Andersen AFB, Guam Department of Agriculture partnership earns Department of the Air Force Community Partnership Award Published June 5, 2026 By Major Mackenzie Golka 36th Wing Public Affairs ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- A first-of-its-kind partnership between Andersen Air Force Base and the Guam Department of Agriculture has been recognized as one of the Department of the Air Force's top community partnership initiatives, receiving the 2025 DAF Community Partnership Award for Achieving Cost Benefits and Developing Innovative Approaches. Selected from nominations across the DAF, the award showcases partnerships that deliver innovative solutions, measurable benefits and stronger relationships between military installations and their surrounding communities. The award recognizes the Intergovernmental Support Agreement between Andersen AFB and the Guam Department of Agriculture, which allows the two organizations to combine personnel, equipment and expertise to address Guam's stray animal population while improving public safety, strengthening military readiness and enhancing quality of life for military members and island residents alike. The island's long-standing stray animal population affects communities across Guam and creates hazards near roadways, neighborhoods and military airfields. The issue impacts both military personnel and local residents, creating an opportunity for a collaborative solution that benefits the entire island. "This partnership demonstrates what can be accomplished when military and civilian organizations work together toward a common goal,” said Brig. Gen. Dan Cooley, commander of the 36th Wing. The agreement enables Andersen AFB and the Guam Department of Agriculture to share transportation assets, animal handling equipment and personnel support for animal control operations, public outreach efforts and educational programs focused on responsible pet ownership. By leveraging existing resources, the partnership improves public safety while helping preserve mission readiness on Guam's strategic military installations. The partnership required close coordination among military leaders, government agencies and legal professionals to establish a framework for long-term cooperation and shared support. "Strong community partnerships don't happen by accident," said Col. Zachary Augustine, staff judge advocate for the 36th Wing. "They require trust, collaboration and a shared commitment to solving real challenges. This agreement demonstrates what is possible when installation leaders and local government partners come together to find innovative solutions that improve both mission readiness and community well-being." Augustine played a key role in developing the legal framework that enabled the partnership and accepted the award on behalf of Andersen AFB during the Association of Defense Communities' ADC50 National Summit in Washington, D.C. The recognition highlighted the partnership's innovative approach to improving public safety, supporting military readiness and strengthening relationships between the installation and the Guam community. "This recognition reflects the dedication of our community partners and the many military and civilian professionals who worked together to turn an idea into action," Cooley said. "It's a testament to what we can achieve when we approach challenges as one community." The DAF formally recognized Andersen AFB and its community partners for the partnership's innovative approach to addressing a shared community challenge while creating lasting benefits for both the installation and the people of Guam.