CFD success thanks in part to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jason Wiese
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Each year, Airmen give their time to be part of the biggest event of the year in Cheyenne, Wyo. - Cheyenne Frontier Days.

This year, the Mighty Ninety supplied volunteers from units throughout the base, while maintaining mission readiness, which strengthened the bond between F. E. Warren and Cheyenne.

Maj. David Mays, 90th Security Support Squadron commander, coordinated with his unit to send volunteers to CFD. The volunteers performed numerous tasks, but they mainly manned sales booths and sold beverages, he said.

Other units volunteered in different ways. For instance, the 90th Medical Group provided "cowboy medics" to provide medical care to contestants in the rodeo.

Since Airmen will be away from their duties while volunteering, it is important to compensate for their absence. The 90th SSPTS did this by splitting duties, Mays said.

"With some people gone, others step up to complete the mission," he said.

One of the volunteers from the 90th SSPTS, Tech. Sgt. Jennifer McCoy, enjoyed her time spent volunteering and working with the community, she said.

"It's a lot of fun seeing the events and everybody out and about," she said. "It's a way of giving back to the community for their support of the base."

The 90th SSPTS was not the only unit to provide volunteers.

"It's not just a 90th SSPTS function -- it's a base-wide function," Mays said. "Everybody sends their volunteers."

Also, like the 90th SSPTS, the rest of the Mighty Ninety completes the mission while they volunteer and build ties with the community, Mays said.

"All of Warren's units get the mission done right while maximizing volunteerism," he said. "It shows how involved we are with the community. It's really a win-win for the Air Force and Cheyenne.

"The city and all the volunteers we send really work together to make it a success."

Members of the CFD committee's leadership appreciate the work Airmen do in support of the event, said Rod Hottle, Cheyenne Frontier Days Committee general chairman.

"We take great pride in our military partnership and those folks in the military who volunteer," Hottle said. "They're great to have on board. Without volunteers, both civilian and military, we wouldn't be able to put on the 'Daddy of 'em All.'"