MHAFB hosts civic leaders, strengthens community partnerships Published Dec. 4, 2018 By Tech. Sgt. Alexander Martinez 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- To further develop community partnerships, Col. Joe Kunkel, 366th Fighter Wing commander, invited civic leaders from the greater Treasure Valley area to tour various base organizations and learn more about the wing’s F-15E Strike Eagle support and operational missions Nov. 28. “I want to take this opportunity to further develop our long-lasting relationship with you and your organizations,” Kunkel said. “Much of what we do would not be possible without our strong community support in Southwest Idaho and beyond.” The tour offered attendees the chance to visit with Gunfighter Airmen in their work centers and receive a first-hand look at how their units support the mission. “It’s been really interesting, especially learning more of the in-depth details about the [366th FW] mission,” said Mary Huff, Owyhee County land use planning director and event attendee. “This is the first time I’ve seen the support and operations side of the mission.” The more than 30 civic leaders included representatives from the Mountain Home Military Affairs Committee, the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce and the Idaho Technology Council. They toured the 266th Range Squadron “Cowboy Control,” 389th Fighter Squadron “Thunderbolts,” 428th Fighter Squadron “Buccaneers,” and the 726th Air Control Squadron “Hardrockers.” Huff highlighted the importance of engagements like this for the community and the installation. “This morning, Colonel Kunkel talked about trust, and I think we all see each other in specific roles but when we all come together to find common ground and build our mutual trust, I think that’s the importance of these types of engagements,” Huff said. The wing will continue to host civic leader events to foster stronger relationships with community partners, including a scheduled civic leader tour to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, in 2019.