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JB MDL hosts national A/TA board meeting

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua King
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - --  The local Airlift/ Tanker Association chapter hosted a national quarterly board meeting here Aug. 11-13, allowing Airmen and commanders to engage with board members.

The Airlift/Tanker Association is dedicated to ensuring that American military forces continue to have the air mobility capability required to implement U.S. national security strategy. International in scope, the Association has chapters and members throughout the world. Association membership includes active duty, Reserve and retired military personnel, both officer and enlisted, as well as civilian and industrial supporters of the air mobility mission. 

A major focus of the organization is to "Support Mobility Airmen" by providing them with professional seminars, networking opportunities and offering scholarships and grants to enlisted members.

The board is comprised of retired mobility Airmen and they rotate board meetings among mobility bases "to get a sense of the operational flow," according to retired Air Force Gen. Arthur Lichte, A/TA chairman. General Lichte is a former commander of Air Mobility Command. 

"We like to reinforce our goals of preserving our mobility culture, strengthening bonds and supporting mobility Airmen," he continued.

During their visit, board members learned about the base's mobility units, dined with Airmen and participated in a golf outing with members of the local chapter. These events allowed them the opportunity to communicate directly with the mobility Airmen they serve.

"It also gives us the opportunity to show off what we do here at JB MDL," said Tech. Sgt. Dan Leedy, A/TA Tommy B. McGuire chapter president, referencing the base's large mobility footprint.

JB MDL has four mobility wings that include the continental U.S.'s only dedicated contingency response wing and more than eight squadrons with airlift or air refueling missions, and Airmen working around the clock to accomplish the wings' global operations.

Mobility Airmen at the base can participate in A/TA activities with their local chapter, and tap into the benefits offered to them, including professional development seminars and scholarships.
"I think everyone should be taking advantage of the scholarship program if you're trying to get your college education," said retied Chief Master Sgt. Mike Reynolds, A/TA president. "You can receive $400 per class for being a member."

For more information or to become a member, visit the AT/A website at http://www2.atalink.org/ or contact the chapter president at (609) 754-7467.