Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
link U.S. Air Force Photo: Airman 1st Class Shelby Kay-Fantozzi
U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Joseph Arora, 27th Special Operations Support Squadron airfield operations officer, offers watermelon to Air Commandos lined up for hot dogs and hamburgers Aug. 8 at Cannon Appreciation Day at Cannon Air Force Base. Volunteers served hundreds of Air Commandos who came out to celebrate the base’s connection to the surrounding community.
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
The Clovis community recognized the Air Commandos of Cannon Air Force Base during the 25th annual Cannon Appreciation Day Aug. 8.
The Curry County Chamber of Commerce, Committee of Fifty, and the Clovis Industrial Development Corporation co-hosted the event at Unity Park, which featured hours of music, food, games and giveaways for Cannon’s Airmen.
“We’ve got a number of great folks here,” said Col. Tony Bauernfeind, 27th Special Operations Wing commander. “This whole day is just another great example of the community partnership that exists between this base and our neighbors.”
The event drew a large crowd of Airmen, families and civilian personnel, prompting organizers to celebrate the day’s high turnout.
“I’m really happy with how the event came together,” said Stacey Martin, Committee of Fifty chairman. “It looks like our numbers are way up from last year.”
Volunteers, including leaders of the community, spent months preparing for the event, where $4,000 worth of prizes were given away throughout the celebrations.
“We’re prepared to serve about 4,500 people here today,” said Ernie Kos, Curry County Chamber of Commerce executive director. “Between the entities working together today, we’re throwing a $10,000 party. We’re really excited about that.”
Cornhole, horseshoes and volleyball provided friendly competition between individuals and squadron teams throughout the day’s festivities, but the focus remained on the strong bond between Cannon and Clovis.
“We’re a community that loves the base, the mission, and the people,” said Martin. “We love having Cannon as a neighbor and a friend.”
The spirit of community was strong between local officials and base leadership, who agreed that Cannon and Clovis serve each other well day in and day out.
“This town cares about our Airmen and our families year round, whether with this Cannon Appreciation Day, the Angel Arms program, or Storm the Dorm parties,” said Bauernfeind. “I can’t thank everyone enough for their part in putting this event on.”