Del Rio Grande 0418

APRIL 2018

FIESTA OF FLIGHT Laughlin AFB sets open house

THRIFTY CAUSE

LAUGHLIN HERITAGE

Laughlin spouse store aids nonprofits

Museum preserves base history

APRIL 2018

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GRANDE / APRIL 2018

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FROM THE EDITOR

An enduring partnership PUBLISHER Sandra Castillo EDITOR Karen Gleason CREATIVE DIRECTOR Megan Tackett WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Brian Argabright Rubén Cantú Karen Gleason Joseph Pagan Megan Tackett 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs Staff ADVERTISING Kim Dupill Ashley Lopez Albert Treviño PRODUCTION Jorge Alarcon Roland Cardenas Adriana Ibarra EDITORIAL karen.gleason@delrionewsherald.com 830-775-1551, Ext. 247 ADVERTISING ashley.lopez@delrionewsherald.com 830-775-1551, Ext. 250 STORY IDEAS karen.gleason@delrionewsherald.com

2205 North Bedell Avenue • Del Rio, TX 78840 delrionewsherald.com Del Rio Grande is published by the Del Rio News-Herald.

No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without written permission of the publisher. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine.

Editorial and advertising does not constitute advice but is considered informative.

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GRANDE / APRIL 2018

For many months now, the Grande staff has talked on and off about an issue featuring Laughlin Air Force Base.

Laughlin’s upcoming open house on May 12 gave us the perfect opportunity to showcase Del Rio’s neighbor, partner and friend.

As those of us who live here know, Del Rio has much to offer and is growing and thus able to offer more, both to its residents and to visitors.

What is often left unsaid is that Del Rio would not be the singular place that it is without the presence and support of Laughlin Air Force Base and the men and women from diverse parts of the country who are stationed there, as well as the Del Rio folks employed there.

As many of you may know, I worked at Laughlin for 12 years, from 1987 until the end of 1999, first as a graphic designer and illustrator, then briefly as the manager of the base civilian audiovisual contract.

In that time, I did a lot of work of which I am still proud, such as the redrawing of the patch for the 85th Flying Training Squadron and the development of a patch for the 47th Flying Training Wing’s Wing Safety Division.

I deeply appreciate my time at Laughlin, and I am most grateful for the working relationships I developed with the officers, enlisted personnel and other civilian employees who shared my time there.

What I took away from those years was a deep respect for the dedication of those men and women who serve in our country’s military and the discipline, integrity, enthusiasm and sense of mission they exemplified, from the youngest airman to the wing commander.

Those qualities have apparently not changed in the years after I left the base, as I found them again when our staff was able to work with Laughlin’s public affairs personnel in creating this issue. If these young men and women, led by the capable and dedicated Lt. Mahalia Frost, represent the future leaders of our nation, we can rest assured that we are in good hands.

Our desire this month was to provide our readers with the barest introduction to the base. We know that Grande will revisit our strong neighbor many times over the months and years to come, and we hope that all of you will take advantage of the open house on May 12 to learn a little bit more about the base and the members of its community.

Aim High,

Karen Gleason Grande Editor

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CONTENTS 8

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CALENDAR

THRIFTING FOR A CAUSE

Keep busy this month at these local events.

A spouse-run thrift store supports nonprofit’s efforts.

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FIESTA OF FLIGHT

PILOT PICKS

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GROW YOUR OWN The school district’s CTE program manufactures future mechanics.

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A sneak peak at Laughlin’s upcoming open house.

Pack like a pilot.

A GRANDE LIFE

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T-6 maintenance manager tells his story.

PATCH PRIDE

ON THE WORLD’S STAGE Del Rio museum celebrates and preserves Laughlin’s rich history.

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JALAPEÑO POPCORN Students love this spicy snack.

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BORDER BUTTERMILK This pink drink is a cordial cocktail.

Learn the pith of the patches.

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LAUGHLIN GUARDIAN

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The organization that connects Laughlin and Del Rio’s communities.

Diverse uniforms herald a variety of LAFB jobs.

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LOOKING SHARP, LAUGHLIN

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CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL

LAST LOOK A pilot’s spouse summarizes this issue.

Look inside a commander’s wife’s closet.

On the cover: 1st Lt. Sawyer Scheer, left, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and 1st Lt. Holly Martin, of San Antonio, Texas, talk about their next flights as they walk on the flight line at Laughlin Air Force Base near a line of T-6 Texan IIs. Photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Valmoja.

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APRIL CALENDAR

Keep busy this month at these fun local events

7 ACTIVE AT THE OASIS FITNESS SERIES: HIIT 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Amistad Urban Oasis • 1915 Veterans Blvd.

Build strength and stamina at the Del Rio Park Foundation’s Bodyweight High Intensity Interval Training session led by Monica De La Paz, an AFAA certified fitness instructor.

14 MARKET AT THE MUSEUM 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Whitehead Memorial Museum • 1308 S Main St. Pick up anything from cookies to coffee, jewelry and clothing at the Main Street Program’s April market.

22 SPRING FLY-IN Fort Clark Springs 300 Highway 90 Visit Fort Clark Springs for a day of fun and airplanes.

21 YUKFEST 10 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Casa de la Cultura • 302 Cantu St. Celebrate 10 years of Yukfest at the Casa. This music festival is friendly for all ages and admission is free with any recyclable items.

28 THE ROUND UP POP-UP MARKET 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Greenwood Park • 501 Griner St. Bring the entire family for a fun day at the park. Visit with a wide variety of vendors and pick up a gifts from a local vendors.

27-28

GEORGE PAUL MEMORIAL BULL RIDING 8 p.m.

Val Verde County Fairgrounds This is the oldest, most continuous stand-alone bull riding in the world and honors hall of fame, and Del Rio native, George Paul.

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FIESTA OF FLIGHT Laughlin Air Force Base opens its doors Story by KAREN GLEASON; photos by KAREN GLEASON and contributed by the United States Air Force

The Thunderbirds – jets, pilots and maintenance crews – exemplify pride and precision, as shown in this photo, taken at the start of a demonstration in Houston. The Air Force’s precision team has been thrilling crowds across the U.S. and around the world since they were activated in 1953.

J

ust about everyone in Del Rio knows that Laughlin Air Force Base trains pilots.

We see them daily, flying their training missions east and north of the city, but what actually happens on base day-to-day is largely a mystery to most Del Rioans.

That’s all about to change.

On Saturday, May 12, Laughlin Air Force Base will throw open its doors and invite the entire community for an allday open house and air show.

USAF Maj. David Brandt is the director of Laughlin AFB’s open house, which is being called “Fiesta of Flight.” It is the first such event the base has held in 10 years.

