DM-50 bids farewell to outgoing president

Tom Murphy (right), new DM-50 president, presents a parting gift to preceding president Glen Kerslake at the Mirage Club here June 3. Formed in 1986, the DM-50 is a non-profit, volunteer service organization, which functions as an advocate for the base and aims to bridge relationships between the base and the commercial, political, educational, and social leadership of Tucson and Pima County. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jerilyn Quintanilla)

DM-50 introduces new president at Mirage Club

Published June 7, 2010
By 2nd Lt Sarah Godfrey
355 Fighter Wing Public Affairs

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The DM-50 , a local organization of businesspeople that supports Davis-Monthan Airmen and families, officially introduced its new president June 3 at the Mirage Club.

Previous president Glen Kerslake ended his two-year term, and local business owner Tom Murphy took over.

Mr. Murphy's support for D-M is based on a family tradition of military service. He served in the Army as a staff sergeant.

"I really look forward to the next two years. We have a lot of events planned for the Airmen and their families," he said. "I want to see more people in the DM-50 active in doing these events."

The DM-50 , founded in 1986, was formed to help bridge the gap between D-M and its neighbors.

"It's our mission to support Airmen at Davis-Monthan," said Mr. Kerslake. "They put themselves in harm's way to defend our country. We want [Airmen]to know that the community is behind them and to make them feel they are a part of the community."

The DM-50 sponsors multiple programs and activities for D-M Airmen, including a University of Arizona football tailgate party in the fall, the DM-50 picnic every spring, Operation COPE, which helps support families preparing for or reuniting after deployments, and Car Seats for Airmen, a program that provides free child car seats for enlisted members.