Annual Civ-Mil barbeque brings Edwards leaders, community together for Airmen

  • Published
  • By Diane Betzler
  • Staff writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Edwards Civilian-Military Support Group held its 20th annual barbeque July 28. More than 140 people from throughout the Antelope Valley and Edwards AFB attended the event to show their support for an organization dedicated to supporting Team Edwards.

"Our mission is to support Edwards and to take on an annual service project that benefits the base," said Mike Belzil, current president of the local Civ-Mil group.

As the sun began to set over the Antelope Valley, a breeze turned the sizzling triple-digit temperature of the day into a comfortably warm and picture-perfect evening - the high desert's way of welcoming the evening's guests.

Belzil introduced community leaders, the Civ-Mil board of directors and Brig. Gen. Robert C. Nolan, Air Force Flight Test Center commander.

The general introduced other base leadership attending the event and thanked the community for their support for Edwards and for the men and women stationed here and at Plant 42.

"The ranch is a beautiful place and this is a great community," Nolan said.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for what you do for servicemen on a daily basis," he said.

The Edwards Civ-Mil group is doing a great job supporting the base, the general said.

"Our enlisted Airmen and women need their support. We just don't have the funds to do what Civ-Mil does for our new people," he said.

Nolan reminded everyone that America is a nation at war and said there are 150,000 young men, women, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen overseas fighting on the nation's behalf. One hundred sixty of those warriors are from Edwards.

Civ-Mil's annual project this year is helping the Airman's Attic, and proceeds from the barbeque all go to that cause.

Belzil said the organization's intent is to get the attic fully stocked in time to serve the more than 100 new Airmen expected here by end of summer. He talked about the group's desire to stock the Attic with costly large appliances like washers and dryers, which most families need, but that some Airmen can't afford. Everything in the Airmen‟s Attic is free to Airmen E-1 to E-6.

Civ-Mil member and past president Aida O'Connor created the Edwards Civ-Mil support group two decades ago and remains active in the organization.

O'Connor said when she first came to Antelope Valley she inquired about joining a Civ-Mil group only to learn that Edwards didn't yet have one.

"With all the important flight testing going on at Edwards I felt it was important to have a Civ-Mil group to help ensure the base stays off the BRAC [Base Realignment and Closure] list," she said.

So she founded the Edwards Civ-Mil group, which she modeled after the Patrick AFB Civ-Mil group in Florida.

"People here strongly support Edwards, so I knew a Civ-Mil organization would be well received and put to good use," she said.

O'Connor said she is very happy with the way the group is going, "It's filled with strong, dedicated and talented business people who stand united in their pledge to support our military."

She added that her reward for all her years of service to the organization is knowing that everything Civ-Mil does for the Armed Service men and women clearly thanks them for what they are doing for the country.

"They are risking their lives for our country and they need to know we appreciate them."

Belzil said the yearly event is also an opportunity for the community to meet Edwards leadership and to keep the line of communication between both groups open.

"We have an excellent relationship with base leadership and we communicate with each other about each other's needs," he said.

Frances Lane, who for the past 20 summers has opened the gates to her sprawling Hacienda Lane Ranch, welcomed guests to the $25-a-head western style barbeque.

"It's a pleasure to have everyone here tonight," Lane told guests.

A long-time member of the Civ-Mil support group herself, Lane said she looks forward to continuing her 20-year-long relationship with the base.

The informal evening appeared to be enjoyed by all who attended. According to many guests the food was delicious and plentiful and guests had their choice of barbecue chicken or rib eye steak.

Special thanks went out to Civ-Mil members Bob and Michele Slade, the husband and wife team who prepared the side dishes and have been setting up the tables and chow line for the past three years.

By eight that evening, almost as if on cue, the valley's trademark breezes turned gusty, convincing guests to place their empty plates, cups and cans in the appropriate containers - nature's way of saying good night to all.