MAC celebrates 85th anniversary

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chris Drzazgowski
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Tucson Metro Chamber Military Affairs Committee celebrated its 85th anniversary earlier this month.

The MAC became a standing committee of the Tucson Metro Chamber in 1929. At that time, the Chamber's Aviation Committee was responsible for the Pilot's Register at Davis-Monthan Aviation Field, the first municipal aviation field in the United States.

"I think that we have a responsibility to help each other [residents of the local community] understand the main mission [of local military installations]," said Ellen Jimenez, MAC chairperson. "It's bigger than us. We're little specks in the big scheme of things."

The MAC's mission is to build and maintain bridges of understanding and cooperation between military and civilian communities within Tucson and Southern Arizona.

The committee is constantly involved with the enhancement of functions at Davis-Monthan as well as other local military installations.

One function the MAC assists in supporting is D-M's quarterly awards ceremonies. The committee provides funds each quarter to purchase A-10 trophies to present to award recipients. It also raises funds for an annual event called the "Thanksgiving Dorm Bash" held at D-M for Airmen who are unable to travel home to their families during the holidays.

Jimenez attributes the MAC's passion of fulfilling its mission to all service members.

"It absolutely astounds me how you sign up [into military service]," Jimenez said. "You know what could potentially happen. But you sign your name on that line, and you are willing to do that for people you don't know. It's humbling, I feel like we should be taking care of you."