Rep. Walorski's MLA gets close look at Hoosier Wing Published Sept. 8, 2014 By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Inflight refueling operations are common place for the U.S. Navy's elite fighter pilots, but one recently got a different view of the U.S. Air Force tanker mission in his role as a military legislative assistant. Sam Fletcher, MLA for Rep. Jackie Walorski and former Navy F/A-18 Hornet pilot, toured Grissom and got a different perspective on air refueling operations and the 434th Air Refueling Wing as a whole Aug. 27. "We were very excited to host Congresswoman Walorski's MLA because we are always proud to showcase what we have here at Grissom and all the great work that all the citizen Airmen of the Hoosier Wing do each and every day," said Col. Doug Schwartz, 434th ARW commander. "KC-135 Stratotankers are truly amazing aircraft with a mission that is absolutely critical to our nation's defense," Fletcher agreed after spending the day getting a behind-the-scenes look of the 434th ARW. After receiving an in-depth mission briefing from Schwartz, Fletcher took a turn at the controls of Grissom's KC-135 flight deck simulator and new boom operator weapons system trainer. While the accomplished Navy pilot was no stranger to aerial acrobatics in a hydraulically assisted fighter jet, it took him a few turns at the controls to get the hang of an aircraft more than 60 years old that still uses cables and pulleys for controls. "You really have to work at it," said Fletcher, who flew the simulator with Schwartz as his co-pilot. "He saved me a few times." After a successful simulated landing and a few simulated refuelings in the BOWST, the MLA headed out to see firsthand an actual Grissom KC-135 and how well they are maintained. "I had heard a lot about Grissom's reputation for maintenance excellence, but seeing firsthand the pristine condition of the 434th ARW's jets and the dedication and effort its Airmen put into preserving taxpayers' investment was nothing short of remarkable," he said. Fletcher then headed to the maintenance back shops, including metals technology, that keep Grissom's jets so pristine, before touring Grissom's Fire Department, 434th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal unit and air traffic control facilities. He said his visit showcased the best of what Indiana and Grissom have to offer. "With the best maintenance and the highest mission completion rates, a brand new runway, a strategic location and strong local and state partnerships, Grissom really has a lot going for it," Fletcher continued. "As the Defense Department continues to look for opportunities to cut costs in this difficult budgetary environment, Grissom has a lot to offer the Air Force in terms of cost savings and a high-quality workforce." That workforce, coupled with a strong Midwestern work ethic, is one of the many reasons Fletcher said his boss is proud to represent Indiana. "Over two thousand Hoosiers serve at Grissom along with men and women from all across our nation - their patriotism and professionalism make us all very proud," he added. Fletcher's visit to the base was part of Grissom's civic engagement program. Many of Indiana's elected officials tour the base to learn more about it and its mission. "We were pleased to be able to show him what a beacon Grissom is here in the heartland of Indiana," Schwartz concluded. "We appreciate the congresswoman's interest in our base, and we hope these efforts continue to carry the message of the 434th ARW." Grissom is not only home to the 434th ARW, the largest KC-135R unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, it also is host to three Army Reserve units and a Marine Corps communication detachment. Stay connected with Grissom and the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
