LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WTVA) -- Community leaders were given the chance to interact with the Columbus Air Force Bases 14th Flying Training Wing Commander along with family and the Base Community Council at the Commander's Open House.
"We really wanted to bring in the new year with this reception and start off the year on a great foot here," adds Col. Jim Sears, 14th Flying Training Wing Commander. "This is just one way to say thanks to all the people who do so much for us and the base and everything we do."
The Commander's Open House serves as an opportunity for people from the Columbus Air Force Base and the community to gather over food, fun and fellowship, and to springboard into the new year as the Columbus Air Force Base is gearing up for a big inspection.
"In about a month, we are going to have the inspector general from Randolph Air Force Base and their Education Training Command here to inspect our compliance," adds Sears. "[They will see] how we do our jobs. So it's a great way to say hello and get everyone together. Thanks for a great 2012, and let's have a great 2013."
The event also affords students at Mississippi University for Women's Culinary Institute a chance to test their cooking skills by preparing lunch for the invited guests.
"Usually we're contained inside a classroom. [This is] our first chance to actually get out and kind of have real-world experience," adds Dustin Vance, chef. "Because of that, it gives us a chance to show what we actually learn at school and what we can do for the community. [It's also] a way to showcase how truly spectactular the program is."
The compliance inspection is something that CAFB goes through every two years.
