Commander hosts New Year’s Reception

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephanie Englar
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Col. Jim Sears, 14th Flying Training Wing Commander, and his wife Vikki Sears, hosted a New Year's Reception Jan. 4 at the Columbus Club.

The Sears' were joined by base leaders, honorary commanders and other distinguished guests from the local community for an afternoon of socializing and to catch up after the holidays.

"It was great to have everyone come out for the New Year's Reception," said Sears. "Building bonds between Columbus Air Force Base and the local community is highly important. The support Columbus Air Force Base receives from the public is what helps make this the premier pilot training wing and community in the Air Force."

Posters that highlighted key events from 2013 adorned the walls of the room and became talking points for the guests. Along with remembering 2013 events, guests talked about what was in store for 2014.

Guests enjoyed refreshments and food prepared by the Columbus Club staff. This annual reception provides key base leaders an opportunity to socialize and communicate with local community leaders.

At Columbus Air Force Base the vision is to be the premier pilot training wing and community developing the world's best Airmen. Events like the New Year's Reception bring the base and community closer to help achieve our overall mission.

The relationship between the local Columbus, Miss. community and Columbus Air Force Base has lasted over many years due to a strong community relations programs.

"The benefits of a healthy community relations program are, more often than not, indirect in nature and can easily go unnoticed; however, they have an immense impact on base morale," said 2nd Lt. Joshua Benedetti, 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs Chief of Community Relations.

One program that supports the relationship between Columbus Air Force Base and the local community is the Pilot Partner Program.

"Through the Pilot Partner program, local businesses volunteer to adopt every Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training class for the entire duration of their training," said Benedetti. "In that year they will attend class socials, assignment night and provide each class member with their first pair of engraved silver wings at graduation."

Benedetti added that it is these generous actions that send a clear message: this community genuinely cares for the men, women and families on Columbus Air Force Base.

"By being a positive community partner, we are engendering trust to the people outside the gate who are curious how their tax dollars are put to use and how their sons and daughters who serve are treated," said Benedetti. "The ratio is pretty simple: the more transparent and honest we are about our proud mission, the greater public trust and support we will hold."