Business representatives from across the area gathered on Friday, April 30 at the Western Oklahoma State College Student Center to recognize the outstanding achievements of the Altus Armed Services YMCA programs. A record number of businesses also pledged monetary support to ensure the continued success of the various programs.

Western Oklahoma State College President and Altus Armed Services YMCA Board President, Randy Cumby coordinated the breakfast and led the program, introducing Altus Military Affairs Committee Chairman Bill Wilson, who indicated the work is important, and pledged to support it. The keynote speaker was Col David Miller, Vice-Commander of the 97th Air Mobility Wing at Altus Air Force Base. Colonel Miller emphasized the importance of the role of the Armed Services YMCA at Altus Air Force Base, and indicated the tremendous, positive influence that this unique collaboration between the base and the community exerts.

Joan Wilcoxen, Altus Armed Services YMCA Outreach Director introduced wives of enlisted airmen at AAFB who gave testimonials about their personal experiences with the programs here in Altus. Ashley Lohman, with her infant son Josua, told the group how the ASYMCA Day Retreat trips throughout the local area had helped her understand more about Altus' agricultural community while her airman husband Paul has been flying. She expressed her appreciation for the washer and dryer program, and donated her machines back to the program for use by another spouse when she and her husband move to Washington. Also, she is excited by the networking ability of the Altus ASYMCA to introduce her to another young wife who now lives where the Lohmans will be stationed next. A1C James Byrd's wife Cheyenne spoke about how she felt connected to the Altus community through the ASYMCA welcome she got at Altus, and how the ASYMCA helped with her daughter Arianna as she and James prepared for their new daughter Symyra's birth.

Wilcoxen attributed the outstanding year of achievement and contributions to the community and looks forward eagerly to the continued service to the young military families of Altus Air Force Base. "The Altus Armed Services YMCA offers programs, classes and support specifically tailored to the financial constraints experienced by the junior ranking airmen. For those with families, and those who are single, we provide information about Altus and the surrounding area, the Air Force, and the Family Support Center at Altus AFB, plus we offer opportunities for these young people to network and establish friendships," Wilcoxen said. "Our Altus community makes it possible to continue to expand our programs. Thanks to the folks who truly care about our young people in the military, we are able to get assistance from people in our civilian and military community, and business leaders to help provide our services. Together Everyone does Achieve More, and Altus truly is synonymous with TEAM effort!" To support this effort, please contact Wilcoxen at 481-6523 or 481-6761.