Commander talks past, present, future at civic event

  • Published
  • By Christopher Ball
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

 

The 412th Test Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, talked about Edwards’ history, its present, and where the Air Force is headed, to a gathering of local civilian leaders in the J.P Eliopulos Hellenic Center in Lancaster, Calif.

The event was the Antelope Valley Board of Trade January business briefing luncheon Jan. 31, and the theme for January was “Aiming High, Celebrating 70 Years of the Air Force.” Following the opening ceremony – with the commander leading the Pledge of Allegiance – was a short presentation about the upcoming L.A. County Air Show. Then, Schaefer took the stage, starting is presentation with a number of historical milestones of Edwards AFB history, some predating the United States Air Force, and following the working his way up to the programs of today.

His main topic was Team Edwards’ plans for the upcoming Air Force 70th Birthday, which will be observed locally in conjunction with the 70th Anniversary of the first supersonic flight here.

He then transitioned to some of the overarching strategic goals for the Air Force, touching on topics such as manning levels and modernization of the fleet.

Following the presentation, Schaefer spent a few extra minutes for questions. The one question that stood out was “what can we do as a community to support Edwards Air Force Base.” The general suggested that the local community’s relationship with the Edwards community was already close and productive, and that we should continue to maintain it so.

"I love all the support you give the men and women who work day in and day out at Edwards Air Force Base," he said.

As the commander was leaving the stage, he was stopped by Debbie Lovrich, Executive Director of the Antelope Valley Board of Trade, who presented him with an award to thank him for speaking at the luncheon, and to express sincere appreciation for his influence on the economic growth and prosperity in the Northern Los Angeles and Kern County Region.

The Antelope Valley Board of Trade is a non-profit group of individuals and representatives from various business, industry, academia and government organizations. According to their mission statement, their goal is “to engage in maintaining and promoting diverse business and industry, quality infrastructures and a strong legislative voice for the benefit of its members and the Greater Antelope Valley.”