“The air show is part of it, of course, but

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really it’s an open house, and the primary purpose of an Air Force open house is to showcase the Air Force mission to the local community. That’s really the point of the open house we are hosting, is to show appreciation to the community for all of the support they have given the base over the years,” Brandt said.

One of the portions of the open house will be the air show.

“We have a lot of flying acts coming in, headlined by the United States Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, commonly known as the Thunderbirds.

We have some other aircraft coming in, called ‘Warbirds,’ vintage military aircraft that are now civilian owned and flown. A lot of those coming in are

specific to Laughlin’s history, so we have a C-45 coming in, which, as you go out of the main gate, is the last aircraft on the right in the airpark. We will also have an old T-6 coming in, which is one of the first primary trainers that the Army Air Corps and Air Force used for pilot training.

Now we have the T-6 Texan II, so we have some heritage links there,” Brandt said.

“We’re going to have some other military fly-bys and static displays, so the folks from Del Rio, who don’t get much of a chance to see what the rest of the Air Force does, will get the chance to see aircraft from bases that have other missions beyond pilot training so that you might get the chance to look into a KC-135, to see what an F-16 looks like up

One of the most highly-anticipated aspects of the May 12 “Fiesta of Flight” open house at Laughlin Air Force Base is the return of the United States Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, more commonly called the Thunderbirds. The squadron’s mission, according to the Air Force, is “to plan and present precision aerial maneuvers to exhibit the capabilities of modern, highperformance aircraft and the high degree of professional skill required to operate those aircraft.”

Four of the members of the USAF Thunderbirds demonstrate one of the precision maneuvers for which they are world-renowned. The Thunderbirds fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon, one of the most advanced aircraft ever developed.

close,” he added.

Brandt said there will be a rehearsal for the air show portion of the “Fiesta of Flight” on Friday, May 11, so Del Rioans may see unusual aircraft flying around the base that day as well.

Local residents will be able to see many of those same planes up-close on Saturday when the gates open at the base.

“Everything is open to the public.

There’s no charge for anything.

Parking is free. There are no admission tickets. Everything’s free. We do still have security requirements – we are an Air Force base – however, you won’t have to be on any kind of special list. It will be completely open to the

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public. There will be no ID checks, anything like that. There will be security checks, so folks are prohibited from bringing weapons, large bulky bags, things of that sort,” he added.

“The idea is that the event will be all-inclusive to the Del Rio community. That’s why it’s called an open house, because the base will be truly open to the public,” Brandt noted.

Most of the day’s activities will be centered on the Laughlin flight line, and Brandt said the event will last most of the day. He said anyone planning to attend the event will get the most out of it by planning to spend the whole day.

“There are going to be a lot of displays and stuff from the whole Laughlin community, both civilian and military, beyond flying, because we do a lot more on this base than just fly airplanes. Some of the displays will be from the support missions that units have: aircrew training, life support equipment, that sort of thing,” he said.

Brandt said food and drink will be available for guests to purchase as they make their way from display to display and watch the flying shows.

“It’s going to be very family-centric, communitycentric, so anybody and everybody can have a good time,” said Lt. Mahalia Frost, of the wing’s public affairs staff.

Confirmed static displays for military aircraft include: F-16, KC-135, F-35, the Air Force’s newest fighter; and World War II-era aircraft including the C-45, P-39, U-3 and T-6 Texan I. “We will also have our local aircraft on static display, so the T-6 Texan II, the T-38 and the T-1, so people will have the opportunity to get up close and see those aircraft you see flying over the town all the time,” Brandt said.

Laughlin’s gates will open early Saturday.

“The gates will open about 9 a.m., and the Thunderbirds are going to fly at about 4 p.m., and there’s a full day of flying before that, so there will be a lot to see and do. You definitely don’t want to leave early,” he said.

Brandt also recommended carpooling when possible.

“Parking is going to be tight. It is free, but if you show up at the end of the day, you may end up walking some significant distance, so we’re encouraging people to carpool as much as possible,” he said.

“The third recommendation would be to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. It is May in Del Rio, so it goes without saying that it’s going to be hot outside, and it is hotter standing on the concrete,” Brandt said.

One of the new features that will be part of

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Visitors to Laughlin Air Force Base during the May 12 Fiesta of Flight Open House and Air Show will get a chance to see the three aircraft flown at the base, from top, the T-38, the T-1 and the T-6 Texan II,

Open house and air show events have been a staple of the relationship between Del Rio and Laughlin Air Force Base since the base opened, as these posters from shows in the 1980s and 1990s show. Both posters are from the collection of the Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum, 309 S. Main St..

this year’s open house is a chance for visitors to tailgate and watch the show.

“To my knowledge, no other air show has ever done this. We are opening a tailgate area. We are giving folks the opportunity to bring their own food, their own beverages, their own everything, and it’s going to be on the east side of the airfield, so if you’re coming from town, you would drive past the base and enter the base on the other side of the runways,” he said.

“For a nominal fee you get a piece of real estate, where you can set your grill, a tent. You can do whatever, within reason – we don’t want it to get too crazy, since we’re still on an Air Force base – but the intent is that we allow people to enjoy the air show how

they want to do that. If you to be on the ramp and looking at airplanes, you can do that, but if you want to hang out tailgating in your lawn chair with your ice chest and your grill, you can do that as well,” Brandt said.

He noted though, that those attending the open house will have to pick one side or another as those on the “tailgate side” of the airfield will not have access to the flight line and vice-versa.

“Another important thing to note regarding the tailgate area is that the show announcer will be broadcasting the show on FM radio, so if you’re in the tailgate area, you can tune your radio to the show frequency to hear the narration as the airplanes are

flying, and you will get a different perspective on the show because you’ll be in a slightly different location, so you’ll be able to see aircraft coming from different angles,” Brandt said.

For much more information about the show and its attendant rules and regulations, please visit laughlinopenhouse.com Brandt said the web site, which will be continuously updated, will include parking maps, lists of prohibited items and schedules of events and exhibits.

Brandt said the site should be checked often for updates. •

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Jim Long, a founding member of the Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum, points out a site overflown by Laughlin U-2s during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.

On the World’s Stage The Laughlin Heritage Foundation logo was designed around a Texas Ranger badge “representing both the location of the base and its role as a peacekeeper.”

Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum preserves LAFB’s role in history Story and photos by KAREN GLEASON

Laughlin Air Force Base’s rich and storied history in the military affairs of the country and the world are preserved in a small, unassuming storefront on South Main Street in downtown Del Rio. And whether you’re a

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true military and aviation history buff or only casually interested in Laughlin AFB’s history, the Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum at 309 S. Main St. is worth one or several visits.

