Community Appreciation Day Successful! Published Nov. 23, 2009 By Apolynne McCarthy 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas -- Goodfellow AFB hosted Community Appreciation Day Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The purpose was to come together as a base to show appreciation for the support that is continually given by the local population. San Angelo's support for the base has an unyielding history, going back to the original annexation of the land we use. "San Angelo has a long standing history for supporting the base since before 9/11," said Lt. Col. Darcy Maloney, 316th Training Squadron project officer. "We have many people drive by the base yet they don't really know what we do here. It is not a surprise to have them say 'Thank you for your service,' when we are seen downtown in our uniform. The Concho Valley is unique compared to other communities across America because of its people's loyal support to all the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines at the base. This is our opportunity to sincerely express our gratefulness and appreciation to the community," she added. It has been over 11 years since Goodfellow hosted a Community Appreciation Day. The activities included: firefighting and military working dog demonstrations, and informational displays. A bus tour of the base provided general information of building purposes and the responsibilities of Team Goodfellow. An array of displays including a World War II Enigma, used for the encryption and decryption of secret messages during WWII, and predator mission planning exhibits gave the attendees a glimpse into America's past, present and future. The annual Santa's Market was also integrated into the day, allowing many people to get a head start on holiday decorations and gift buying. "Having the Community Appreciation Day in conjunction with Santa's Market offered more than 4,000 visitors the rare opportunity to see the base and learn what we do here, while at the same time allowing the visitors to prepare for the Christmas season," added Lt. Col. Maloney.
