Indiana Gov. Pence visits, thanks Grissom Airmen Published Dec. 20, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- While many expect Saint Nick around this time of year, the Hoosier Wing recently got a holiday visit from someone a little different. Opting to wear a blue suit instead of a red one, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence visited with Grissom's reservists and civil servants to thank them for their service and wish them happy holidays here Dec. 19. "It really is the time of the year for joy, for family and for traditions, but really it's also a time to reflect and be thankful," said Pence in an opening statement in front of a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft in a Grissom hangar. "As I stand before you today, I can tell you my little family and the people of this state are proud of you, proud of your work here at Grissom, grateful for the sacrifices you and your families make to serve our nation, and the selflessness that all of you personify in the cause of duty and country." After his opening remarks, the governor shook hands with nearly every one of the approximately 100 Grissom employees in attendance before taking part in a tour of a 434th Air Refueling Wing KC-135. During the visit, Pence said the Hoosier state Indiana is one that places a high value on military service. "While Indiana is the 15th most populous state, I'm proud to say we have the fourth largest National Guard in the United States of American, and we have the 16th highest number of veterans in the nation," he explained. "This is a state that cherishes service in uniform and cherishes the role of those who serve and those who have served." Pence, who took 10 trips overseas to visit troops downrange as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, said he has seen firsthand the good work of Hoosier reservists and guardsmen around the world. "As many of you know, here in Indiana, many of our armed forces go above and beyond the call of duty each and every day; for their service, putting on the uniform, wearing it with pride serving under circumstances that are very challenging, we owe them a debt of gratitude," he said. "It is a debt that, I pledge to you as governor of Indiana, I will ever seek to repay." According to pence, part of that debt repayment and pledge comes with providing support to veterans and military families. "President Abraham Lincoln said it well when he said, we must 'care for him who shall have borne the battle,' and I believe those words echo through history as a challenge and mandate to every American and every Hoosier," said Pence. "We'll keep our promises to our veterans, and we'll come alongside the families of those who serve in uniform today." For Staff Sgt. Erica Sherwood, 434th Force Support Squadron personnel specialist, having the governor come to the base to thank her and her fellow Airmen was very meaningful. "It was an honor to meet him, and I was surprised by how down to earth he was," recalled Sherwood. "His visit shows he cares about us and what we do here, and I liked that he took interest in the (KC-135) and our mission; like he said, what we do here is very important." Chief Master Sgt. Michael L. Bowden Jr., 434th ARW command chief, said he thought the event was a success. "I think it was a great visit, and it was good for him to stop by and see the troops, wish them happy holidays and let them know what they do is important to nation's security and that they're doing and outstanding job," Bowden said. "Hopefully the governor doesn't become a stranger to Grissom and comes back and visits us again." In his concluding remarks, Pence passed along well wishes for the holidays. "Grissom is a great source of pride for all the people of Indiana and you here who serve are the reason why, and so I wish to extend to your our thanks," he said. "On behalf of the first lady, my family, and all the people of Indiana I wish you a blessed and memorable holiday season, and if you share my tradition, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and safe New Year. Thank you for your service. God bless you all." Grissom is home to the 434th ARW, the largest KC-135 unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, as well as three Army Reserve units and a Marine Corps Reserve communications detachment. Stay connected with Grissom and the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
