Clepper gets orientation ride

Alan Clepper, an honorary commander with the 32nd Flying Training Squadron at Vance Air Force Base, Okla., prepares for his orientation flight in a T-38 Talon training aircraft June 5. Clepper, an on-air personality with radio station KOFM in Enid, Okla., flew with Col. Russ Mack, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander in the front seat. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Frank Casciotta)

Local radio station personality takes orientation flight in T-38

Published June 6, 2012

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Alan Clepper, a local country and western radio station announcer, rode in the back seat of a T-38 Talon jet trainer here, June 5, as part of his orientation to the job of honorary commander with the 32nd Flying Training Squadron.

Col. Russ Mack, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, piloted the aircraft, giving Clepper a bird's eye view of northwestern Oklahoma.

The Vance Honorary Commander program brings community leaders and prominent citizens like Clepper together in partnership with base units. The goal is to foster a greater understanding of Vance AFB operations and the unit's specific mission.

Since the program began in January, 2000, more than 150 community leaders in Enid and surrounding communities have served as Vance honorary commanders.