Older brother, younger brother: 422nd ABG welcomes new BAC chairman
By Tech. Sgt. Jarad A. Denton, 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
/ Published January 29, 2016
RAF CROUGHTON, United Kingdom -- With a smile stretching from ear to ear, and dark-rimmed spectacles that seemed to perfectly accent his wild, blonde hair, Cymon Snow seemed to carry himself as the quintessential English gentleman.
Stepping out of his car, Jan. 21, at RAF Croughton, United Kingdom, a cold wind forced the installation's newly-appointed British American Committee Chairman to tighten his overcoat and bury his face in a striped scarf.
"The committee itself is really about helping the American personnel based here integrate with the local community," Snow said, "I tend to view it as a two-way street."
From a historical perspective, Snow said the United States and United Kingdom have stood together through various conflicts since 1814. Laughing, he went on to say that, "apart from that small disagreement in 1775," the relationship between the two nations has grown into something familial.
"England is like America's older brother," Snow said. "It doesn't mean we are necessarily the most successful brother, but so much of American and British culture is tied together."
Hoping to enhance that relationship, Snow said he is committed to reinvigorating the BAC through the development of a diverse council and the incorporation of engaging and entertaining events for Americans and their UK neighbors. From football matches in the local community to on-base gatherings between British friends and American neighbors, Snow said he is excited to bring a wide range of events designed to reinforce the bridge between cultures.
"I lived in America for a time," he began. "The welcome I received from the United States is unequal to anywhere else I have been. Americans, I have found, are so welcoming and interested in England. There is incredible warmth there."
Snow said building a local bridge between American and British culture at RAF Croughton is his way of returning some of the kindness shown to him during his time in the United States.
"Our younger brother has really pushed forward," he said, smiling broadly again. "There is no question that America is our strongest ally and friend. I hope America sees us the same way, and I hope, in my part here, I can help cultivate that."