Grissom hosts elected, civic leaders for State of Base Published March 2, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota 434th Air Refueling Wing GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Grissom hosted a "State of Base" address for elected officials and civic leaders at Grissom Feb. 13. Attendees met at Grissom's dining facility for dinner and a presentation on the current state of affairs at the base by Col. Doug Schwartz, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. During the presentation, Schwartz talked about Grissom's strategic mission; it's importance to the local area, nation and world; and its future before opening up to questions. "This was a great opportunity for us to recap the Hoosier Wing's 2014 for our Grissom Community Council, local elected officials and honorary commanders and provide them a look at the future and the way ahead for 2015," said Schwartz. The address covered a variety of topics including Grissom's economic impact, construction projects, deployments, upcoming events, and the 434th ARW's world-wide mission. "The 'State of the Base' clearly shows how vital Grissom is to the nation's defense," said Hal Job, Grissom Community Council Wabash regional director. "It's our responsibility to inform the public of Grissom's activity level and potential to ensure its economic impact continues well into the future." The GCC is a civilian nonprofit organization consisting of elected officials, business executives and community leaders in the Miami, Cass and Howard County areas that provide support to the men and women of Grissom Air Reserve Base. The event kicked off with a tour of the 434th Maintenance Squadron fabrications division and a static display of a KC-135R Stratotanker. "All of us were extremely impressed with the cleanliness of the aircraft, and the amount of work done by maintenance to keep them spotless," said Job. Concluding the event was the GCC annual meeting in which the GCC elected new board members for 2015. Those selected for key positions and their titles are: President: Retired Brig. Gen. Dean Despinoy Vice President: Retired Col. Frank Faulkner Secretary: John Stackhouse Treasurer: Brian Wright Kokomo Regional Directors: David Shearer and Jean Lushin Peru Regional Directors: Jim Yates and Gary Beebe Logansport Regional Directors: Grover Bishop and Christy Householder Wabash Regional Directors: Dr. Robert Beckett and Hal Job Advisory Committee: Dr. John Gilpin Membership Committee: Dave Shearer Deployment Support Committee: Brian Wright Finance Committee: Brian Wright Social Committee: Joan Lake The council has more than 100 members and is incorporated under provisions of the Indiana Nonprofit Corporation Act of 1991. It is authorized to operate within the confines of Grissom ARB by the provisions of AFI 34-223 and sanctioned by the 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. The 434th Air Refueling Wing is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