The foundation, which

operates the museum, was chartered in 1983.

“The concept of such a foundation was envisioned some 14 years earlier when the quest to return a Lockheed U-2 aircraft to Laughlin Air Force Base was begun,”

reads a document describing the foundation and its work.

Jim Long, a founding member of the Laughlin Heritage Foundation, greets visitors as they walk in the door. Long is only too happy to take them on a narrated tour of the museum’s many treasures, but pay attention: there’ll be a quiz at the end.

“We don’t have an awful lot of visitors, and most of those are from out-of-town. They come from all over the world,” Long said.

Visitors also receive a packet of information: statistics on the Vin Fiz, the first aircraft ever to land in Del Rio in 1911; facts about the SR71 Blackbird reconnaissance plane, which never flew out of Laughlin, but several of whose pilots did; and a DVD titled, “Tales of Laughlin,” an Eagle Scout project by Benjamin A. Rawald of Boy Scott Troop 280.

Long’s tour of the museum begins with Del Rio’s introduction to the aviation age, the visit of the Vin Fiz, the first aircraft to fly over Val Verde County. The Vin Fiz landed in Del Rio, Sanderson and Dryden on its way to making the first-ever transcontinental flight.

The museum includes a portrait of Herman Jasper “Jap” Lowe, the first military aviator from Val Verde County, and photos of the brushy ranchland on which Laughlin was established and of the ceremonies opening the base.

Another section memorializes Lt. Jack Thomas Laughlin, the first Del Rio aviator to be killed in World War II. Laughlin’s original Purple Heart medal is included in the collection.

Del Rio’s Air Force base was named in Laughlin’s honor in 1943.

Each of the artifacts and exhibits in the extensive Heritage Foundation Museum collection has a story, and Long knows all of them.

He also provides visitors with fascinating snippets that are part of Laughlin’s long history. For instance, a member of the first graduating class at the “twin-engine transition base near Del Rio,” Lucius Clay Jr., who

flew the B-26 Marauder here, later became a four-star general during the Vietnam War. But Clay is by no means the only distinguished graduate ever to train at Laughlin. Long maintains a list of all the general officers who earned their pilot’s wings at LAFB. The museum also preserves artifacts, photos and memorabilia from the visits of several U.S. presidents to the base, including that of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who made a trip here to dedicate Amistad Dam in 1969. Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon also made trips here.

But perhaps the most important parts of the collection deal with the time during which the 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing and the storied U-2 Dragon Lady spy plane called Laughlin home.

Many of the most interesting and valuable items in the museum’s collection deal with the exploits of the 4080th while it was active at Laughlin.

Long’s knowledge about the 4080th, its members, aircraft and missions, is encyclopedic.

One of the Laughlin Heritage Foundation’s prize artifacts is a camera from another famed spy aircraft, the SR-71 Blackbird. A number of SR-71 pilots had prior service at Laughlin, and their names are set in a place of honor atop the large, rare camera.

Another large artifact with pride of place in the museum’s collection is an actual Pratt & Whitney J57-P31A engine, the standard production high-altitude engine from a Lockheed U-2A. The museum’s collections dealing with the U-2 and its critical role in the Cuban Missile Crisis deserve a lengthy review, perhaps even their own visit to the museum.

What are the exhibits of which Long is most proud?

“It gets down to the limited availability to the world. One of the things I’m semi-proud of is

1st Lt. Jack Thomas Laughlin, for whom Laughlin Air Force Base is named, was the first Del Rio pilot killed during World War II. According to an historical marker dedicated in his honor, Laughlin graduated from Del Rio High School and as a college student, he worked as a swimming instructor at Moore Park. Laughlin died in Java in January 1942, when the B-17 he was in crashed after taking enemy fire.

Herman Jasper “Jap” Lowe, for whom Jap Lowe Drive in northeast Del Rio is named, was Val Verde County’s first military aviator. Lowe was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Signal Corps in June 1918 and qualified as a pilot two months later. Lowe returned to Del Rio after World War II and built several businesses, including Lowe’s Tourist Home, Filling Station, Grocery Store and Market. The building can still be seen at the corner of Texas and Ogden streets in south Del Rio. GRANDE / APRIL 2018

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A model of a Lockheed U-2, the storied Dragon Lady, in the Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum in downtown Del Rio. The role of the Dragon Lady and her pilots are preserved at the museum, which includes maps, photographs, documents, books and memorabilia from their historic role in the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Sheep graze on the scrubland east of Del Rio before the construction of Laughlin Air Force Base. About 3,600 acres of land were purchased from the family that owned the land for $101,500, about $26 per acre in December 1942.

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A flight map depicts overflights of Cuba by pilots in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) in the 1960s. Many of the pilots flying those missions were members of the 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing from Laughlin Air Force Base.

this listing of all of the guys (from Laughlin) who have gone on to do great and wondrous things, and I’m not sure that’s on display anywhere but here,” Long said.

“I think our autographed map of Cuba is also unique. I don’t know of anybody else anywhere that has that. Of course the big items, the U-2 engine and the SR-71 camera, those are rarer than hen’s teeth, and that may be the last J-57 U-2 engine around,” Long said.

“We’ve got some models here, an SR-71 model that’s been autographed by three of its pilots, Bevacqua, Halloran and Powell,” Long said.

Hours at the museum are from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. •

Two views of the Pratt & Whitney J57-P-31A powerplant, the standard high-altitude engine for the Lockheed U-2A, on display at the Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum.

One of the Laughlin Heritage Foundation’s prize artifacts is a camera from another famed spy aircraft, the SR-71 Blackbird. Names of Blackbird pilots with prior service at Laughlin are on a list placed on top of the camera.

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Jalapeñ

P pcorn

Throughout the Air Force, student pilots have a long tradition of cooking jalapeño popcorn for their flight room. According to Laughlin instructor pilots, a student can be banned from making the squadron’s popcorn after one burnt batch. Lucky for civilians, this light, inexpensive, spicy snack is easy to make at home without the worry of disappointing the boss.

Story by MEGAN TACKETT, Photo by KAREN GLEASON

What you’ll need • • • • • • • • • • 20

Skillet Knife Measuring Spoons Saucepan Serving Bowl Cooking oil Whole kernel popcorn Pickled jalapeños Salt and pepper Optional: butter

GRANDE / APRIL 2018

Method

• In a small skillet, heat two tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat stovetop.

• Add sliced jalapeños and stir for about three to five minutes until peppers are browned and crispy.

• Remove from heat and set jalapeños aside for later.

• In a large saucepan, heat two tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat.

• Put a few test kernels into the oil and cover until popped.

