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"State of the Base" begins new tradition

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chris Bolen
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind --  In what is considered the start of a new tradition at Grissom, Brig. Gen. Dean J. Despinoy, 434th Air Refueling Wing Commander, will present a special " State of the Base" address at 6 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2007. 

The address is the first of its kind at Grissom and will be given to the members of the Grissom Community Council, 434th ARW personnel, and selected guests. 

General Despinoy's presentation will cover the current state of affairs at the base as well as upcoming activities. "The address will also highlight the individual accomplishments of Grissom personnel," according to Lt. Col. Gary Lockard, chief of public affairs.  "For example, Grissom security forces personnel who were deployed to Iraq, and participants of Operation Iron Falcon," he continued. 

"The idea for the "State of the Base" Address grew out of a joint effort between the Grissom Community Council and General Despinoy, to develop a more formal activity involving the Council, which would have greater educational value," the colonel explained. "Even though the address will largely involve the Council, we anticipate other leaders from the local civilian community will also attend," he added. The address is also open to all military ranks and members of the press 

The address will include a multi media presentation utilizing the media system at the new Grissom dining facility, 471 Hoosier Blvd, Grissom Air Reserve Base. The event will include a dinner prior to the address. 

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. In addition to being a self-contained combat ready unit, the 434th ARW also has the responsibility to operate and maintain Grissom ARB. 

Questions regarding the "State of the Base" address should be directed to the 434th Public Affairs Office at (765) 688-3348.

Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer