At a Veteran’s Day talk at noon Rotary, COL John Michel, Wing Commander at the Grand Forks Air Base, gave examples of the Base’s “Community Involvement” program in surrounding towns.

At the luncheon meeting, he demonstrated change as he described the transitions at the Base. He clustered the round luncheon tables so that they “connected” as a wider circle and emphasized that when the environment changes, one has to think differently and react as a larger inclusive group, rather than at separate tables.

He listed the reality obstacles in the changing mission of the Base, yet projected a promising future of development plans that will have a designed, positive impact on the total community.

He compared the shared value of the Air Force with Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self.” He described the Base’s development of a “Community Services Park,” wherein the talents of military personnel can be coordinated with known needs in surrounding communities. Personnel are being encouraged to contribute their talents and energies in community service with authorized four-hours of duty time per month through this program.

In other transition highlights, Col Michel described the following points:

Becoming an Interagency Center with other Federal and State Agencies (such as Homeland Security) in development of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

Expanding a National Training mission for UAV pilots and support services, which is based on the performance-fact that training is the foundation of growth and effectiveness.

Modeling relevancy in changing times through innovations that result in new ways to defend, serve and manage a modern base facility into multiple uses that benefit a “total” community.

Promoting a regional, collaborative community on the Base that combines resources for learning, living and leading, which involves the University, the City/County of Grand Forks, Aero Space, State agencies, and the grass-root communities that feed these people-systems.

The hour in dialogue with Col Michel was an inspiring way to recognize veterans – past, present and future – and, as he said, “to celebrate our community of services.” He said, “When the world is changing around you, it is better to look out the window than in the mirror.”

As a way to keep in touch with our “neighbors,” check out the Base website: http://public.grandforks.amc.af.mil