• Add remaining kernels, cover and softly move pan back and forth until kernels are thoroughly popped.

• Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl.

• The pilot’s recipe does not call for butter, but if you prefer a movie-style batch, pour melted butter evenly over popcorn.

• Mix in crumbled jalapeño slices, salt and pepper to taste.

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Border Buttermilk Recipe by KIM DUPILL and MEGAN TACKETT; photo by KAREN GLEASON

This simple, refreshing cocktail was originally created by members of the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce’s Red Carpet Committee in the 1970s.

Using tequila purchased from our neighbors in Ciudad Acuña, it was traditionally served by the committee, while sporting their signature red attire, at conventions and fishing tournaments as a welcoming gesture. The pink, festive beverage has since spread throughout the region, although its recipe varies depending on the community you’re visiting.

NOTE: This beverage has no affiliation with Laughlin’s annual “Border Buttermilk” event.

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Ingredients

• 1 cans (12 ounces) frozen pink lemonade concentrate • 8 ounces silver tequila • 1 container (6 ounces) pink cocktail sugar • Ice

Method

• Place contents of pink lemonade can into standard size blender; add tequila (2/3 of a can), pack blender with ice cubes.

• Blend on high, gently rocking mixer to move ice to bottom.

• Blend at least 1 to 1 ½ minutes until color has lightened to a lighter pink.

• Rim frozen margarita or martini glasses with cocktail sugar.

• Pour and serve.

TIP: You can make a few pitchers ahead of time and put them in the freezer quickly, and re-blend when the party starts.

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Karen James moved to Del Rio in June 2016 and helped open the thrift store a month later. She also operated a base thrift store at Altus Air Force Base in Altus, Okla.

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Thrifting for a Cause A Laughlin spouse-run thrift store supports nonprofit’s efforts Story and photos by MEGAN TACKETT

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ucked away on Laughlin Air Force Base is a nonprofit and corresponding thrift shop that is making a big community impact in lots of little ways.

The Laughlin Thrift Shop is a volunteer, spouseoperated store that raises money for Laughlin XL Spouses, a spouse-run nonprofit organization that donates to philanthropic community efforts.

Karen James, the wife of a Force Support Squadron commander, has been managing the thrift shop since it opened in October 2016.

“I got here in June 2016 and found out they had a facility and the desire to build a thrift store,” James said. “I said, ‘Give me the keys, show me the location,’ and it just kind went from there.”

The shop is only open two days a week for four hours at a time, but within that window, James said the shop produces anywhere from $250 to $500 in revenue. That money supports Laughlin XL Spouses’ scholarship program and many other nonprofits within the community, she said.

“We’re their money machine,” James said. “We generate all the money that the spouses give out.

We’re hand-in-hand.”

With the help of five loyal volunteers, James said the thrift shop receives and sorts through about five trucks’-worth of donations each operating day.

Volunteers sort through racks, piles and boxes of donations, each item going to use in one way or another. James said she also collects left over items from garage sales in the community to fill up the store.

“We do sometimes get overwhelmed with donations.

I tell my volunteers, ‘This is what keeps us open and this is what keeps us able to help,’” James said. “It’s a lot of work. But we do great things with it so I’m okay

Between October 2016 and June 2017, the thrift shop produced $10,000 worth in scholarship funds for high school graduates and college-bound spouses in Del Rio, Brackettville and Comstock.

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The thrift store accepts donations from incoming and outgoing Air Force personnel as well as civilians who have access to base. James said she often reaches out to garage sale hosts to take away their unsold items to help fill the store.

James said she prices designer bags under $10 to help generate word-ofmouth marketing for the thrift store. In the past, she’s priced Coach purses for $8.

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While visiting Del Rio for three weeks, Bonnie Gibson, James’ mother, helps fold and hang clothing donations.

with that.”

Clothing that cannot turn a profit goes home with the volunteers, who wash the items before shipping them off to local nonprofits like Sharing is Caring, Faith Mission and Amistad Pregnancy Center.

Between October 2016 and June 2017, the thrift shop produced $10,000 worth in scholarship funds for high school graduates and college-bound spouses in Del Rio, Brackettville and Comstock, James said. In the thrift shop’s second year, the organization set

a $15,000 scholarship fund goal, she said.

Money generated at the thrift store also benefits Loaves and Fishes, the Air Force Charity Ball, AF Enlisted Village and The Fisher House, James said.

“The objective with our money is to help as many people as possible with every donation,” James said.

James did not walk blindly into the position of managing a thrift shop. She also ran the thrift store at Altus Air Force Base while stationed in Oklahoma for three years. From that experience,

James learned to price items in a way that generates word-of-mouth marketing and loyal customers.

“That’s one of the best ways to advertise is with low prices,” James said. “I want people to keep coming back.”

In May, James said she and her husband will be reassigned to a new location. She said she hopes the thrift store continues to stay in operation for years to come so it can continue to benefit as many people and organizations in the community as possible.•

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PILOT PICKS

We enlisted the help of instructor pilots from Laughlin Air Force Base to learn how to pack like a pilot.

Captain Ricky Gelles recommends Zebra brand stainless steel pens and mechanical pencils. Find this pack at Walgreens.

Captain Joseph Granatelli never travels without coffee. You can adjust the temperature of your hot beverage with this Ember coffee holder from Starbucks.

Captain Kevin Dunbar said a flashlight key chain comes in handy on a regular basis. Find this one at Russell’s True Value.

Captain Chris Poulsen carries lip balm to prevent dryness from his oxygen mask. We recommend Burt’s Beeswax, which contains no skin-drying alcohol.

Captain Aaron Grimme said he always packs an American flag when he deploys. If you’d rather wear your American pride, grab this USA t-shirt from JCPenney.

Captain Ricky Gelles said digital watches are necessary for precise time-tracking.

We like this Armitron watch, found at JCPenney.

Captain Kevin Dunbar said he usually carries a utility knife when traveling, just in case.

Find this Leatherman at Russell’s True Value.

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Although hard to find off base, many of our pilots said they regularly use knee boards for convenient note-taking. Get this knee board online from Sporty’s Pilot Shop.

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PATCH PRIDE Story by JOSEPH PAGAN and photo by GINA CHRISTOFFER

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“It becomes a symbol of their respective class,” said Danny Williams, retired Air Force pilot.

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sing symbolism and imagery, bright colors and catchy phrases, patches in the United States military are used to convey a message or represent a military unit/ organization.

I served in the United States Army, my father retired as a senior noncommissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, and I’ve always been interested in the stories behind military patches.

Being a veteran myself and having many friends who served, something I’d always ask about was, “What does this patch mean?” or “Who designed this patch?”

