Base, local leaders exchange 'Montana-casual' appreciation

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  More than 150 leaders from the 341st Space Wing and the communities that make up the missile complex came together for the 7th Annual Salute to the Community Dinner Sept. 14 at the Grizzly Bend Club here. 

From dressing in "Montana casual" attire to the decorations that adorned the table - miniature hay bales, wooden fence posts and cowboy hats - the event was a chance for the wing commander to show her appreciation to those in the Montana communities who support the mission and the Airmen who perform it every day. 

"The unique partnership of our communities touches every aspect of our lives. We live and serve together," said Col. Sandy Finan, 341st Space Wing commander. "You stand with and support us every day as we provide the Nation's strategic deterrent and when we are called to support operations abroad." 

Guest speaker for the event was Montana's newly elected Senator Jon Tester, whose family farming business has been located in the missile complex for many years. 

"You know, this year we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the creation of the Air Force. But the relationship between Malmstrom and Great Falls goes back almost 70 years," Senator Tester said. "My father worked at Malmstrom before it was called Malmstrom. It's been a long and wonderful friendship." 

He attributed the relationship to more than just the "economic activity that comes from having 3,100 members of the U.S. Air Force live and work here." He attributed it to a common belief. 

"It comes from a deep belief that those who have chosen to wear the uniform of our country deserve our complete support. That is a sentiment we all [Montanans] share," he said. 

"We cannot succeed without the support of our families and our community," Colonel Finan said. "You are a part of the team that makes our mission possible. Your interest, advocacy, generosity and involvement with all members of Team Malmstrom help us perform that mission every day and remind us just what we defend. We really couldn't do it without you." 

To end the evening's festivities, the crowd was entertained by "Night Wing," the country/rock ensemble of the United States Heartland of America Band. 

The Salute to the Community Dinner was started in 2001 by Maj. Gen. Thomas Deppe, Air Force Space Command vice commander, when he was the 341st Space Wing commander here.