Malmstrom's first community fair deemed a success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  In an effort to help establish a positive connection between Malmstrom's military members and the Great Falls community, Malmstrom Air Force Base hosted its very first community fair March 7 at the Grizzly Bend.

The relationship an Airman has with their local community members is one of the most important connections a military member may have during their career. It is a mutual relationship and a bond in which both parties can have a drastic effect on the other.

For example, an Airman who volunteers his time at a local food pantry or helps with a local youth program makes a positive difference in their community. Multiply that by an entire base, and it is easy to see the impact Airmen can have on their surroundings.

The same is also true about a community's impact on an Airman. For those who live off base, everything from housing and sustenance to entertainment may be provided by the city they live in. For some families, a portion of their history will forever be tied to the place they lived while their loved one served in the military.

A connection of some kind is possible and both sides contribute to the overall quality of the relationship. The first-ever community fair was a way to make these connections and build relationships.

"The event turned out to be a great success," said Lori Muzzana, 341st Missile Wing community support coordinator. "Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves and have a good time talking with one another.

"The community fair was all about local, semi-local and state-wide businesses and organizations having the opportunity to present themselves to Airmen and their families and to let them know what there is to do in the community, as well as the state of Montana," she said. "The whole point was to provide these Airmen and their family members with knowledge about what is going on around them so they have more opportunities to get off the installation and get involved with off-base activities. Looking back on it, I believe the goal we set for ourselves was achieved. Connections were made."

Throughout the event, more than 750 people were in attendance and more than 60 display tables were set up for presentations.

"The variety of organizations was great," said 1st Lt. James Hardin, 10th Missile Squadron combat crew commander and representative of CrossFit 406. "It was an awesome opportunity for people to get together and connect. The fact that we were able to speak face-to-face was also a big plus. A lot of times, when someone can only learn about an organization through a phone call or pamphlet, the connection just is not made. With this community fair, we were able to answer questions people had about what we were presenting and we could also talk in depth about anything they were interested in."

In order to make the community fair a success, 35 volunteers offered their time and worked together to help the event run smooth. In preparation for the fair, volunteers made phone calls, sent emails and even drove to local establishments if they could not get into contact with someone.

The offer to attend was extended to local business owners, organizations, sports teams, clubs and anyone else who was interested in spending a little time sharing what they do within the community.

"There is no way I could have done this without the people who volunteered their time to help," Muzzana said. "There were even Airmen waiting at the door for people who needed help bringing in supplies. The vendors commented on the hospitality like crazy. They could not believe that there were Airmen lined up at the door just to help them carry stuff in. They had never been to an event like that before."

According to attendees, the community fair was a big accomplishment and will serve as a stepping stone to bigger and better things for Malmstrom and the community.

"Our hopes are to make this an annual event," Muzzana said. "If we can keep connecting with the community like this it will be great for everyone. The Airmen and their families will benefit and the community will greatly benefit also. I'm looking forward to next year."