Because of my family’s association with the Air Force, I remember seeing the Air Force squadron patches the airmen would wear on their uniforms or flight suits. Patches like that of the Air Combat Command patch, a sword adorned with two white eagle wings.

Eventually I became fascinated with Army patches as well, like that of the Screaming Eagle of the storied 101st Airborne,

famous for its role in World War II and beyond. I was always fascinated with these patches as a child and even into adulthood collected a few as personal keepsakes.

For years, I have noticed Laughlin Air Force Base student pilots had their own unique patches on their flight suits, and I’ve heard locals ask about these patches, often asking a student if they could have one of the patches.

“Students usually submit designs in class, vote on a design, and it becomes a symbol of their respective class,” said Danny Williams, who is a retired Air Force pilot and now a pilot instructor at Laughlin Air Force Base.

“I was always aware of the esprit de corp people have for their respective units (organizations), and wearing a patch was a part of that.”

Sometimes the student pilots’ patches would have funny catchphrase or would parody a logo or movie from the popular culture at the time the student class was undergoing its training at

Laughlin.

Among my favorites is the “What-A-Pilot” class patch, which uses the logo of the popular Texas hamburger chain, Whataburger, as its starter logo. Pop culture references like Nacho Libre or a Wu-Tang Clan logo also brought a smile.

“Usually students make patches that are influenced by songs or events, even pop culture,” Williams noted.

While they are not officially recognized in the U.S. Air Force in the way a squadron, group, wing or command patch is, class patches are seen as a means to promote cohesion, unity and pride, even if they are sometimes tongue-in-cheek.

Classes usually vote on a design and use it as a means to represent their graduating class.

“They all need to be approved by wing leadership. Sometimes they get kicked back. The patch can’t be offensive, political or rude in any way. But you can still have fun with the ideas,” Williams said. •

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Looking Sharp, Laughlin The men and women stationed at Laughlin Air Force Base wear a variety of uniforms, usually dependending on the jobs they do.

Here’s a selection of who’s wearing what on base.

1st Lt. Rafael Alicea is a T-6 Texan II programmer and first assignment instructor pilot with the 434th Flying Training Squadron. Alicea, a native of Eatontown, N.J., is dressed in his flight suit and G-suit and is holding his flight helmet.

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1st Lt. Cami Richan, an instructor pilot with the 434th Flying Training Squadron, wears a flight suit as she stands on the flight line near a T-6 Texan II, one of three airplanes flown at Laughlin Air Force Base.

Capt. Tiffany Sykes, whose hometown is Philadelphia, Pa., gets ready in the courtoom.

Syks is the assistant staff judge advocate at Laughlin Air Force Base.

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Capt. Bruce Ngo in an exam room at the 47th Medical Group Hospital at Laughlin Air Force Base. Ngo is a primary care physician at Laughlin. He hails from Orange County, Calif.

Capt. Alicia Leipprandt is the assistant flight commander of the 434th Flying Training Squadron at Laughlin AFB. Leipprandt is a native of Ubly, Mich., and a graduate of the Air Force Academy.

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Maj. Eli Prince, an instructor pilot with the 434th Flying Training Squadron is the assistant director of operations for the 434th FTS. Prince is from Garland, Texas, and he is a graduate of the Air Force Academy.

SSgt Bryan Heidel at the Ribas-Dominicci Plaza at Laughlin Air Force Base. Heidel is the non-commissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) of training for the 47th Operations Group at Laughlin. Heidel said he enjoys his work and knowing he’s making an impact every day.

Heidel is from Chicago, Ill.

Left to right, Lt. Cami Richan, Capt. Alicia Leipprandt and Maj. Eli Prince show off the shoulder patches that identify the organizations to which they belong. All three are instructors at Laughlin Air Force Base.

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A1C Benjamin Brunetto is a patrolman in the 47th Security Forces Squadron at Laughlin Air Force Base. Brunetto is a native of Cattaraugus, N.Y. Members of this squadron are responsible for defending and guarding Laughlin’s gates and assuring the safety of the base community. They receive training in a variety of disciplines.

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Laughlin photography contributors

Members of the 47th Flying Traing Wing Public Affairs Staff who contributed to this issue were, top, Lt. Mahalia Frost, Chief, Public Affairs; middle row, from left, Airman 1st Class Marco A. Gomez, photojournalist; Airman 1st Class Daniel Hambor, photojournalist; Airman 1st Class Benjamin Valmoja, photojournalist; and bottom row, from left, Public Affairs Officer; and Airman 1st Class Anna McCready, photojournalist, 2nd Lt. Mickel McGann.

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CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL

GINA CHRISTOFFER Story and photos by MEGAN TACKETT

Southern Style I’ve been raised to be a southern lady and to be ladylike. I don’t want to wear things that are too short or too tight. I’m southern through and through. I was born and raised in Alabama, and I’d never lived anywhere until my husband swept me off my feet and brought me out to west Texas.

Evening gowns At least once a month I’m in an evening gown, and I love it. I always want to wear something elegant. I don’t want anything too sexy. I think if it’s the right dress you will look sexy enough in it without deliberately showing off what I’m comfortable showing off.

Pageant Life I entered my first pageant when I was 12 because I wanted to wear a pretty dress. I did not have pushy pageant parents. I did my school’s annual pageant every spring. When I went to college I decided to enter Miss Jacksonville State University, a preliminary to Miss Alabama.

Favorite Designs In terms of denim, I like denim you can get at Buckle. I like Silver Jeans, Kut From Kloth. In terms of evening gowns, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Donna Karen. I used to gravitate towards particular designers for dresses, but now I gravitate toward what looks the best that’s on sale.

Editor’s note: Gina Christoffer, former Miss Jacksonville State University, is just as comfortable in an evening gown at monthly squadron graduation ceremonies as she is chasing her three-year-old daughter around the house in sweatpants. While she’s currently a full time mom, her experience as a state capitol correspondent, senior producer and host for Alabama Public Radio is evident in her confident posture and engaging eye contact. She wears her heart on her sleeve and her love for Alabama, the Air Force and her husband, Lt. Col. Cory Christoffer, 47th Student Squadron Commander, around her neck.

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Save vs. Splurge I’ve had really good luck at Dirt Cheap for evening gowns. I bought one for $29.99 and another was $15. Both name brand. I will splurge on a dress if I find one I really like. I think that’s the pageant girl left in me. Also I like a really good pair of blue jeans.

Fashion Influence Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy were so elegant. When I’m at an event like a graduation, memorial or wedding, I want to be that classically dressed person. Like Julia Roberts after she went shopping in “Pretty Woman.”

