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Former NSF attendees meet at Eglin

  • Published
  • By Carl Bergquist
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  In an effort to help former National Security Forum attendees stay informed about National Security and what the Air Force is doing, the Air War College sponsored a meeting of 42 NSF alumni at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. AWC is part of the Spaatz Center for Officer Education which will celebrate its first anniversary in May. 

Lt. Col. Stephen Spurlin, NSF director, said this year's meeting was the fourth annual National Security Forum Alumni Outreach program, with the past three events talking place at Randolph AFB, Texas, MacDill AFB, Fla., and Nellis AFB, Nev., respectively. 

He said the group was briefed on the future of the Air Force and Corona by Gen. Stephen Lorenz, commander of Air Education and Training Command; nuclear enterprise; and Operation Commando Wrap and how the Air Force supported that mission. The alumni were also given tours of the McKinley Climate Lab, where climatic testing of military equipment is conducted, and the Taconi Room, where the Air Force Research Lab showcases its success stories in weapons development. 

The group then visited Hurlburt Field where they were briefed by Gen. Donald Wurster, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, and given a tour of the Special Operations Tactics and Training Squadron. 

"These people want to remain engaged with the Air Force," Colonel Spurlin said of the former NSF attendees. "We received very positive comments from them, and a couple of the alumni said they left with good feelings about the Air Force, and its ability to do its job. They were also very impressed with Air Force senior leadership." 

Retired Air Force Col. Joe Panza, Air University Foundation director, has attended all four outreach programs and said each one of the events has been unique because each was hosted by a different major command. 

"The overall value of this program is immeasurable," he said. "I'm fortunate to attend the outreaches and pleased that AUF can play a role by supporting the program financially."

The colonel said the number of former NSF guests who would like to participate in the NSF Alumni Outreach is encouraging. Of about a 1,000 former NSF attendees contacted more than 450 wanted to be a part of the program. 

"We send e-mail updates to the alumni and offer them a chance to nominate future NSF attendees," Colonel Spurlin said. "We want a broad range of views at NSF because that gives our students a chance to hear what NSF attendees have to say." 

The colonel said Air University students and faculty, commanders, previous attendees of NSF, the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs office, and wing commanders of each Air Force base are asked to submit names for future NSF attendees. He said NSF alumni who give their names to the NSF committee and want to continue to participate in outreach programs are referred to other outreach programs, and are also encouraged to interact with other NSF alumni.