British-American Committee promotes community relations on, off base

[The Patriot]

British-American Committee promotes community relations on, off base

01-17-2013 01:31 AM

Tags:
News
British-American Committee
Royal Air Force bases
community relations



British-American Committee promotes community relations on, off base


by: Karen Abeyasekere
100th Air Refueling Wing PAO
published: January 17, 2013

Share This:


Tweet

Comments
Email
Print


RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Most of the Royal Air Force bases in England occupied by the U.S. Air Force have their own British-American Committee, and RAF Mildenhall is no exception. The BAC presents community relations awards to recognize the efforts of British and American individuals and groups who have enhanced community relations between our two nations.

The main purpose of the committee is to work hand-in-hand with the base, providing Americans and local nationals a greater understanding of each otherand cementing solid relationships.

Comprised of 10 U.S. Air Force commanders from RAF Mildenhall and 10 British members from the local community, the RAF Mildenhall BAC meets on a regular basis and provides a forum for addressing issues of mutual concern. The British committee members are usually from different fields within the community and are in a position to foster good relations with the base.

Dating back to the early 1950s, the British-American Committee - formerly known as the Anglo-American Committee - was initially established by the Ministry of Defence to provide assistance to visiting U.S. forces. Additionally, the BAC provides Americans a greater understanding of the area and the people with whom they are living and working.

Ken Thompson, a local businessman from West Row, is the BAC chairman, and has been involved with the committee for 23 years.

"I'd put together a 'Fun Day' in Beck Row for the Anglo-Americans back in the mid-1980s," Thompson said. "It was a good success - we had about 500 to 600 people attend."

He said RAF Mildenhall's base commander at the time, and Jack Haylock, (then-chairman of the committee), came over and said they needed someone like him on the committee, and asked Thompson to join.

"The British and American members each foster good relations with the other from their own side of the fence," said the BAC chairman. "But, we try not to keep it just local people - we try to go further afield and have members from Newmarket and Bury St. Edmunds. We get to know what's happening on base, and what the problems are, so we can help sort them out," Thompson said.

In his role as chairman, Thompson chooses the British committee members and keeps in close touch with Sal Davidson, 100th Air Refueling Wing community relations advisor and secretary of the BAC, in regards to base happenings and events. He co-chairs the committee with Col. Christopher Kulas, 100th ARW commander.

"(The BAC meetings are) a forum for addressing issues and mutual concerns,' Davidson said. "The committee members are an extension of my eyes and ears out in the local community; it's a two-way information flow."

The community relations advisor said Thompson's position on the BAC is ultimately appointed by Air Officer Commanding No. 2 Group, Royal Air Force.

"It's a highly-recognized committee within the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Air Force," she said. "(The British committee members) are all volunteers, community-minded and community-spirited, and give up their free time to be on the committee. They all have a desire to further and foster relations (between the local community and people on base.)

"Those on the committee receive regular updates on the base and its plans to ensure members are ahead of the game, and not caught on-the-hop with questions from local residents," Davidson said. "This ensures members are able to dispel rumors and counter misinformation."

There's also a social aspect to the committee. They hold social events, such as Burn's Night in January, and golf tournaments, which often raise funds that are donated to local charities (after approval from the committee).

British members of the BAC hold important positions in the local community and are able to work at a "grass roots" level. Davidson explained that this compliments the other established engagement programs which the base undertakes throughout the year with various groups.

"It opens up doors to people who aren't involved with other programs on base," she said.

Thompson added that they can help with many issues, even down to helping Airmen who may not have anywhere to go during the holidays, and finding someone who will invite them to their home and provide them a meal.

"We want to get the word out in the local community and let people know more about the base and the BAC," said Thompson. "We have the reputation of being the most active BAC in the UK."


Tags: British-American Committee, community relations, RAF Alconbury, RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Molesworth, Royal Air Force bases, News
Related Content:






British-American Committee promotes community relations on, off base


by: Karen Abeyasekere
100th Air Refueling Wing PAO
published:

Share This:


Tweet

Comments
Email
Print


RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Most of the Royal Air Force bases in England occupied by the U.S. Air Force have their own British-American Committee, and RAF Mildenhall is no exception. The BAC presents community relations awards to recognize the efforts of British and American individuals and groups who have enhanced community relations between our two nations.

The main purpose of the committee is to work hand-in-hand with the base, providing Americans and local nationals a greater understanding of each otherand cementing solid relationships.

Comprised of 10 U.S. Air Force commanders from RAF Mildenhall and 10 British members from the local community, the RAF Mildenhall BAC meets on a regular basis and provides a forum for addressing issues of mutual concern. The British committee members are usually from different fields within the community and are in a position to foster good relations with the base.

Dating back to the early 1950s, the British-American Committee - formerly known as the Anglo-American Committee - was initially established by the Ministry of Defence to provide assistance to visiting U.S. forces. Additionally, the BAC provides Americans a greater understanding of the area and the people with whom they are living and working.

Ken Thompson, a local businessman from West Row, is the BAC chairman, and has been involved with the committee for 23 years.

"I'd put together a 'Fun Day' in Beck Row for the Anglo-Americans back in the mid-1980s," Thompson said. "It was a good success - we had about 500 to 600 people attend."

He said RAF Mildenhall's base commander at the time, and Jack Haylock, (then-chairman of the committee), came over and said they needed someone like him on the committee, and asked Thompson to join.

"The British and American members each foster good relations with the other from their own side of the fence," said the BAC chairman. "But, we try not to keep it just local people - we try to go further afield and have members from Newmarket and Bury St. Edmunds. We get to know what's happening on base, and what the problems are, so we can help sort them out," Thompson said.

In his role as chairman, Thompson chooses the British committee members and keeps in close touch with Sal Davidson, 100th Air Refueling Wing community relations advisor and secretary of the BAC, in regards to base happenings and events. He co-chairs the committee with Col. Christopher Kulas, 100th ARW commander.

"(The BAC meetings are) a forum for addressing issues and mutual concerns,' Davidson said. "The committee members are an extension of my eyes and ears out in the local community; it's a two-way information flow."

The community relations advisor said Thompson's position on the BAC is ultimately appointed by Air Officer Commanding No. 2 Group, Royal Air Force.

"It's a highly-recognized committee within the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Air Force," she said. "(The British committee members) are all volunteers, community-minded and community-spirited, and give up their free time to be on the committee. They all have a desire to further and foster relations (between the local community and people on base.)

"Those on the committee receive regular updates on the base and its plans to ensure members are ahead of the game, and not caught on-the-hop with questions from local residents," Davidson said. "This ensures members are able to dispel rumors and counter misinformation."

There's also a social aspect to the committee. They hold social events, such as Burn's Night in January, and golf tournaments, which often raise funds that are donated to local charities (after approval from the committee).

British members of the BAC hold important positions in the local community and are able to work at a "grass roots" level. Davidson explained that this compliments the other established engagement programs which the base undertakes throughout the year with various groups.

"It opens up doors to people who aren't involved with other programs on base," she said.

Thompson added that they can help with many issues, even down to helping Airmen who may not have anywhere to go during the holidays, and finding someone who will invite them to their home and provide them a meal.

"We want to get the word out in the local community and let people know more about the base and the BAC," said Thompson. "We have the reputation of being the most active BAC in the UK."


Tags: British-American Committee, community relations, RAF Alconbury, RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Molesworth, Royal Air Force bases, News
Related Content:







More...