Fashion Philosophy It’s a reflection of who you are. Of course when I take my kid to school and I’m in those yoga pants with no makeup on, that’s a reflection of who I am at the time. At 25 years old it would have bothered me to go out in public like that but it doesn’t bother me now because I’m working hard at being a mom in that moment.

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01. This was a gift to me from two of my best friends before I moved from Alabama to Texas.

02. I’m southern through and through. I was born and raised in Alabama and I’d never lived anywhere until my husband swept me off my feet and brought me out to west Texas.

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04. When we made the fundraiser shirts, I decided to spend a little more money for a better quality product that people will want to buy and enjoy wearing. Then people don’t mind paying $20 for a t-shirt and you’ve got yourself a good fundraiser.

05. This is one of two crowns I have. This one is from Miss Azalea 2001.

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06. I was very close with my Me-Maw. This was an anniversary band given to her by my step-grandfather. She personified the term “steel magnolia.”

07. I just recently got into Kendra Scott jewelry. I have a few pairs of earrings and necklaces.

08. I absolutely love my faux ostrich bag.

It pairs well with so many things and has been with me from football games to rodeos and most points in between.

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09. My parents got me these at the local hometown jewelry store and I wear it to graduation all the time. Hold on to quality stuff because you never know when you’re going to have the opportunity to use it.

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10. I use my silver clutch for almost every formal we attend. Believe it or not I used it for my junior prom way back in 1998. If you take care of things, they’ll serve you well for a long time.

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11. This is one of the first gifts my husband ever gave me when we were dating. I still have the perfume bottle. That’s how sentimental I am.

12. Cory deployed shortly after we got married and he decided to spoil me with jewelry. He selected the stones, for example the garnets you see here. He wrote a long letter to go along with that describing why he chose those stones and the meaning behind them.

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13. This came from Roberts Jewelers. I wear it almost every single day. You can get the wings to be whatever pilot ranking your spouse is at the time. These are senior pilot wings because they have a star and a wreath.

14. The Cross pendant is special to me because I wore it on my wedding day, May 4, 2013.

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GROW YOUR OWN Program provides pipeline for Laughlin maintainers

Story by BRIAN ARGABRIGHT; Photos by the 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs Staff

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or nearly 30 years, a unique program at Del Rio High School has been churning out key members of Laughlin Air Force Base’s work force.

Initiated in April 1990, the Grow Your

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Own Program has been developing and fueling a pipeline to Laughlin to provide skilled and educated maintenance workers that have not only filled a need at the base but, for some, also turned the chance into a career.

The program doesn’t guarantee employment at the base, or any military facility, but it does give those graduates a leg up in the competition. According to Roger Gonzalez, Career and Technology Education director with the

Joseph Cortinas, right, a member of the Southwest Texas Junior College faculty and the lead aviation maintenance instructor at the college, discusses a T-6 engine with a member of the T-6 Maintenance Division at Laughlin.

San Felipe Del Rio CISD, more than 30 of the graduates of the high school’s program are currently employed at Laughlin and of that group, at least 15 have been there more than 20 years.

The award-winning program has undergone some changes since its inception. Initially, only seniors were allowed to travel to the base and work on the various disciplines offered there. Juniors were eventually added to the group about three years ago and, according to Gonzalez, sophomores will get to travel to Laughlin hopefully beginning in April.

“They’ll spend about three hours at the base, getting more hands-on expertise. When they’re here, they’re basically recapping what they’re doing,” Gonzalez explained. “This is a very unique classroom for this class.

While at Laughlin, they’re learning more applications in the different shops out there and learning a variety of aircraft maintenance duties.”

Not just any student can be a part of the Grow Your Own Program.

According to Gonzalez, it is one of the most requested classes from students coming out of Del Rio Freshman School, receiving from 100 to 120 requests for placement in the class each year. However, only 30 sophomores are accepted each school year. The rest are placed on a waiting list.

“We look at several factors before allowing students into the program.

We look at their attendance, their discipline records and their grades,” Christi Barrera, Career and Technology Education counselor, said. “There can be up to 90 students in the program at any one time, and they must pass the class to continue from one year to the next.”

The program has evolved since its inception.

After entering into an agreement with Southwest Texas Junior College, the program became a dual credit course, meaning students could earn high school and college credits simultaneously. By the time they completed the course, they will have learned shop practices, ground operations, aviation science, basic electricity, landing gear systems and airframe inspection.

The students who successfully complete the program now also earn a one-year certificate in aircraft maintenance. The first group to earn that certificate featured 13 graduates.

This year, that number is expected to grow to 19.

But the next evolution of the program will give students an even greater chance at employment opportunities here and abroad.

If the Federal Aviation Administration gives its approval, Southwest Texas Junior College will begin offering a program that will aid students in receiving their license in airframe and power plant (A&P), which can open doors for graduates to work not only for the military, but for private companies as well.

Joseph Cortinas, a member of the Southwest Texas Junior College faculty and the lead aviation maintenance instructor at the college, explained that the program is designed for students from all walks of life.

“We’ve had people who are looking for a change in career, people who are fascinated in airplanes but who never had this opportunity before. Some are veterans who didn’t necessarily do aviation when they were in and wanted a switch,” Cortinas said. “The

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ages we see are between 18 and 40, but most of them are in their 20’s. Right now, the program is designed to help these folks gain entry-level jobs, such as two drivers, attendants, equipment cleaners, etc. They’ll have the opportunity to move up, but they’ll have to prove themselves.”

Cortinas said he noticed a chance to improve on the program and worked to develop the next phase that would involve A&P. Cortinas’ vision was to develop a more advanced program with the goal in mind to teach students the whole airplane with a focus on mechanics which could take those graduates anywhere in the world.

But to do that, he would need plenty of support.

“We initially got a $250,000 grant to buy trainers, simulators, work benches and tools. We now have close to $500,000 in grant money that we’ve used to buy jet engines and welding machines to help provide hands-on education. We’re going to have a classroom here at the college and will utilize a hangar at Del Rio International Airport,” Cortinas said. “We couldn’t have done it without the support from the

Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, local community leaders and the upper leadership of the air force. We want this program to succeed for Del Rio and for the Air Force.”

If approved, the program would be an intensive year-anda-half long course beginning in August 2018. Cortinas said because of the demands of the program, only about 20 persons would be accepted into the initial class. He said they would have to undergo interviews and qualify.

“We want mature students for this. They are going to be in this program four to five hours a day, Monday through Friday and potentially Saturdays as well,” Cortinas said.

Once they complete the program, the students would still have to go to the FAA and get permission to test for airframe, general aviation and powerplant. Should they complete and succeed in all of the testing and disciplines, then they would receive their licenses and become certified mechanics.

