The Civic Leadership Academy hosted a reception on September 5, 2023, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to celebrate the 139th Airlift Wing of the Missouri Air National Guard. The event aimed to deepen community engagement with the military unit and highlight the various ways local residents can support and advocate for the armed forces in the region.
Community Engagement and Economic Impact
Natalie Hawn, president and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of this annual celebration, now in its third year. She explained that the event serves as a platform for community members to interact with leadership at the 139th Airlift Wing. “It’s designed to be a way for them to interact with leadership at the 139th, and there will be businesses with opportunities to learn about potential partnerships and learn how to better serve St. Joseph,” Hawn stated.
The celebration not only focuses on the local significance of the 139th but also showcases its global role. Hawn noted that many residents are unaware of the unit’s involvement in training NATO nations on advanced weapons systems. “It’s a chance for them to go and learn what happens at the 139th and how we can be proud partners here in St. Joe and be proud of having our air force base,” she added.
Opportunities for Young People
Barrette Golden, Wing Commander of the 139th Airlift Wing, highlighted the training and career opportunities available through the Air Force. He mentioned the potential for young people to gain skills in various fields, saying, “The Air Force provides a lot of training and opportunities to where we can teach somebody to be a welder or a mechanic or a plumber or a pilot.”
Information on college and trade school incentives was shared during the event, along with details on financial benefits for youth considering military service. Organizers aimed to underscore the leadership opportunities that the Air National Guard offers, demonstrating its value not only to St. Joseph but also to the nation as a whole.
This event represents an ongoing commitment to fostering community support for the military and recognizing the important economic and social contributions of the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph.
