Senator Donnelly staff visits Grissom

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Katrina Heikkinen
  • 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  “We’ll listen, take this message and we’re going to amplify it,” was frequently echoed.

Senator Joe Donnelly’s staff, including Michael Hermann, military legislative assistant, John Galer, military fellow, as well as Brig. Gen. Kip Clark, Indiana Air National Guard assistant adjutant general and chief of staff, and Jerry Hadley, Indiana ANG state operations director, got a hands-on experience of the Hoosier Wing during a base tour here Aug. 7.

During the tour, staffers had the opportunity to meet with 434th ARW wing leadership, as well as receive a mission briefing, which served as an opportunity to showcase Grissom’s accolades and achievements stateside and OCONUS.

“It’s always great when we have an opportunity to show off the men and women of the 434th Air Refueling Wing to our elected leaders and their staff,” said Col. Larry Shaw, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. “I’m always proud when people get to get a chance to see for themselves the KC-135R Stratankers we have here – of the amazing things Grissom does – and proof that we have plenty room to grow.”

The staffers’ visit was followed by a wind-shield tour, whereby Shaw demonstrated potential for Grissom’s infrastructural growth. They also had a hands-on experience of Grissom’s innovation, getting the opportunity to get inside the boom operator weapons systems trainer, as well as see meet Marines of Detachment 1, Communications Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 45, 4th Marine Logistics Group.

“I think Senator Donnelly’s staff left with a better understanding of the base, our mission and our needs,” Hays said. “They all asked how they can improve the lives of our Citizen Airmen and I know they’ll amplify the needs of Grissom Airmen,” said Douglas Hays, 434th ARW public affairs operations chief.”

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. The Citizen Airmen from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

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