“How long it takes them to get certified depends on the students. They have to take the initiative to search out the testers,” Cortinas said. •

Del Rio and Laughlin Air Force Base are working together to expand the successful and popular “Grow Your Own” program, which began at Del Rio High School as a program to train qualified aircraft maintainers for work at Laughlin Air Force Base. Here, a maintainer works in the T-6 hangar at the base.

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A GRANDE LIFE

Robert Sandoval Story by KAREN GLEASON; Photo by AIRMAN 1ST CLASS BENJAMIN VALMOJA

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obert Sandoval is proud of his Del Rio roots, proud of his work at Laughlin Air Force Base and proud that he is able to pass his vision on to up-and-coming workers.

Sandoval is the T-6 Aircraft Maintenance Manager for the 47th Flying Training Wing at Laughlin.

Sandoval’s division, one of four in the 47FTW Maintenance Directorate, includes 103 aircraft and 187 people.

“I am from Del Rio. I was born here. I graduated from high school here. I worked at the (city) airport for a while and got a job here at the base back in 1989 and have now been here for 29 years. I started at the bottom, at the flight line level, as a crew chief, an aircraft attendant, for the T-38s. I got promoted to T-1s when we first got the T-1s in 1994 and worked there for 20 years, and I made it up to superintendent, second in command of T-1s, and decided to get out of the production side and went to (Building No.) 222 to work operations and did that for two years, and an opportunity came up to go back to production and get this T-6 Division. I did that and I’m on my third year doing that,” Sandoval said.

Although he started working around aircraft while he was in high school, Sandoval said it wasn’t until he started working at Laughlin that aircraft maintenance became a real love.

“Every day I treat it as day one. I don’t get bored. Twenty-nine years later, you would think, but I treat it like every day is my first day and that it could be my last day. I don’t take it for granted,” he said.

Sandoval has a clear picture of his mission.

“My piece of this is to train the world’s best pilots, to give them the equipment, the aircraft, that these aircraft are ready to fly every morning

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so that we can train pilots. And we graduate over 350 pilots a year, and as time is moving, we’re going to be getting close to 450 to 500 pilots a year, so that is my job.

“My number one job is to show up every morning and make sure that we have enough aircraft to fly,” Sandoval said.

One of Sandoval’s proudest moments came when he got the T-6 Division promotion. He was to have gone to T-38s, but the director of maintenance at the time and the wing commander at the time came to his office and insisted he go to T-6s and effect change in the division.

“At the time they had 29 aircraft that they could fly out of 103, so that was not good.

Within a year, we got it up to 95 aircraft, and that’s where we’re staying. Thirty-eight of those broke aircraft had not flown in over four years.

I have zero aircraft that have that now, so I’m very proud that I could come in and I would hear these stories about T-6s, and when I came down here and changed some processes and how we treat people, and all of sudden it just bloomed.

I’ve won all kinds of awards . . . those are all things I’m proud of, but now I also take a lot of pride when I’m able to hire someone from Del Rio,” Sandoval said.

“I love Del Rio. I love the city. I love the size.

I’ve had opportunities to leave. I’ve had many offers to leave other places, for more money, and I decided to stay here because I like Del Rio. “I feel like I’m giving 18-, 19-year- old kids a chance, the chance for a good career. I hope that I can make a difference for them, the way somebody made a difference for me, because if it wasn’t for them hiring me back then, God knows where I would be,” Sandoval said. •

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The T-6, T-38 and T-1 aircraft flying over Lake Amistad.

Laughlin Air Force Base has three different training programs for each of these aircraft.

Laughlin Guardian The Military Affairs Association helps Laughlin AFB and airmen thrive Story by RUBÉN CANTÚ; Photos contributed by the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce

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hey keep a close eye on events, needs and achievements accomplished by Laughlin Air Force Base, they have a say and help as much as they can in remodeling, updating and construction projects, and they also provide their much valued time, business expertise and feedback. A less-known mission of this group — although not less important — is to become the second family to Laughlin airmen while they are training in Del Rio. The Military Affairs Association was created in 1975, when Col. Lawrence D. Garrison asked a group of Del Rio Chamber of Commerce members to help remodel the Distinguished Visitors quarters at Laughlin. The committee was formed with its first president being Lonnie Ricks and first vice president Frank Larson, according to a brief history by the Del Rio Chamber of 50

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Commerce.

One of the committee members was Philip A. Ricks who originally came to Del Rio when he was stationed at Laughlin with the Army Air Corps. Ricks made it his goal to protect Laughlin and its mission.

The base was closed in October 1945 and Ricks was instrumental in the re-opening of the base in May of 1952.

When the committee was formed, it started meeting regularly with Laughlin leadership to identify airmen’s needs. The committee would later become an association.

Some of the founding members of this initiative were Philip A. Ricks, Richard Isenhour, Louie Younts, Lonnie Ricks, Frank H. Larson, Gerald Wilson, Don Howard and Jim Murdoch among others.

“Members of the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce who want to be part of the Military Affairs Association need

to buy another membership, they pay their chamber dues and then the association dues,” said Skip Baker, current president of the Military Affairs Association.

Baker said the mission of the association is to help the base and its personnel thrive. The association has been involved in a number of infrastructure projects by providing support and feedback, but they also offer something a little more personal and up close.

“Each year we sponsor a class, we host a reception at the base for them and we get to know the airmen.

We also try to show them and keep them informed about events that are going on in the community such as the rodeo or the wild game dinner, etc. We buy tickets for them and try to make them feel at home,” Baker said.

The association has had great leadership throughout the years

Maintenance Jobs students would be qualified to test for FAA certification after going through a planned A&P program.

from current board members including past presidents Garry Stehle, Kurt Lemp and Baker.

Association board members currently include: Skip Baker, Kurt Lemp, Retired Maj. Gen. Gerald Prather, Gerald Wilson, Tod Townsend, Jeanne Roe, Sylvia Owens, Bob Lohr, Maria Martinez, Hoppy Henegar, Travis Mariner, Michael Qualia, Tony Hernandez, Frank Mendoza, Lonnie Ricks, Frank H. Larson, Garry Stehle, Ron Woods and Blanca Larson. Although infrastructure projects have been spearheaded by other entities such as city, county and state government, the association has been supportive of them.

Some of the projects recently implemented at the base are the drainage project in conjunction with federal, state and local officials; the construction of the new Defense Control Center at the west gate — a project spearheaded by Val Verde County, the City of Del Rio, Chamber of Commerce, Military Preparedness Commission and other and federal partners; the new aircraft sun shades, and the STEM magnet school.

