ACOMA PUEBLO -- Residents from Acoma Pueblo, N.M., partnered with members from Kirtland to conduct the first ever Air Force Day at Acoma Pueblo, Oct. 27, 2018.
The purpose of Air Force Day at Acoma was to continue to strengthen the relationship between the installation and the Pueblo, as well as to show the Acoma community that Kirtland is grateful for their partnership with their neighbors.
“It’s a big event and I'm so happy that our community is here to enjoy it,” said retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Davy Malie, Pueblo of Acoma Tribal Secretary. “As a community and being Native, community is the number one word around here because without community things can’t happen. Knowing we have Kirtland as our neighbor it gives us a sense of being safe as well. We hate to think we could have a catastrophe but at least we have our armed forces right here.”
The event also featured exhibits from various Kirtland agencies.
Airmen from bio-environmental assisted Acoma residents with trying on hazardous material suits and operating bio-environmental gear. Defenders from the 377th Security Forces Squadron conducted a Military Working Dog demonstration and provided a weapons and Humvee display.
The U.S. Air Force Academy ensemble band, Blue Steel, performed for the residents as well. Blue Steel concluded a four-day tour of local communities and Pueblos at Acoma.
“Kirtland right now is trying right now to reach out to the local communities. Trying to find out a way to say thank you, not only to the Native American population, but the rural areas that take part in the mission as well by being close in proximity to the base,” said Staff Sgt. Craig Larimer, music director, vocalist and piano player of Blue Steel. “We have gone into schools and into Pueblos...different gyms and community centers and really what we are doing is not recruiting necessarily, or asking for anything. We are just trying to say thank you. This is a thank you mission. This is something where we can show what we do at Kirtland.”
According to AcomaSkycity.org, Acoma is a federally recognized Indian Tribe. The Acoma Pueblo has a land base covering 431,664 acres and its tradition village is built atop a sheer-walled, 367-foot sandstone bluff dating back to 1150 A.D.
Acoma Pueblo has earned the reputation as the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America and is home to 4,800 tribal members.