GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- When it comes to making an impression, $120 million plus will do just that!
That amount was Grissom’s economic impact for fiscal year 2020 for the base located in both Miami and Cass counties.
“Our economic impact is substantial,” said Col. Larry Shaw, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander, but our people strive to make a positive impact in the community as well.”
The economic impact report is done annually and breaks down expenditures, pay and services the base provides that affect the local economy.
Grissom is the largest employer in Miami County. Salaries for active, active guard and reserve, as well as traditional reservists exceed $41.5 million.
People from 31 different states chose to serve at Grissom during the year.
“When our Airmen come to train at Grissom, they don’t just stay holed up on base, they venture out and spend their money in the community,” Shaw said.
Add to that $53.3 million in salary for civilian employees and contract civilians. Most of those people live full time in the local area.
“I tell people all the time Grissom is a great place to serve and work,” Shaw said. We have available positions for reserve personnel that may transition to a great civilian career.”
Other expenses include both non-appropriated fund and operations and maintenance construction. Combined, these projects exceeded $6.2 million.
“Having the facilities we need to support our mission is critical,” said Col. Gretchen Wiltse, 434th Mission Support Group commander.
Utility and support expenditures round out the figures in the economic study bringing the total impact to $120,479,769.00.
“While those numbers are impressive, our team is actively involved in our communities,” Shaw said. “Our fire department is one of five accredited departments in the state and we routinely leave the confines of the base to help those in need.”
The Department of Defense and Treasury have guidelines on how units can track money for economic analysis purposes. Analyses conducted by the Air Force represent only first and second tier indicators as only salaries and direct costs of labor and construction are measured.
“We think Grissom will continue to prosper and be an economic boost to the area for years to come,” Shaw said. “We value our role, and are proud to be a member of this community.”
The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.
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