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Dyess, Abilene host AFGSC senior leaders for Gathering of Strikers

  • Published
  • By Dyess AFB Public Affairs
  • Dyess AFB Public Affairs
Commanders, command chiefs, directors and staff from across Air Force Global Strike Command visited Dyess AFB and Abilene, Texas, March 8-11, for the Gathering of Strikers, the command's spring senior leader conference.

The purpose of AFGSC's biannual conference is to sync the efforts of the command, bringing its top leaders together to discuss issues and affairs that affect the Global Strike mission and its people. This meeting was the first to be held off-site, as all previous ones convened at AFGSC's headquarters located at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana.

As one of AFGSC's newest bases, having transferred from Air Combat Command in October, Dyess AFB hosted the conference to introduce those not familiar with the B-1 mission and installation to Dyess and acquaint them with the surrounding community of Abilene.

Similarly, Abilene civic leaders capitalized on the chance to learn more about Global Strike and how Dyess and Abilene can support their new command, inviting Air Force Global Strike Command commander Gen. Robin Rand to serve as the guest speaker for the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee's quarterly luncheon before kicking off the SLC.

"Abilene has always had a close working relationship with the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess," said Gray Bridwell, Abilene Military Affairs Committee chair and AFGSC civic leader. "It is so nice to be part of Global Strike and have the AFGSC commander speak to the civilians of Abilene, giving the overview of all that takes place in the command. Dyess is just one piece of the big puzzle that defends our great nation every day. Abilene absolutely understands the mission, wholeheartedly supports the Airmen, and embraces our Dyess families."

The general began his remarks by thanking those in attendance for welcoming the Global Strike team into their home for the conference. Moreover, he thanked the city of Abilene for their historical support of the Air Force.

"Everything we have at Dyess is because of Abilene," Rand said. "Thank you for everything you do."

As the luncheon wrapped up and the remainder of the command's staff arrived in Abilene, the city's leaders continued to welcome its guests by declaring it Global Strike Day in Big Country. Abilene Mayor Norm Archibald made the proclamation official by presenting Rand with a key to the city.

"I am very grateful for the partnership we share with Dyess," Archibald said. "That relationship has allowed both the city of Abilene and the base to flourish and thrive off one another. We at the city of Abilene would like to also welcome you, General Rand, into that partnership and hope you will allow us to express that welcome with the most special gift we have to give, the key to the city."

"I am incredibly impressed and appreciative of the level of effort our friends downtown have put forth to make this a first-rate visit for our Global Strike guests, but I can't say I'm surprised," said Col. David Benson, 7th Bomb Wing commander. "Abilene has a habit of making service members feel at home here. For six decades, in fact, Abilene has been welcoming Airmen into their city."

The conference consisted of several large group meetings and breakout sessions to facilitate discourse on the current state of the command, plans for the development of future strikers, programs and initiatives needed to prepare for the future of Global Strike, and issues of interest to the command's Airmen. In addition, attendees participated in base tours, getting an up close look at the B-1 and meeting with personnel from the 7th Bomb Wing and 317th Airlift Group.

"It was very compelling to have leadership from another command show genuine interest in a tenant unit," said Capt. Matthew Crowley, a 39th Airlift Squadron C-130J pilot. "Receiving this much support in our mission coming from a senior leader of an entirely different command was refreshing."

Conference participants also spent time learning about and honoring Air Force history by visiting the Dyess Linear Airpark and Memorial Center and taking part in a heritage dinner.

"The conference has given me an awesome opportunity to share the story of Dyess and Abilene," Jory Vanderburg, curator of the Dyess Memorial Center, said. "I was able to show how the Abilene community supports the base and Airmen, as well as use the opportunity to convey, to all attendees, an understanding and appreciation of the people of Abilene and the story of [Lt. Col.] Edwin Dyess, our base's namesake."

"It has truly been an honor to host the distinguished visitors from Global Strike," Benson said. "Being able to house the Gathering of Strikers has given Team Dyess the perfect opportunity to not only highlight the unique relationship we share with Abilene, but also enjoy a very warm welcome from General Rand and the Air Force Global Strike community as a whole. It feels like Dyess has come home."