Five of the six work group leaders presented plans to members of the newly formed Youngstown Military Affairs Council, base leadership as well as senior regional and community leaders at the meeting. The sixth primary area, grain bin training, came to fruition here Oct. 17, 2014, with a daylong first responder training event.

"It's all about taxpayer dollars," said Col. James Dignan, 910th Airlift Wing commander. "In these days of dwindling budgets, we have to make sure we are the most economically capable, viable and integrated small base out there."