2007-2008 Military Affairs Executive Committee

	Military Affairs Council 2007-2008 Business Plan
Jim Webster Chair

MISSION

Maintain and expand the military presence and the strong relationship between Abilene and its military community. Ensure Dyess and all our local service members continue to play key roles in our national defense infrastructure.

DYESS MISSION RECRUITMENT AND ENHANCEMENT

• Retention and Upgrade of the C-130 mission.
• Retention and Upgrade of the B-1 mission
• Continue the pursuit of new missions.
• Continue monitoring of the Airborne Laser mission and assist in mission realignment to Dyess including the C-17 Airlift, KC-757 Tanker, Joint Cargo Aircraft and any joint support operations that may arise.
• Continue to monitor Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) activities with an emphasis on "realignment" and prepare for future missions.
• Remain actively engaged on BRAC issues that affect Dyess; identify any potential areas of concern; participate in military commissions and BRAC meetings; work to spread the message of Dyess' military value in terms of capability and capacity.
• Continue improvement of Dyess AFB infrastructure and facilities.
• Pursue and identify military construction initiatives.
• Pursue and identify quality of life issues.
• Continue to promote Dyess AFB to Department of Defense and military officials through visits to Air Combat Command Headquarters, Air Mobility Command Headquarters, 12th Air Force Headquarters, 18th Air Force Headquarters and the Pentagon.
• Continue to host a Washington D.C. event at the Air Force Chief of Staff's quarters to build relationships with Air Force past, present, and future leadership.
• Continue to encourage visits to Abilene/Dyess AFB from elected officials and Department of Defense leaders.
• Enhance support for Dyess families, particularly the families of those deployed.
• Engage with local Army Reserves, Texas National Guard units, Marine Corps ~ Joint Total Force and monitor the progress of the new Armed Forces Reserve Center at Dyess.

WORLD'S LARGEST BARBECUE

• Conduct the 43rd Annual World's Largest Barbecue to express appreciation to all area active duty, reserve and national guard military personnel, DoD civilians, and their families.

HONORARY COMMANDERS PROGRAM

• Continue to conduct the Honorary Commanders Program to maintain and establish contact between Abilene and each commander at Dyess.
• Continue to support Dyess through attendance at change of command ceremonies, farewells, retirements, squadron functions, and wing social events.
• Expand the Honorary Commanders program to include other service components such as Army, Guard, and Reserve units.

BUSTED PUTTER/BUSTED RACQUET

• Continue to host the Busted Putter/Busted Racquet golf and tennis tournaments to build camaraderie between the community of Abilene and Dyess.

DYESS QUARTERLY AWARDS

• Increase membership attendance and sponsorship.

MEMBERSHIP

• Conduct quarterly membership meetings to inform Military Affairs members about military related issues and to inform our local military about community-related activities.
• Continue to encourage senior visiting military/DoD leaders to speak to Military Affairs members at every opportunity through membership luncheons/dinners.
• Review and revitalize the Military Affairs membership program.

OTHER

• Continue to sponsor the annual "Abilene Trophy" (Air Mobility Command Outstanding Community Support Award) competition.
• Continue to hold quarterly meetings of the Civilian Advisory Committee.