Military Affairs Committee in Action

October 2007
By Joe Spendolini — Hire Calling Staffing Solutions & President - Klamath County Chamber of Commerce

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee exists to support our brave men and women (and their families) that serve our community, and our nation, by selflessly sacrificing self and family to protect all that America holds dear. Since its reformation last year, the Military Affairs Committee (MAC) has been extremely active in honoring our military by gathering at Klamath Falls Airport in tearful welcome home events, as well as send off events. On one occasion, we gathered at Kingsley to send off a large group of our fellow citizens that are part of the Security Forces in what was an extremely moving ceremony. I can honestly say that each person present at these events, has been deeply touched by the large group that gathers to pay respect, and show of community support and gratitude to those brave men and women as they arrive, or depart our community from dangerous deployments in combat areas.

Many of the MAC members were honored by the brave men and women at Kinsgley when we were invited to join other community leaders in a combat training mission that began early in the day Thursday, September 20th, where we boarded a gigantic C-17 transport plane. We left Klamath Falls about 8:30 in the morning and pretty quickly ascended to an altitude of over 20,000 feet. During the flight we noticed some cargo resting in the cargo bay (which is also where we were seated). After an in flight refueling session, and several hours into our experience, the pilot began a combat descent from about 20,000 feet down to 300 feet. Using the word descent truly doesn't do this experience justice. It was more like a PLUNGE. And not a straight plunge. We began an incredibly rapid descent in a zig zag pattern. Once achieving the 300 foot altitude, we then began to ascend to an altitude of about 1200 feet. I cannot explain the feeling of what happened next, but imagine flying home for Christmas and losing the backside of the airplane. Before we knew it the entire back section of this massive jet was gone, exposing us all to the elements, and a clear view of the fish Jim Bob just caught on the river. Next thing we knew, a small parachute left the back of the cargo area, and a few minutes later, that cargo that was resting in the cargobay was gone, right out the portion of the plane that suddenly went missing. Then, just as suddenly as it had disappeared, the back of the jet was back. It looked as if it had never been gone. I truly thought that what I had just witnessed was an illusion, until I looked at some of the faces of the folks that were with me. Green to the gills some were.

We were able to see the flight simulators, go through the classrooms for the mechanics that work on these massive planes where complete, full size components are mounted for them to work on as they learn. We were also treated to a briefing of the Western Air Defense command and control center where many of the changes that have been implemented since 9/11 were outlined for us all.

Though I must admit taking some (slight) liberties with my description of this tremendous experience above, we all truly enjoyed our trip to McChord Air Force base in Washington, and I personally want to thank Col Tom Scheiss, Col. Jeff Silver, Col. Rich Kelly, Lt. Col. Mark Favetti, Lt. Col. Curtis Waite, Capt. Lucas Ritter, Chief Walsh, Master Sgt. Lovell, and Tammy Narramore, and the rest of our fine friends at Kingsley field for making this happen.

This truly was an incredibly educational and enjoyable experience for us all.