Squadron Adopter Program hits 50 Published Nov. 18, 2009 By Debi Smith 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Squadron Adopter Program is one of the most unique and effective community relations programs in the Air Force today. This year marks the 50th anniversary of a program that began right here in Wichita Falls, extended to Burkburnett and Iowa Park, and then further across the globe. The Squadron Adopter Program began in 1959 by retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Floyd Taylor who thought that by encouraging prominent businesses and civic organizations in the Wichita Falls area to 'adopt' a unit or squadron at Sheppard Air Force Base that closer contact would ease the unstable relations between Airmen and community members. According to Mr. Jack Lavy, a member of The Founder Lions Club which has been a squadron adopter organization for fifty years, "almost daily there would be local newspaper articles about fights breaking out between the young people in Wichita Falls and the base." He adds, "I'm not sure we weren't very close to having the base closed off and no one permitted to come into the community." Colonel Taylor's efforts were rewarded as the Wichita Falls Rotary became the first adopter for the 3767th Student Squadron. The Founder Lions Club followed and by year's end, a total of 15 adopters were on board. Eleven of the original sponsors were still with the program when it celebrated its 25th anniversary. The Rotary took the program as a model worldwide with Sheppard's field training detachments and the Honorable Graham Purcell lauded the program in the Congressional Record in 1961. Colonel Taylor managed the program until 1973 when James Montgomery, a Wichita Falls lawyer and rancher, expanded partnerships into Burkburnett and Iowa Park. He was also responsible for securing sponsors for each participating country when the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Program was established in the late 1970s. By 1983, retired Air Force Colonel Robert Haley became director and the program grew to 40 squadron & ENJPPT countries being adopted by over 50 local organizations. Tim Chase, President of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce, was excited when Bob Haley introduced him to the program in 2001 and assumed management until 2007. Mr. Chase says "the real value in the program is in its spontaneity, where base personnel can engage at both the command and the Airmen level while leaders in the community can visit the base and learn more about the mission and the people." He adds, "all of that scope of work is invaluable." The program's objective is simple: a workable program in which a military person becomes an integral part of a neighboring community. In short, it is people in different walks of life working toward mutual understanding. Over the decades, there have been countless and unique opportunities: The Bridwell and Waggoner Ranches hosting 450 Airmen to dinner and ranch rodeo An adopter visiting overseas detachments while on vacation Tuition provided for two squadron airmen Jointly sponsoring the Miss Missile and Miss Flame contests The Rotary donating a swimming pool while the squadrons put on picnics, bowling tournaments and orientation flights The 1962 community campaign to donate 1,000 trees - 18 of which were named for astronauts & led to Sheppard's selection as a Tree City USA site Times Publishing donating 1,000 tickets to the Texas-Oklahoma Fair Tickets to the grand opening of Memorial Auditorium in Wichita Falls Military Appreciation Night at the Symphony, MSU Football & Wildcats Hockey games It's that uniqueness between partners that drives the program. Military Affairs President, Tom Whaylen, emphasizes that just as each military member is an individual recruiter when going in to the community, the community is seeking Sheppard personnel out. Years ago, as the ENJPPT program grew, the country sponsor program evolved in to a separate program at the 80th Flying Training Wing. This summer, despite some transition in the 82nd Training Wing with squadrons merging and some deactivations, the program has continued to grow to a total of 31 adopters. Fifty years, two generations, and a formidable legacy left by retired Colonel Floyd Taylor and his vision for our community. From a dark period of misunderstanding to decades of inspirational growth designed to foster the best possible partnerships between strangers, the Squadron Adopter Program is known Air Force wide - and today celebrates strong relationships with 31 local adopters in North Texas.