GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- They may not have the flight suits and patches, but for one night area civic leaders were aviators.
The 434th Operations Group hosted an 'Operations Group immersion' April 8, 2016 at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana to provide a deep dive into the base's flying mission.
"Colonel Sigler and his group did a fantastic job of providing a big picture overview of what his fine organization does," said Col. Doug Schwartz, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. "And in typical Ops group fashion they mixed work with fun."
The event started with dinner at the Chocks community center, with picnic fare before heading over to Bldg. 668 for an in-depth briefing on what the operations group does and how they fit into the big picture of the 434th ARW.
"We wanted to educate our guests that all the 1800-plus men and women of Grissom tremendously and continuously support our national defense," Sigler said. "One of the biggest reasons we are so successful is the overwhelmingly gracious and positive support from our local community friends and leaders. It is much appreciated!"
"What I gained from the operations immersion experience was the integral role that the operations group plays in ensuring the security of the Airmen, the airspace and our community," said Kelly Goad, 434th Maintenance Group honorary commander. "It was very interesting to learn about how involved Grissom is in so many aspects of not only fighting the War on Terror, but also the roles of everyone at the base to support the mission."
Following the briefing the group was subdivided into three smaller groups for a round-robin tour experience at the KC-135/boom operator weapons system simulators, air traffic control facilities and aircrew flight equipment.
Kirby Rich, 434th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, led the group at the air traffic control center, showing them both the radar approach control and the air traffic control tower.
"It was interesting to see the air traffic control tower from the inside looking out," said Jessica Green, 434th Logistics Readiness Squadron honorary commander. "You don't realize all the detail that goes into air traffic control, and I don't think most people realize how much air space the men and women of Grissom control on a daily basis."
The group also visited the 434th Operation Support Squadron's aircrew flight equipment section where they were able to get hands-on with helmets, survival rations and flotation devices.
Tech. Sgt. Corey Maston, 434th OSS aircrew flight equipment technician, oversaw the stop. He and his team covered a variety of in-house duties mixed with interactive activities such as putting on a helmet to test the oxygen system functions, and life preserver inflation procedures.
"I have been on a number of tours of Grissom during my time, but this was the first time I had seen the aircrew flight equipment," said Christy Householder, 434th Operations Support Squadron honorary commander. "I was quite impressed. I think the most impressive part is the amount of items that can be stored in the bags that are used for emergencies. The emergency package was so tiny, maybe the size of a wallet/small purse and there were tons of items in that package, from lights to food. Amazing!"
The highlight for many of the participants was the KC-135R Stratotanker flight simulator and the boom operator weapon system trainer.
"I was trying not to crash," said Scott Long, mayor of Wabash. "But I did."
"The KC-135 flight simulator was one of the coolest activities I've participated in at the base," said Leilan McNally, 434th Mission Support Group honorary commander. "I consider myself extremely fortunate to get this opportunity."
Joining the honorary commanders for the event were members of the Grissom Community Council.
"We host events like this so we can inform key civic and business leaders about our mission here," Schwartz said. "They can then help us carry the message into their communities. It's a fabulous partnership!"
Goad said she'll be able to share with her peers the overwhelming sense of pride for the work that each and every person does each day to ensure our community and country is are protected.
"Grissom's involvement and support for other airspace along with the War on Terror is something that exemplifies the dedication that Grissom has for our community and nation," she said. "[I'm] so very grateful for all at Grissom and their service."
The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.
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