It's Official! Local Community Adopts 552 Air Control Wing Published May 31, 2011 By Ken LaFayette 72 Air Base Wing Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Papers were signed, formal resolutions read and a partnership was strengthened. The Del City Chamber of Commerce officially adopted the 552nd Air Control Wing during a ceremony held at the Chamber of Commerce building in Del City on April 18. Col Scott Forest, 552nd Air Control Wing vice commander accepted the resolution on behalf of the 552nd Air Control Wing. "This act of recognition and appreciation cements our longstanding bond," said Col Scott Forest. Mayor Linley and Del City Council members formally adopted the 552nd Air Control Wing through the America Supporting Americans Adoption program. "The America supporting Americans organization was originally formed in 1968. The object is to cause the pairing of communities and military organizations across the nation especially as individual units deploy into warzones. The goal is to provide support to the personnel in theatre and the families at home if needed," said Mayor Linley. Communities throughout the United States can "adopt" a military unit through the America Supporting Americans Adopt-a-Unit Program. By doing this, the community is agreeing to send letters and care packages to members of the "adopted" unit. Residents of the community engage in a variety of activities with members of the unit and their families. The community agrees to be involved with its "adopted" unit during times of war and peace whether the unit is at home or deployed abroad. "Being a neighboring community to Tinker AFB, Del City has had a partnership in a number of ways over the years. Forming an official partnership between our community and AWAC's solidifies our relationship in a unique, personally meaningful ways," said Mayor Linly, "Units deployed abroad count on letters and care packages from adoptive cities to boost morale and help them feel connected to home." Colonel Forest was appreciative upon accepting the framed resolution. "One of the greatest honor one can receive is for someone to adopt you into their family," Colonel Forest said "it speaks to the character of this city and continues their legacy of communities supporting military units." The citation reads: Whereas, American military forces are either engaged in defending or are prepared to defend and support American interests and principles, and Whereas, the Adopt-a-Unit program created by America Supporting Americans on March 4, 1968 provides a mechanism whereby all branches of the United States Armed Services can be "adopted" by American communities, and Whereas, the purpose of this adoption program is to create a bond between American communities and the military men and women who bravely serve their country, and Whereas, this bond is intended to support the morale of said service men and women without regard to individual political ties or affiliations, and Whereas, in recognition of the challenges confronting American service men and service women, it is appropriate and fitting that the City of del City in the State of Oklahoma show its support by adopting the following: the United States Air Force 552nd Air Control Wing, stationed at Tinker Air Force Base and deployed to Libya in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Del City in the State of Oklahoma does hereby adopt and offer its ongoing respect and support, in time of war and in time of peace, to the United States Air Force 552nd Air Control Wing. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby designates the City Manager, Mark Edwards, as the primary liaison between this community, the newly adopted 552nd Air Control Wing, and America Supporting Americans, as the organization which has facilitated this adoption. All contact information for this individual is included in the Adoption Agreement Form accompanying this Adoption Resolution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Del City in the State of Oklahoma hereby encourages all city employees, businesses, service clubs, charitable organizations, and private citizens to become involved in supporting the Airmen of the 552nd Air Control Wing of the United States Air Force, and their families. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 18th day of April, 2011, by the City Council of the City of Del City in the State of Oklahoma.