The Friends of McConnell (FOM) was originally organized in the 1960s when
B-47s were based at McConnell. Ten civic leaders stepped forward, each donating $1,000 (anonymously), to an organization they would call “The Friends of McConnell.” The group provided financial support to base programs as requested by base leadership. When the bombers left McConnell and the Missile Wing arrived, the FOM be
came dormant. It was suggested that membership be limited to 76, as in the “Spirit of 76”. One hundred invitations were mailed to area businesspeople with the expectation that 76 members would be recruited. The response was so overwhelming that the membership limit was raised to 100. Membership remained at that level for several years. During the 1990s the Friends of McConnell’s visibility on base increased and the organization became the commanders’ (active duty, reserve and guard) key link to the area business communities of Wichita and Derby. The Friends of McConnell remains active in supporting activities and programs on base as well as expanding awareness of the area’s military asset to the local region and the State of Kansas. Members enjoy inclusion in base activities, periodic orientation flights and/or civic leader trips, and the satisfaction of knowing their annual dues goes entirely to support our airmen and their families. Individual membership dues are billed annually at the rate of $250. Corporate memberships, also annual, are available at several membership levels starting at $500 and ranging upwards to $5,000.