“The sun shades are very important to protect

the maintainers, when the maintainers are working outside they will have shade, and when we have bad weather the aircraft are going to be more protected,” Baker said recalling a 2016 hailstorm that severely damaged a large number of aircraft at Laughlin.

The Texas Military Preparedness Commission awarded the City of Del Rio $3.34 million for the construction of the sun shades to protect the T-6 fleet.

“It just makes sense to spend millions of dollars to protect multi-million dollar aircraft,” Baker said.

The purpose of the association is to promote goodwill between Laughlin AFB and the community, and to assist in the integration of military personnel to Del Rio. The Military Affairs Association with Laughlin and the school district established an entry level maintenance program at the high school in the mid 1970s, now called Grow Your Own. This program expanded into a Level One Maintenance certification, a dual credit

program between the high school and the Southwest Texas Junior College.

The next phase that the association is working on is partnership with the City Economic Development Corporation and Southwest Texas Junior College, is the development of an airframe and powerplant (A&P) FAA certified program.

Currently the Junior College has leased a hangar at Del Rio International Airport that will house the first A&P class to begin August 2018.

The chamber, association and the Junior College have applied and received close to $400,000 in grant monies to purchase equipment for this program. Once a student receives an FAA certification, they will have the opportunity to work at Laughlin AFB or anywhere in the world.

The Deployed Hero program provides support the families who decide to stay here while their airman is deployed. Businesses participating include Wright’s Steak House, Mr. Gattis, Ramada Inn, Blue Oasis, Hot Pit

Southwinds Marina, located on Amistad National Recreation Area, is a haven for weekend outdoor recreation. The marina is managed

by Laughlin AFB and members of the Military Affairs Association have access to the facility.

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Training maintainers is one of the top projects currently on the table for the Military Affairs Association. With more and more pilots graduating from Laughlin, more aircraft maintainers are also needed.

BBQ, Cripple Creek, McDonald’s, Sirloin Stockade, Cinema Theater and the Skating Rink.

The Military Affairs Association is now looking for funding for the construction of the T-1 aircraft sunshades, with an approximate cost of $6,540,400.

Blanca Larson, Del Rio Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director and MAA member, said, “One of the main objectives of MAA is to create partnerships within the community to ensure that Laughlin’s mission is protected and grows. We must be ever vigilant and safeguard one our community’s major economic engines.”

“Laughlin’s economic impact on the region is $242.4-million per year on the local economy. Laughlin’s personnel and indirect jobs total approximately 4,700 with an annual payroll of $151-million per year.

This translates to 24 percent of our labor force (EIS FY 2016),” Larson said.

• Laughlin Air Force Base, which graduates the most pilots in the U.S. Air Force, has graduated an average of right under 300 pilots per year the last three years. The base is scheduled to train an additional 75 pilots per year for the next three years.

The Military Affairs Association, in partnership with the City of Del Rio and Val Verde County hired Madison Government Affairs, a Washington, D.C., consultant to 52

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help the community in meeting Laughlin’s unfunded needs.

With the guidance of Madison Affairs the following projects have been completed or are on schedule for completion.

MAA/MGA/CHAMBER has aided in the following projects since the summer of 2013 with the help of Shannalea Taylor on the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, Blanca Larson, County Judge Efrain Valdez and his court as well as Mayor Robert Garza and the Del Rio City Council: a. Three grants for Southwest Texas Junior College for equipment for the Grow Your Own program and the upcoming Airframe & Power Plant FAA certification classes. Grants totaled $459,800 (2 TMPC grants) and included collaboration with the City Economic Development Commission as well as the Texas Workforce Commission. b. $3.5-Million grant awarded from the Texas Military Preparedness Commission for the T-6 aircraft sunshades. c. $4.58-Million grant awarded from Texas Military Preparedness Commission for the new security facility on U.S. Highway 277 – known as the Defense Control Center.

This was applied and built through Val Verde County. d. Airfield drainage project – after 40+ years of flooding, MGA arranged meeting with Air Education and Training Command as well as with Pentagon officials to find a

solution for the flooding that occurred on the airfield. This project was funded ($14M) with DOD funds currently on its second phase and is scheduled to be completed in 2018. e. Magnet School – was able to lift STAY that Pentagon had imposed on leases on Air Force Bases. f. Supported Val Verde County’s efforts with TxDoT for by-pass road on Laughlin worth over $2-million Military Affairs Association major goals: - Be classified as the best in Air Education and Training Command in base-community relations.

- Maintain a task force that will be prepared to go anywhere and at any time to ensure the future of Laughlin AFB and Del Rio. - Coordinate efforts with military, city, county, and school.

- Provide necessary sponsorship for VIP military when in Del Rio. - Recognize outstanding military and civilian accomplishments.

- Provide class sponsors for each new pilot training class.

- Welcome all permanent party transfers to Laughlin and offer assistance where needed.•

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Pa • 53

Last Look Hello readers!

Thanks for picking up our April issue. We’ve dedicated this edition to Laughlin Air Force Base, its personnel and all its connections to our community.

We wanted to treat our readers to a Laughlin-dedicated issue since most of the city’s residents don’t have access to visit the base. Luckily, Del Rioans will have the opportunity to visit Laughlin for the upcoming open house and if you like airplanes, stunts and/or really loud noises we encourage you to check it out.

The last time I was responsible for Closet Confidential I was writing and taking photos of a child and dog and the time before that, I wrote about Santa Claus. So I was a little anxious about how my session with Gina Christoffer would go. Lucky for me, Gina has a strong background in media. She was a total joy to work with and completely confident in front of the camera.

I also made a trip out to base to interview Karen James, who runs the thrift store that funds Laughlin Ladies. For selfish reasons I’m so happy I was assigned this story. I absolutely LOVE thrift stores. One of my favorite hobbies is sifting through the discarded items at thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales. I could have stayed for hours longer browsing through boxes and gabbing with Karen and her mother, Bonnie.

Before I go, I’d like to take a quick moment to thank Mahalia, Mikel, Joel and the public affairs department’s photographers for helping us out so much. Their contributions were absolutely fantastic.

Thanks again for having a look-see at out Laughlin issue. See you next month!

Megan Tackett Creative Director 54

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• Three pilots share a laugh during the “Looking sharp Laughlin” photoshoot.

• A junior volunteer plays while her mother helps out at Laughlin’s thrift store.

• Gina Christoffer and her daughter play at the Del Rio Community Garden.

• Taking a shot of T-6 Maintenance Manager Robert Sandoval are, left to right, Airman 1st Class Benjamin Valmoja, 2nd Lt Mickel McGann and Airman 1st Class Marco Gomez.

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