Clovis man serves

By Ryan Mattox

LAJES FIELD, AZORES, Portugal – Ever since it was created during the early years of America’s entry into World War II, the airfield on this small island in the northeast Atlantic has been an important crossroads for ships and planes carrying people and cargo to strategic locations throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Today, the son of a Clovis couple is one of only a little more than 600 U.S. Air Force men and women who operate a sort of “pit stop” for military and commercial aircraft. The small air base is a refueling station where aircrews can get fuel, rest, maintenance and supplies before heading to their final destination.
Air Force Capt. Michael Alvord, son of Darin and Linda Alvord of Bedford Avenue, Clovis, is an operations officer for the 65th Security Forces Squadron.
“I am responsible for coordinating all security efforts with the Portuguese air force,” said Alvord, a 2002 graduate of Buchanan High School. “Through these actions, the squadron guarantees the security of all airframes that transit the base, safety of all personnel assigned and maintain good order and discipline.”
Alvord and his fellow airmen are part of the 65th Air Base Wing tasked with playing an important role in the fight against terrorism by assisting with the movement of war fighters, planes and global communications for commanders. This small base with its huge runway is located on the small island of Terceira in the Azores chain of islands. With rolling hills and green pastures, it’s an idyllic setting for such an important mission.
“The mission here at Lajes enables aircraft transiting between the United States and Europe or Africa to refuel, rest, and reload with essential equipment,” said Alvord, who is a 2006 graduate of California State University in Fresno. “Our presence is critical to furthering diplomatic relation with the Portuguese government and its people.”
Although it is 900 miles from the mainland, the Azores is a part of Portugal and contains many of the customs and traditions of that country. From the running of the bulls in the nearby city of Praia da Vitoria just outside of Lajes to the outdoor markets and European-styled houses and farms, the small island gives Americans stationed here a slice of life that is thoroughly European.
“Lajes is unique in its exposure to a European culture steeped in tradition,” said Alvord. “The Azores have a history that has played an integral role in developing Portugal as a nation.”
Assignments to Lajes range from 15 months to 24 months, depending upon whether or not an airman is single or married. As with any overseas location, the experience they take away from here greatly varies from person to person.
“I will never forget my experience here,” said Alvord. “I have seen places from all over the world. Yet the thing I will always remember about Lajes is how nice all of the local nationals are.”
Alvord has been in the Air Force for more than four years.
Just as their predecessors have done for the past 67 years, Alvord and his fellow airmen will continue to be a strategically vital stop between the U.S. and important military missions overseas.