ADC: What does Knob Noster do well to support military communities?
Oetinger: Our district does an exceptional job creating a welcoming, stable environment for military-connected students and families. We prioritize quick enrollment processes, personalized transitions, and strong communication so students can adjust smoothly when moving into and out of our district.
Programs like the Military Child Education Coalition’s Student 2 Student Program, First Friday check-ins, embedded counseling support, and ELL services help ensure students feel seen and supported from day one. We also work closely with Whiteman Air Force Base through ongoing partnerships, such as the use of military family life counselors, participation in base events, shared leadership networks, and alignment with community initiatives to ensure our students thrive.
These layers of support help military families experience continuity, connection, and a true sense of belonging.
ADC: What role do communities play in supporting military installations?
Oetinger: Communities are essential to the long-term health and success of military installations. We know that strong schools, strong communities, and strong installations go hand in hand. Working collaboratively as one community, our missions align to ensure childcare, healthcare, housing, education and spousal employment issues are prioritized to ensure effective mission readiness.
Community organizations, local governments and school districts serve as the backbone that reinforces the base’s stability. Whether through advocacy, workforce development, quality-of-life programs or simply showing appreciation, the surrounding community plays a vital role in strengthening retention, morale and the region’s relationship with the installation.
ADC: Why did you join the Defense Community Supporter program?
Oetinger: I joined the Defense Community Supporter program because I believe deeply in supporting the airmen and families who serve at Whiteman AFB. So much of what we do in the district is directly connected to military students, and this program provides a meaningful way to formalize that commitment.
It allows me to advocate more effectively, stay informed on base-related issues, and collaborate with partners who share the same mission. Most importantly, it reinforces my belief that when we support military families well, we strengthen our schools, our community, the installation and our national security.
Anyone who lives near an installation or wants to show support for our military can join ADC’s Defense Community Supporter program for free.
