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Next to supporting
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as a combat-ready flying
organization,
the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing's most important
responsibility is
community relations.
This is what Col.
Ernest T Cragg, the tall lanky West Pointer who commands that
organization said
this week as he began the big job of clearing off his desk to make way
for his
successor. The exponent of good community relations between the
American
Serviceman and their British hosts is scheduled to return to the United States soon, after concluding
three years
in England.
During this time,
the Westchester County, N.Y., born commander became extremely popular
in
British circles for his personal support in fostering a closer working
relationship between English and Americans.
"You can't live
and work inside the gates of an airbase for three years" he emphasizes
to
his men, "you have to go out and win friends."
Foremost among his
many projects leading to better understanding was close personal
support of the
Anglo-American Community Relations Committee, composed of key American
and
British leaders. Chairman of the committee is Col. Sir Stuart
Mallinson, who
serves as chairman to the English Speaking Union's Eastern Region of
Great
Britain.
On a massive
scale,
the base's most recent Open Day, drawing more than 45,000 visitors from
the
surrounding countryside, was an example of his civic mindedness. Both
British
and American aircraft, ground displays, a dramatic air
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show by
aircraft of
bouth countries, and last, but not least an International Kid's Day
program
were billed at the same time. The week before the colonel and his wife,
together with 50 other American Serviceman and their wives from Wethersfield,
strengthened international ties on the social scene at the country
estate of
Sir Stuart and Lady Mallinson for the annual Anglo-American garden
party. Sir
Stuart feted Colonel Cragg for his efforts in the community relations
field.
Colonel Cragg was soon quick to point out that the general hospitality,
friendliness and understanding of the British and American communities.
Another 4,000
Britons participated in the base's annual football Homecoming
festivities last
fall, at which Colonel Cragg invited the general publice to attend and
participate in the activities
Colonel Cragg has
always enjoyed reciprocating good deeds. A case in point occurred last
February
when the British hosted the Americans for the annual George Washington
Ball. So
impressed was he with the glittering event that he decided in April to
invite
his British hosts to a reception at the Officers' Open Mess. Colonel
Cragg's
purpose in arranging the reception was to personally think his British
friends
for the enjoyable evening he and other base members had at the ball.
Summing it up, one
could suffice by saying the people just liked him. His imprint upon the
British
community took the shape of a smile. It can truly be said that Colonel
Cragg
has indeed left his mark on England. |
