[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 53 (Thursday, April 15, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2374-S2375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRATULATING THE LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I congratulate Little Rock 
Air Force Base and its community council for winning the prestigious 
2009 Abilene Trophy, which is presented annually to a civilian 
community for outstanding support to a nearby U.S. Air Force Air 
Mobility Command Base. The winner is determined by a selection 
committee of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee 
in Texas, with final approval by the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility 
Command.
  According to COL Greg Otey, Little Rock Air Force Base Installation 
Commander, ``the council's steadfast support of the base, its missions 
and its people haven't gone unnoticed. I've said many times that we are 
blessed to have such a supportive local community, and this award 
validates everything I've been saying since I arrived here last year.''
  Little Rock Air Force Base is known as the ``Home of C-130 Combat 
Airlift'' in large part due to the outstanding relationship among its 
community partners. The relationship between the base and local 
community remains as strong today as when it began in the 1950s, and 
community support is integral to the base's ability to accomplish its 
mission.
  For example, in 2009, ground was broken on a new Joint Education 
Center, a higher-learning institution open to both military members and 
civilians. The city of Jacksonville voted to support the center with 
another $5 million of its own. Airpower Arkansas, a subset of the 
Community Council, raised more than $50,000 from local business and 
individuals for the base's 2010 air show. Civic leaders sponsored base 
events such as the Air Force Ball, the Annual Awards Ceremony, and the 
Black Knight Heritage Dinner. These leaders also took time on 
Thanksgiving and Christmas to serve meals to Airmen at the base dining 
facility.
  I commend the Little Rock Air Force Base and its community council 
for their efforts, hard work, and dedication. Along with all Arkansans, 
I am grateful for the service and sacrifice of all of our military 
servicemembers and their families.

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