Indiana legislators get birds-eye view of the 434th ARW mission Published Aug. 30, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- The Hoosier heartland sure looks a lot different from 26,000 feet and that's a unique view a group of Indiana lawmakers got to see here recently. Twenty-one members of the Indiana State Legislature arrived at Grissom in the early morning of Aug. 17 to start their information-packed day that culminated with them witnessing first-hand the aerial refueling mission of the 434th Air Refueling Wing. "It was an experience I will never forget," said Indiana state Rep. Dan Stevenson about participating in an "actual refueling mission." Also joining the group of legislators was Indiana University Kokomo chancellor Michael Harris. The group started the day learning about the important role that Grissom plays in the state as the largest employer in Miami County and providing over $130 million worth of economic impact each year. But, the lawmakers didn't just learn about Grissom's monetary impact, they also learned about the many intangible assets of having one of only five Air Force Reserve Command bases in Northern Indiana. One of the biggest items discussed was Grissom's mutual-aid agreements with the surrounding counties, which allow for Grissom emergency responders to provide support off base. Each year the Grissom Fire Department alone averages over 6 life-saving rescues in the local community. After the briefings, the legislators boarded one of Grissom's 16 KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft and took flight heading southwest to refuel an RC-135 Rivet Joint from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The RC-135V/W Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft supports theater and national level consumers with near real time on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. The aircraft is an extensively modified C-135. Its modifications allow the mission crew to detect, identify and geolocate signals throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. After returning to Grissom, the legislators were presented with 434th ARW honorary aircrew certificates and given the opportunity to talk about their experience. "The members of the Indiana House of Representatives who participated in the refueling mission were very impressed," said Indiana state Representative Mike Karickhoff, who referred to the day as a tremendous demonstration and learning experience. "Well done!" The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Twitter and Facebook.
