An Air Force town: Mountain Home strongly supports its Airmen and is proud to be

Airman, Feb, 2005 by Louis A. Arana-Barradas

As she took a bite of her barbecue beef sandwich, Dorothy Tennant closed her big blue eyes and let out a slow "Mmm." Some of the tangy sauce oozed on her hands. But she didn't let any drip onto the sleeve of her black leather jacket.

Around her, hundreds of people were also enjoying barbecue beef sandwiches and corn on the cob. The food was free this day at Mountain Home, Idaho's, Carl Miller Park. "This is real good barbecue," she said, and then took another big bite.

Two older gents, dressed in leather biker regalia, flanked her at the picnic table, "chowing" down. Hell's Angels they weren't. But emblazoned on the back of their leather jackets were the "colors" of the Idaho Motorcycle Club.

The trio, all in their late 50s, ride for leisure and travel, not mayhem. And they weren't locals. They rode into town from Magic Valley--as they have for several years--to ride in the town's annual Air Force Appreciation Day parade. For the past 44 years, the two-day event in September is how the town shows its appreciation to the Airmen at Mountain Home Air Force Base. It's the town's biggest annual hoopla. And town officials say it's the state's biggest parade.

"The Airmen at the base are a good bunch of people," Ms. Tennant said. "They're not strangers here. I support them, and so does this community."

She's not kidding. Just about every one of Mountain Home's more than 11,000 citizens showed up for the parade, and barbecue that followed. And like Ms. Tennant, many people came from out of town to show their support, some from as far away as Oregon.

For a few hours, more than a hundred floats--many from the base-paraded down the town's main street: American Legion Boulevard. People on the floats tossed candy to the children along the route. Bands played patriotic songs. And the grand marshal, the base's 366th Fighter Wing commander, got out at the reviewing stand.

"This celebration is how we say thanks to the base and its people for what they do for our country and for being an important part of our community," said Jerry Rost, the chamber of commerce military affairs committee member. "We're partners."

From sheep to jets

Because as the fortunes of the base go, so do those of the town, Mountain Home Mayor Joe B. McNeal said. And that, he said, makes Mountain Home the quintessential military town.

"This is an Air Force town, and we're proud of it," said the mayor, an Air Force retiree.

The town, 36 miles southeast of Boise, was once a busy sheep wool shipping station. But it was the opening of the base in November 1942 that secured its future. Life has revolved around the base ever since. Most town residents are retired from the Air Force, work at the base or help support it in some way, Mayor McNeal said.

"Mountain Home people love America," he said. "And they love the Air Force."

Over the years, Airmen who have retired in town continue to support the new Airmen at the base, located in the high desert 10 miles west of town. It's a never-ending cycle, and the goodwill continues today. There are signs of that support anywhere one goes. Nearly every business offers military discounts. Marquees welcome Airmen home from deployments. And military spouses are a large part of the town's workforce.

It's the open-arms welcome Mountain Home gives Airmen that makes it a great place to live, said Randy Valley, an Air Force retiree and Air Force Appreciation Day committee chairman.

"I stayed because this town provides the best support to the military of anyplace I've ever lived," he said. "Plus, it's got good weather. And it's a great place to raise a family."

For example, some people don't lock their doors at night. Bikes left in front yards will be there in the morning. There's no smog or traffic. Negligible crime. The roar of the base's jets is seldom heard. And the "great outdoors" starts at the town limits. It's small-town life at its best.

These reasons are why Master Sgt. John Lawicki and his wife, Kim, have homesteaded there for 10 years. The family lives in town, and most of their neighbors are Airmen. A 366th Security Forces Squadron flight chief, Sergeant Lawicki said what appeals to him is the pace in Mountain Home, which is calm enough that he and his family can enjoy their life more.

But not everyone likes the laidback lifestyle, which can be tough on young Airmen, he said.

"Fun and excitement won't go knocking at your dormitory door," he said. "So you find it."

That's exactly what 19-year-old Airman 1st Class Chris Sears found out. After the long drive from Boise, he felt banished to the wilderness. He wondered about the next four years.

"It was horrible, at first," the 366th Services Squadron troop said. "But the people here are so friendly, and the base tries so hard to keep you busy and active."

He adapted and after a few months rediscovered his love of the outdoors and camping. Making friends and doing "outdoorsy" stuff helped erase the first impression.

"I like the base now." he said. "There's a lot to do."