Judy Kramer
County Reporter
Whiteman Day was held June 23 beginning at 10:00 AM in the Warsaw Community Building. The event was the first annual meeting between the local community and military personnel and their families in the Whiteman Air Force Base 509th Communications Squadron.
Lynette Stokes has been the Whiteman Base Community Council liaison appointed by the City of Warsaw for three years and has been planning this event for many months with a committee composed of people from Benton County’s community and businesses.
“We wanted to hold this special day to show how much we appreciate the sacrifices made by our squadron and their families,” said Stokes. “Our partnership with Whiteman is also vital to the growth of tourism in Warsaw. Bringing the Air Force Base’s airmen to Warsaw was one of the many ways that we market to potential tourists. In turn, the 509th Communications Squadron comes to Warsaw and volunteers for events. We wanted to hold a day just for our sister squadron so that its members can have a day away from work, get to know Warsaw and our businesses and hopefully come back and spend a day or weekend.”
Stokes said that invitations were sent to 120 people in the 509th Squadron and 54 attendees and their families spent a jam-packed day full of adventure and activities for them to enjoy at no charge. The day began with the American Legion Post 217’s’ Honor Guard performing the colors with the National Anthem. Mayor Eddie Simmons and City Administrator Randy Pogue welcomed the group and spoke about things to do in Warsaw.
Door prizes were given away from local businesses during the meet-and-greet from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Lunch was provided by Two Peas and a Pod Catering from Lincoln, and then the attendees disbursed to enjoy their day which included kayaking with Warsaw Adventures, axe throwing at The Train Station, crafts at Creative Palette, shopping downtown, tours of the Visitor Center and Pioneer Village, fishing for kids at the Lost Valley Fish Hatchery, a VIP Day-Pass at Beyonder at Sterett Creek, golf at Shawnee Bend Golf Course and the Shawnee Bend Swim Beach.
Mac Vorce attended the meeting and reported that it is a unique situation to have a sister city. He said that we want to help support the 509th Communications Squadron and it also helps support our tourism.
“They are able to get off base and have activities in our community,” said Vorce. “There is an outdoor recreation deal on base, and we have worked with them paddling and mountain bike riding. We kind of have a class where we teach them things and then take them out on the trails.”
“We want to thank sponsors for making this day amazing,” said Stokes. “They were Benton County Tourism & Recreation, City of Warsaw, Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 217, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 217, Son’s of the American Legion Unit 217, Warsaw Leathernecks Marine Corp League Detachment #1254, Lion’s Club of Warsaw, Mosley Law Office, Hawthorn Bank, Shawnee Bend Golf Course, Truman State Park Marina, Warsaw Adventures, Creative Palette, Benton County Economic Development, the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce, Warsaw Flower Shop, Stepping Stones Garden Club, Truman State Park Marina, Main Event Wedding and Event Boutique and Hybrid Mania guide Service.”
Stokes said that she and the planning committee will host the Whiteman Day event annually and it will be bigger and better than this year. She said that the turn-out this year was amazing.
For more information about being on this committee or joining the Whiteman Base Community Council, contact Lynette Stokes at lstokes@visitbentoncomo.com for more information.
