MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- In a groundbreaking agreement demonstrating strong community partnership, the City of Montgomery, Alabama, will provide seasonal lifeguard services for the swimming pool located at Maxwell.
This first-of-its-kind collaboration, forged through the intergovernmental support agreement, or IGSA process, promises to significantly elevate the quality of life for military service members and their families stationed at Maxwell and Gunter Annex.
The decree celebrating the agreement, signed by both City of Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed and U.S. Air Force Col. Shamekia Toliver, 42d Air Base Wing commander, makes this initiative a reality and expands quality of life opportunities for Team Maxwell while providing employment opportunities for the city.
“This is a significant step forward in our continued partnership with Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex,” said Mayor Reed. “By providing lifeguard services, we are ensuring a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for service members and their families. We recognize the sacrifices they make and are committed to supporting them in any way we can.”
The IGSA allows for efficient resource sharing and collaboration between the city and the base. This agreement streamlined the process of providing essential lifeguard services, ultimately benefiting the families who call Maxwell and Gunter home.
"We are incredibly grateful for the City of Montgomery's commitment to our service members and their families," said Toliver. "In line with the Wing's strategic plan, we are taking care of people and strengthening partnerships through this IGSA. This demonstrates the strong bond between the installation and the surrounding community and ensures our pool will be a safe and welcoming place for Team Maxwell to enjoy this summer."
This milestone agreement also has impact beyond the city limits.
The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center and the Department of the Air Force Energy, Installations and Environment directorate identified Team Maxwell’s IGSA as a viable and effective solution to be used at many other U.S Air Force bases around the country, particularly those seeking to foster and strengthen relationships with their municipal partners.
The successful pool opening was a collaborative effort, with AFIMSC and SAF/IE directly coordinating with several base organizations across the installation. The 42nd Force Support Squadron, 42nd Judge Advocate, 42nd Civil Engineer Squadron, 42nd Contracting Squadron, 42nd Medical Group Bioenvironmental Engineering, and Key Support Liaison all worked in tandem with the City of Montgomery to implement and execute the IGSA.
"This agreement required a multi-faceted team of professionals to draft and execute," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Nathan Kercher, 42nd Contracting Squadron contract specialist. "Thanks to a unity of effort from several organizations on base, AFIMSC, SAF/IE, and the City of Montgomery, we opened the pool safely and on time for military families."
Just in time for summer, the base pool opened Memorial Day weekend, enhancing mission effectiveness and offering recreation for a military community that paused to remember and honor the sacrifices of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.