Commentary -- Laughlin, Southwest Texas offer an abundance of activities for those who try

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Blake Mize
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin is a pilot training base whose location was strategically chosen so the young officers attempting to complete the rigorous 52-week journey to become an Air Force pilot are not easily distracted.

It has been rumored that if the distance from Laughlin to San Antonio was measured from the west gate, it would be considered a remote assignment. Therefore, for the purposes of training the world's best pilots, Laughlin is in a perfect location. However, for those assigned here on a permanent basis, occupying off-duty hours in an enjoyable fashion can sometimes be a challenge.

A challenge, but very possible.

For those who put forth the effort to develop fresh interests and take advantage of the many unique experiences that this region has to offer, this can be a fantastic assignment. If you resign yourself to the conclusion that your time here will be uneventful and boring, it most certainly will be.

Laughlin's leadership has taken steps to provide things that you might not find at other bases. From the theater room in the enlisted dormitories that includes a 120-inch screen, a high-definition projector, surround sound and 13 leather recliners to the marina at Lake Amistad in Del Rio where Laughlin members can rent boats for as little as $3 per person per hour plus the cost of gas, the opportunity for off-duty personnel to enjoy their downtime has been provided.

Even more opportunities lie throughout the Southwest Texas region. They might not seem obvious or as convenient as one may prefer, but they are there and they are abundant.

One such example is available annually just 200 miles northeast of Laughlin's main gate. The Austin City Limits Music Festival is a three-day event held at downtown Austin's Zilker Park every fall. More than 130 musical acts play on eight different stages throughout the 46-acre park.

This year, the tenth anniversary of the festival, acts such as Kanye West, Stevie Wonder, Arcade Fire, Foster the People, Coldplay, My Morning Jacket and many more played for around 75,000 fans each of the three days. In addition to the world-class music, local painters and food dealers were on hand, as they are each year, to provide additional entertainment and refreshments.

A massive tent with two giant screens playing football games was also available throughout the weekend so football fans could get their fix between concerts. Children were not forgotten either with the "Austin Kiddie Limits" section of the festival providing dozens of family-friendly activities. Children 10 and under were granted free admission with a ticket-holding adult.

It is an experience that is only available in a handful of places in the U.S. and is only a four-hour drive from this "almost remote" assignment. Laughlin may not be the social capital of the world, but ACL is just one of many unique activities the area provides. There are countless sporting events, bodies of water, hunting grounds and places you've never been within a relatively short drive.

This assignment, regardless of age, rank or marital status, will be what you make it. The term "grow where you're planted" may be a cliché, but it carries real importance for military personnel and there is no assignment where an open mind and a willingness to branch out and experience new things are more important than Laughlin.