Page 14 - Aerotech News and Review, Aug. 4 2017

Edwards leadership, locals celebrate collaboration
by Diane Betzler
staff writer
Community members partied with military leaders from Edwards Air Force Base July 21 during a night filled with food, drink, merriment, en- tertainment and a whole lot of giving thanks to each other for their contribu- tions and dedication to the continued growth and prosperity of the High Desert communities.
Joining the two groups together was the brainstorm of local resident Aida O’Connor more than two decades ago and is what we know today as the Edwards Civilian-Military Support Group, a group of people working to- gether, supporting one another.
Billed as the Annual Civ-Mil Bar- becue, the event has been taking place at the Hacienda Lane Ranch for the past 28 years and is graciously hosted by the ranch’s owner, Frances Lane.
Lane, a stanch supporter of the mil- itary base and its personnel, opens the gates to her sprawling ranch nestled deep in a canyon surrounded by oak and pine trees and hidden from view by the picturesque Godde Hills.
The purpose of the yearly barbecue is two-fold explains Allen Hoffman, current president of the Civ-Mil Sup- port Group.
“It’s a fundraiser for Civ-Mil and an opportunity for everyone in the com- munity to meet base people,” he said.
Hoffman points out the important role of our military neighbors in pro- tecting America’s homeland and says getting the community folks togeth- er with military leaders helps both groups understand each other’s needs.
Money raised from fundraisers such as the yearly Civ-Mil Barbecue is put to good use by the group, which sup- ports such base projects as the Air-
man’s Attic, supporting deploying troops and their families left behind, and many other good will programs designed to help our war fighters and their families.
Congressman Steve Knight, U.S. Representative for California’s 25th congressional district, was among the event’s special guests along with Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, Edwards AFB 412th Test Wing commander.
Knight, who is known for his staunch support of America’s military and its needs talked about some of his accomplishments and ongoing fights during his first term as congressman. He joyfully shared that the National Defense Authorization Act passed, a federal law specifying the budget and expenditures of the Department of Defense.
He was able to get a raise for our military folks, not as high a raise as he personally would have liked, but the biggest one so far in eight years.
He’s fighting for funding to main- tain old equipment and to purchase needed new equipment for our war fighters, “Seventeen years of fighting has taken a toll on our equipment and all of our stuff that we continually put out there in combat,” he said, adding that new equipment is needed to keep our war fighters safe.
The Congressman says he’s also fighting to keep an appropriation in for a new tower at Air Force Plant 42 and says the current tower, which is older than him, can shut down in high winds.
He said that President Trump asked for a budget of $603 billion but he fought for $621.5 billion.
“There’s never any thing closer in my mind than our people that are in the military, whether they be at Ed- wards or out at Naval Base Ventura
Photograph by Diane Betzler
Local citizens joined with their military neighbors for some fun and relaxation at the 28th Annual Civ-Mil yearly barbecue. The event was held at the Hacienda Lane Ranch in Palmdale, Calif.
County or Eglin [Florida], military folks are closest to my heart,” he said. Schaefer thanked whom he called an amazing group of American people for all the support they give to the Ed-
wards AFB and its people.
Not a newcomer to the Antelope
Valley, Schaefer said this is his third assignment at Edwards and he and
See CIVMIL, Page 15
Thanking Hacienda Lane Ranch owner for opening her ranch to the public for the yearly Civ-Mil Barbecue. From left: Current Civ-Mil President Al Hoffman; Aida O’Connor, founder of the support group; Frances Lane and Bud Reams.
Photograph by Diane Betzler
Photograph by Diane Betzler
Aerotech News and Review staff writer Linda Reynolds gets into the spirit of the old west along with retired test pilot John Fergione during the annual Civ-Mil Barbecue.
Photograph by Diane Betzler
Setting business aside, local entrepreneurs enjoy an evening of relaxation and mingling with others at the annual Civ-Mil barbecue. From left: Chris Spicher, owner of Antelope Valley Florist; his wife Dr. Lors Spicher, DDS; Al Hoffman, current Civ-Mil president; and Congressman Steve Knight.
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