Grissom has $118 million impact on local economy

Published Nov. 6, 2013
By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Grissom's impact is felt globally as its servicemembers deploy around the world, but the Hoosier base also has a big impact at home as well.

The 434th Air Refueling Wing recently announced Grissom had a more than $118 million economic impact on the local economy for Fiscal Year 2013.

"Grissom is a huge part of this community, and we are proud of that fact," said Col. Don Buckley, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. "Because of our important mission, we injected over $118 million into the local economy last year, and in return, the community provides us with hardworking, mission-focused personnel ready to get the job done to keep America safe.

On top of that, the community is extremely supportive of the military," Buckley continued. "It truly is a win-win for all involved."

Jim Tidd, Miami County Economic Development Authority director, agreed with that assessment.

"As the largest employer, Grissom has a tremendous positive impact on not only the local economy, but on the regional one as well," said Tidd. "That's something we can't take for granted."

With nearly 2,600 employees, the base contributed more than $70 million in military and civilian payroll alone last year.

On top of that, Grissom, in many aspects, is like a small city, with its own fire and police departments, store, workers, families and community. And, like any city, the base purchased goods, services, utilities, office supplies, fuel and equipment from the civilian community.

Through those purchases last year, the base contributed more than $23 million to the economy.

And, as with any major employer, indirect jobs are created in the communities that support the base, said Jason Dunn, 434th ARW comptroller.

Last year, the value of those jobs created reached over $23 million.

"From the contractors that are able to get work there to the members of the 434th ARW buying goods and services in our community, there's no doubt Grissom has a huge impact on our local economy," concluded Tidd.

Grissom is home to not only the 434th ARW, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, but also three Army Reserve units and a Marine Corps communication detachment.

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Grissom has $118 million economic impact

Grissom has $118 million impact on local economy

Public Affairs Staff