Nellis leaders meet with Congressional delegates to share Airmen's stories, concerns Published June 15, 2009 By 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Public Affairs Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. -- Senior 99th Air Base Wing leaders traveled to Washington to discuss issues affecting Nellis Air Force Base with Congressional delegates during a two-day visit to Capitol Hill June 10-11. Colonel Dave Belote, 99th Air Base Wing commander, and 99th Air Base Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Alfred Herring represented Nellis during the recent visit. "The annual Congressional visit provides the 99th Air Base Wing command team the opportunity to discuss important issues such as compatible growth and development, mission requirements, quality of life concerns, deployments and family issues with delegates representing communities surrounding Nellis," said Col. Dave Belote. "The goal is to highlight our operational needs and mission, while focusing on our Airmen by telling their stories and requesting support for them and our military families." Managed by the Secretary of the Air Force Legislative Liaison office headquartered at the Pentagon, annual Congressional visits pair Wing commanders from installations across the Air Force with delegates representing districts and states impacted by military operations. The Capitol Hill visit included meetings with Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, as well as U.S. Congressmen Dean Heller, Rob Bishop, Glenn Nye and U.S. Congresswomen Dina Titus and Shelly Berkley. Each meeting was unique in that specific topics impacting both Nellis operations and the delegate's constituents were addressed. "The opportunity to address issues honestly with civilian leaders from areas surrounding Nellis is tremendously beneficial as we continue to accomplish our mission in Southern Nevada," said Chief Master Sgt. Herring. "Discussing the importance of our operations, the value of our resources, and the needs of our Airmen will ensure Nellis remains an integral part of decisions affecting local development and quality of life initiatives for our Airmen." Traveling with the Nellis leadership team were Capt. Amanda Ferrell, 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs officer, and Staff Sgt. Tim Klave, 99th Communications Squadron airfield systems journeyman. The Airmen accompanied the command team serving as representatives poised to voice concerns and perspective on behalf of Airmen serving at Nellis. "The opportunity to represent Nellis Airmen on Capitol Hill was an exciting, yet humbling experience," said Sergeant Klave, a recent Airman Leadership School graduate and John Levitow Award recipient. "Sharing my thoughts on the importance of supporting single Airmen while deployed, as well as those with families, was well received by the legislators. They understand the sacrifices we make, and offered encouraging words of support for Airmen who return from deployments without families by promoting programs that provide the support structure they need." Capt. Amanda Ferrell, who will be departing for her first deployment mid-July, agrees that support for the war fighter is one of the most pressing topics on the minds of both senior Air Force leaders and those in Congress. "The delegates we spoke with were very interested in hearing what concerns we and our fellow Airmen find most important," said Captain Ferrell. "While deployments and combat operations overseas are top concerns for all military members, we also offered feedback on programs such as the Housing Assistance Program, quality of life improvements and how current manning is impacting our units." Quality of life, and caring for Nellis Airmen and their families were pervasive topics of conversation, as well as mission requirements and the potential impact alternative energy projects in Southern Nevada would have on Nellis operations. "Nellis has led the way for alternative energy projects by creating an example of a successful, effective public-private partnership that is the Nellis photovoltaic array," said Col. Belote. "Delegates from Nevada and Utah are very interested in creating a future plan for such projects in their states, so it was hugely beneficial to discuss the impact such projects may have on our training and testing mission here at Nellis, and reiterate the need for compatible solutions." The recent congressional visit established a new focus on 99th Air Base Wing priorities, which include taking care of war fighters and their families, protecting Nellis' vital training resources and exploring compatible alternative energy solutions. "The most interesting aspect of the visit was meeting senior Air Force leaders, telling them about my role at Nellis and the challenges I face, and feeling a genuine sense of appreciation and understanding from them," said Sergeant Klave. Nellis representatives also attended a breakfast hosted by Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, and received a personal tour of the Capitol building, Pentagon and the Air Force Memorial.
