It’s been over two months since I assumed command of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base. In this short amount of time, my wife Trina, our boys, and I have been blown away at how amazing it is here in the Inland Northwest. This area is known for its evergreen mountains, majestic forests, amazing lakes, and innovative spirit, so it is no wonder Spokane is known as “Creative by Nature.”

Our family loves the outdoors, so we were excited to move to the Inland Northwest. And, as the new Wing Commander at Fairchild Air Force Base, I am even more thrilled to know that beyond its beauty, the people who call Spokane home are so extremely supportive and welcoming to Fairchild Airmen and their families. Our kids go to school with your kids, we dine next to you downtown, we jog alongside you at Manito Park – we are proud to call Spokane our home, too.

On Sept. 18th, our great Air Force celebrated its 73rd birthday. It is so impressive that our unique relationship with you, the Spokane community, began before our Air Force was even a separate service. This community invested $125,000 and donated land to the War Department in early 1940s, and thus the Spokane Army Air Depot was born. While the Depot was where aircraft came for maintenance, it was also a supply station where aircraft supplies could be sent to anywhere in the world.

Seven decades later, the base’s name, the faces, and the missions may have changed, but one thing has remained steadfast: the Spokane community’s unwavering support. I have had the pleasure of meeting with several community leaders since taking command. What has been impressed upon me is the tremendous community advocacy and the willingness to help advance our efforts and initiatives to improve the lives of airmen and their families on base and in the community.

During my immersion on the installation, when I asked the airmen about their experiences in Spokane, there was always a theme: “Amazing community support.” It isn’t uncommon to hear stories of airmen who drive up to a coffee shop window and have their coffee paid for by the previous driver. It’s not uncommon for lawns to be mysteriously groomed while a member is deployed. It’s not uncommon to have a meal paid for by an anonymous customer in the same restaurant.

So, when I meet with community leaders, I always start by saying, “Thank you.” Thank you for making the Inland Northwest such a special place to live.

One shining example that occurred recently exemplifies the outstanding relationship Fairchild has with this great community. On Aug. 27, a wildland fire began off base and quickly grew to a 240-acre fire that encroached on the installation. What was most impressive to me that day was the fast action and support from the adjoining community fire districts. The entire team stopped the fire and prevented significant damage to the Air Force Survival School and other areas of Fairchild. Simply stated, this tremendous save wouldn’t have been as successful without all involved and was only possible because of the relationships forged over many years.

In the coming months and years, I look forward to continuing great discussions with community leaders and building even stronger bonds at all levels of this outstanding community as we face future challenges and come together to find creative solutions.

Our Airmen are proud to provide unrivaled Global Reach for America. I am excited to lead this great team in advancing Fairchild’s partnership with the Inland Northwest. As we face current and future challenges, we will overcome them as a united and proud community. We are truly stronger together.

Col. Cassius Bentley is the commander of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base.