COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 14th Flying Training Wing hosted its Base Community Council meeting April 22, at the Columbus Event Center at Columbus Air Force Base.
The BCC is an organization that supports the interests of military and civilian groups through mutual understanding and joint participation in common activities. These meetings provide the installation with the opportunity to update the community about events happening at the 14th Flying Training Wing.
"To train world-class pilots requires not just on-base services, but it requires an entire community to be able to do it," said U.S. Air Force Col. James Blech, 14th Flying Training Wing commander. "We've enjoyed a very vibrant and strong relationship with the local community for the last several years. It's incredibly important. It creates a lasting home here."
This BCC marks Blech’s last encounter with the council as the commander, capturing the esprit de corps of the base and the surrounding community.
Annually, the base provides an economic impact of $531 million into the local economy and creates $204 million in jobs around the community. The base boasts the cutting edge of pilot training and community engagement in the U.S. Air Force, offering opportunities for youth like STEM programs and Starbase. It is also one of the first bases to acquire the U.S. Air Force’s new trainer aircraft, the T-7 Redhawk.
"We're going to see our first Red Tail on the ramp in late summer 2027," Blech said. "It'll be one per month after that for the next year, and so by summer of 2028, we hope to see T-7s overhead in the area."
The motto of the BCC is “Connecting Our Communities to Our Air Force Base.” It was formed as a support group for Columbus Air Force Base. During BCC events — such as luncheons and professional development seminars — the installation highlights members of the base from the groups and squadrons.
The High Time Flyers are pilots who have earned the most flying hours in the past 90 days, while the Airmen Recognition spotlights personnel who have done exceptional work in their units. The Group Spotlight is a member of the installation who speaks about their impact on the Columbus community.
This BCC luncheon recognized the following individuals:
High Time Flyers: Capt. Karlee Xander (T-6) and 1st Lt. Kathryn Christmas (T-38)
Airmen Recognition:
14 Operations Group: 14 OSS- SrA Evelyn Mayorquin; 14 STUS – 1st Lt. Rita Downing; 37 FTS – A1C Marcelei Ware; 41 FTS- 1st Lt. Connor Baird; and 49 FTS – A1C Jasso Aguilar
14 Mission Support Group: 14 CONS- A1C Oscar Gonzalez; 14 LRS – Danielle Whalen; 14 FSS – 1Lt Logan Van Ness; 14 CS - A1C Edgardo Pabellon Vazquez;14 CES – SrA Jolie Pace; and 14 STS – A1C Ashten King
Columbus Medical Group: 14 HCOS – Amn Ariana Parsons
14 Wing Staff Agency: 14 CPTS – A1C Junda Li