[masraum]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Back in the late 1950s Vance, AFB in Enid, OK had lots of young pilot trainees going into town and chasing the local ladies, and acting like jerks. The local city council and mayor even discussed talking to the national congressmen and senators about shutting down the base. There were complains from citizens of the noise of the jets flying overhead.

The base commander was pretty smart. On the next payday he paid all the employees, military and civilian employees with two dollar bills. It was likely a pain for guys paying rent and larger transactions. Withing a day every single person in Enid had two dollar bills in their pockets. The city leaders did a Homer Simpson forehead slap, DOH! and realized that the base was a vital part of the local economy. Suddenly the city was offering more land to expand, and improving roads into and out of the base. Anyone that complained of the noise were then told just accept it as the sound of money and prosperity!

Vance AFB is still a vital pilot training center. My dad was stationed there when I was an infant. My wife grew up there.

Great story, thanks for sharing!