3.5.
Local Communities Working Together
As a community presence, Keesler AFB contributes to more than just the local
economy. Keesler AFB recognizes that in a city, continued support of the local
population and government officials is invaluable. Keesler AFB understands
the value of volunteering and engaging with the community. In 2014, the
installation reported 139,312 of community volunteer hours. The following
are examples of programs and organizations that the installation partners
with:
Hails and Farewells are held to welcome or say goodbye to incoming
and departing commanders at Keesler AFB. The business community is
invited to this event.
The Military Spouses Tour introduces new military spouses to services,
local sights, and activities that are provided throughout the Mississippi
Gulf Coast. These tours are held quarterly and are intended to
welcome newcomers to the region.
Morning Call is a breakfast event that is held quarterly. Each breakfast
is sponsored and hosted by one business and features a speaker.
Keesler AFB hosts one of the Morning Calls every year.
Chambers of Commerce
The Base actively interacts with the Chambers of Commerce for the City of
Biloxi, the City of Ocean Springs, the City of D’Iberville, the Biloxi Bay Ar ea, and
the Mississippi Gulf Coast. There is Keesler AFB presence at many of the
Chamber of Commerce meetings, including board meetings, for Ocean
Springs, D’Iberville, and the Back Bay. Keesler AFB representatives attend
such meetings to update community leaders on base related activity.
In addition to having Keesler AFB representation at the Chamber meetings,
the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce,
and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce also coordinate key
activities with Keesler AFB on a regular basis:
Biloxi Chamber of Commerce
The Biloxi Chamber of Commerce is membership organization, composed of
businesses throughout Biloxi. The Biloxi Chamber of Commerce has a Military
Affairs Committee, which was created to enhance the relationship between
the city and the military. The Chamber, through the Military Affairs
Committee, hosts many events in conjunction with Keesler AFB:
The Commanders Luncheon is hosted annually with Keesler AFB
leadership to inform the Base of new opportunities to support the
military.
Page 3‐6
Source: http://biloxi.org/military‐affairs/
Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
The Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is comprised of 1,000 members.
The chamber has a Military / Veterans Affairs Committee, which hosts and
sponsors various projects related to the military. The following are examples
of ongoing projects:
As a Veterans Day observance, the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of
Commerce sponsors an annual Schooner Cruise for new Commanders
at Keesler AFB.
The Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is a co‐sponsor for the
annual National Veterans Day Parade.
As part of the Scope Warrior conference, an annual strategic planning
conference, the Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce hosts a fish fry for
participants of the conference.
The Biloxi Bay Area Chamber vs. Keesler AFB Don Wylie Memorial Golf
Tournament is an annual tournament held at the Bay Breeze Golf
Course at Keesler AFB. The tournament raises funds for the Military &
Veterans Affairs committee to honor military members.
Background Report