01/12/2020 – CHARLOTTE, N.C. – -- The smell of pancakes wafted through the New London Air National Guard Base as members of the North Carolina Air National Guard, local airport authorities, and local law enforcement, were invited to partake in a breakfast fundraiser early Sunday morning, Jan. 12, 2020, in New London, N.C. as part of a means to strengthen community ties and build new relationships while raising funds for Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
“We use these donations to host additional morale events and assist in funding the annual event, Operation Santa, put on by Chapter 7,” said Senior Airman Robert Hartley, 235th Air Traffic Control Squadron.
The Fundraiser, taking place at the end of the super drill weekend, provides an informal environment that allows Airmen and local authorities to get to know each other better on a personal level. Building a strong relationship with the community is important given the New London facilities close proximity and tight working relationship with the Stanly County Airport.
U.S. Air Force 235th Air Traffic Control Squadron Commander, Lieutenant Col. Lawrence Arnold, and his Airmen coordinated the annual pancake breakfast fundraiser.
“We’re just trying to build a bridge in the community,” said Lt. Col. Arnold, “We’re trying to strengthen the connective tissue that we already have and make it more robust by breaking bread together.”
Along with the Airmen of the 235th Air Traffic Control Squadron and members of the local community, the fundraiser was open to all units of the New London base including the 118th Aerial Support Operations Squadron, the 263rd Combat Communications Squadron, the 156th Weather Flight, and the 245th Civil Engineer Flight.
“Everyone likes pancakes,” said Lt. Col. Arnold, “And it’s an excuse to get to get together for food and fellowship.”