Local community city officials participate in Kunsan environmental orientation

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alice Moore
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Base officials hosted 30 local community city officials here Wednesday in an effort to inform and educate them on the mission and environmental practices. 

Each city official from Gunsan City, was hand-picked by the mayor to attend the orientation where they were briefed on the 8th Fighter Wing's mission as well as how the base takes steps to prevent oil spills and other environmental preventative measures. 

"As civil servants to Gunsan City, it's very important for us to learn Kunsan's mission and what they do to prevent oil spills," said Moon, Phil-Hwan, Foreign Affairs Section Chief for Gunsan City Hall. "After receiving this tour we can all go back and explain as well as educate Gunsan community members." 

The officials received a mission brief and were given a tour of the base fuels facility and sanitary sewer lift station. While on base, they also were given the opportunity to view an F-16 static display and took a tour of the base fitness center. 

"It's important that we better educate our local community members on what goes on here at the base," said Rosemary Song, 8th FW Public Affairs community relations chief. "When local city leaders and officials stay informed it prevents from them making assumptions that may not be true and they can keep their community informed if any questions arise." 

Mr. Moon said he was most surprised on how clean the fuels area was. 

"I expected it to be dirty since it's a fuel storage area," he said. "I was pleasantly surprised at all the preventative measures the base has for oil clean up." 

The orientation is another Good Neighbor Program initiative. Ms. Song said this is another way the base gives back to the Gunsan City community for their support of providing Wolf Pack members bi-monthly newcomers orientations to the local community. 

Colonel CQ "Wolf" Brown, 8th FW commander said it's important for the base to continue an active role with the local Korean community because it strengthens the Republic of Korea and U.S. alliance. 

"Events like today help us to be able to explain the 8th Fighter Wing's mission as well as address concerns local citizens may have," Col. Brown said. "The Wolf Pack always ensures our mission is accomplished, while taking the necessary steps to ensure we're being good stewards of the environment." 

Ms. Song said the city officials were grateful base senior leadership took time out of their day to host them. 

The base will host another group of city officials early September for a similar tour.