May is an Opportunity to Celebrate Local Military

In 1999, the United States Congress designate the month of May as Military Appreciation Month. This designation honors and celebrates the service to our nation from our military members - past and present. 

May has a rich history in the United States and our recognition of service. Loyalty Day, Victory in Europe Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day are each designated this month.

While you can google any date and find a long list of National Day labels, few carry quite as much weight as those mentioned above. It is important that we, as a free society, understand the value of sacrifice given by not only our military members, but also their families. Being an American is a team sport. Whether military or civilian, we have a duty to serve one another so that we may continue our way of life. As civilians, we live by an unwritten code to serve our neighbors. Our brothers and sisters in uniform, members of an all-volunteer force, swore to it in an oath.

Living in Kansas comes with its own set of values and experiences which are unique to the Heartland. I grew up in an Army community just outside of Fort Riley and now live down the road from McConnell Air Force Base. I do not know what life is like without hearing Blackhawk helicopters overhead, the concussion of the Abrams tank, or brand-new KC-46 refueling tankers flying over Kellogg. I cannot imagine what life is like without the sound of freedom ringing 365 days a year.

Many of us know that Wichita is home to McConnell Air Force Base, but what does that mean to our community? McConnell has three wings, made up of nearly 7,000 airmen. The base also supports nearly 8,000 military retirees. The mission of our airmen at McConnell is to provide tanker gas to any location on the globe at any time. Without McConnell’s air refueling capabilities, our nation’s ability to defend freedom worldwide would look very different. 

These airmen and their families are also our neighbors, educators, healthcare professionals and friends. They ask little of our community, but we work hard to provide the support they deserve. Through the Friends of McConnell, an affiliate organization of the Wichita Chamber, area business leaders and residents provide meaningful social and economic links between senior military leaders and their civilian counterparts. The FOM seeks to express community pride and appreciation of the area’s military by providing organizational and financial support for commander-directed programs on base. 

Just as we support the airmen, when our community requests assistance from McConnell, they stand ready to serve. Three days after the April 29 tornado, 75 of our neighboring airmen volunteered to run a cleanup team in Andover. Four days later, 150 airmen volunteered. It is a testament to the selflessness of the airmen and their desire to give back to where they live. Time and time again, they set an example of how to be an American. They embody the attitude we should all strive for. 

Each member of our military community deserves a heartfelt thank you for the part they play in making Wichita the best hometown of the Air Force. I would ask that each of you join me in taking a moment to reflect on what Military Appreciation Month means to you and how you can show your appreciation to our local military people. You may decide to buy an airman coffee, donate to a military-based nonprofit, volunteer at the Dole VA, or even call a veteran friend to catch up.

Ad Astra,

Mike Heldstab

Military Affairs Liaison, Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce

Director, Friends of McConnell

Please contact Mike if you have interest in finding ways to support our local airmen.