New British mayors attend reception, introduction to RAF Mildenhall mission

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  About 30 newly appointed community leaders from the local area were invited to RAF Mildenhall July 21 for a reception and brief introduction to operations here.

The purpose of the event was to allow leadership from the base and community to meet face-to-face and foster partnerships essential to the success of RAF Mildenhall's mission.

"As these mayors and chairmen were recently elected into their positions, many had not visited the base before," said Sal Davidson, RAF Mildenhall's Community Relations Advisor. "Therefore, this informal event provides us with an excellent platform to educate them about the mission here, plus it builds foundations for friendship that can flourish throughout their tenure."

Following a briefing designed to sum up the RAF Mildenhall mission, guests at the luau-themed event were treated to Polynesian-style cuisine and entertainment, including a hula dance demonstration from the Halau O U'ilani volunteer dance group.

RAF Mildenhall puts on several events every year designed to maintain and foster strong ties with the local community, and base units regularly attend shows and demonstrations with examples of military equipment.

"RAF Mildenhall could not thrive without the support of our local communities and leaders," said Col. Christopher Kulas, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander. "Fostering strong relationships within these communities is vital to our continued success.

"We live in the surrounding local areas, attend local schools and churches, and shop in local stores," the commander continued. "The support we receive is invaluable and RAF Mildenhall is very fortunate to have such a strong bond with its surrounding neighbors."

The New Mayor's Barbecue is an annual event, and the theme changes from year to year.