Wing shows off mission to community Published June 30, 2006 By Capt. Michael Meridith Public affairs Grand Forks AFB, ND -- More than 30 local government and business leaders got a first-hand look at the mission of the 319th Air Refueling Wing June 23. The group boarded two of the wing’s KC-135 Stratotankers for an early-morning refueling of F-16s from the Air National Guard’s 119th Fighter Wing based at Hector Field in Fargo, N.D. According to Grand Forks Air Force Base leaders, the event was meant to give community leaders a better understanding of the wing’s vital air refueling mission. In fact, the 319th provides nearly a third of total air refueling to the Global War on Terror. Based on the reactions of participants, the flight’s goal was a complete success. “Flights like this are important so that the American public understands what our forces – in particular the ones at Grand Forks Air Force Base – do,” said Jerry Severson, honorary commander for the 905th Air Refueling Squadron. That sentiment was echoed by Karl Bollingberg, secretary/treasurer of Alerus Financial. “This was the experience of a lifetime,” he said. “It is amazing what these men and women can do in the air and it makes you proud to be an American.” Participants in the flight got a chance to watch the refuelings close up from the tanker’s boom pod as well as from the cockpit. However, most cited the chance to talk with the crew about their mission and personal experiences as one of their favorite parts of the flight. “I was impressed by the chance to see the skills of these Warriors. They are truly outstanding,” said Gerald Brorby, senior vice president of Strata, Inc. After the flights, guests were presented with certificates and photos as reminders of the event and called on by base leaders to help “tell the story” of the Warriors of the North as they carry out their crucial mission. All expressed their gratitude for the event and for the efforts of base Airmen. “This was amazing for those who haven’t seen it before. We were really impressed” said Ken Towers, one of the wing’s ambassadors. “But most of all, we are thankful for all you [base personnel] do to allow us to live in the greatest free country in the world.”