The mission of Columbus Air Force Base is such that most of the young Air Force personnel live in our community for only a short period of time.
Despite that, it is not at all uncommon to find instructor pilots and those whose military career either began or included an assignment here eventually retire to the Columbus area.
The presence of so many who fit that description is evidence a strong bond exists between these airmen and the community. Since the air base’s beginning 85 years ago, the airmen who arrive here, no matter how long or short their stay, have been a welcome presence in our community, regularly volunteering their time. They eat in our restaurants, shop in our stores and participate in local events. CAFB is the largest single employer in Lowndes County with almost 3,500 employees, almost equally divided between military personnel and civilian workers. It is a major economic driver for the community.
For young airmen, Columbus becomes something of a surrogate for their hometowns. Wives of airmen, who don’t have the camaraderie that comes from within the ranks, find opportunities to serve and be served by the community especially meaningful.
Although the sensitive nature of the CAFB mission doesn’t allow community members free rein on its facility, the base does invite the public to visit for special events and has proven to be a welcoming and generous host.
Both the base and the community make regular efforts to stand engaged with one another.
Especially important in that relationship is the base’s public affairs officer, who serves as a liaison between the base and the community, most often by working with the media.
For almost 15 years, Sonic Johnson served in that role. His long tenure provided him with extensive knowledge of the base and the community and what the media needed to tell CAFB’s story.
Since Johnson’s retirement six years ago, others, such as Christina Caldwell and Rita Felton have served in the position.
Adam Prince is the latest person to serve as the public affairs officer. Though he’s been in the position about a year, we wanted to acknowledge the importance of his role in base/community relations.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
