GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, IND. -- The Grissom Community Council is well known for supporting and giving to the base, but recently the tables were turned as the base gave council members an experience they would not forget.
Grissom Community council members got an up close look at the 434th Explosive Ordinance Disposal Flight mission following a dinner and base history brief during a visit at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana, July 7.
“The tour of the EOD building was excellent and really showed us one of the many capabilities of the Air Force,” said Frank Faulkner, GCC president. “It opened our eyes to what goes on at Grissom and what we support.”
During the tour, members got the chance to see different types of explosives and protective equipment, tour the EOD truck and see a demonstration of the F6 Alpha robot.
“It is always a pleasure to see the troops that operate the tours,” said Hal Job, GCC member. “You can see it in their eyes that they are proud to do what they do. It’s a neat experience.”
While that experience taught GCC members about the current mission, another history lesson presented by the 434th ARW historian demonstrated the unit’s rich heritage and history.
“It was awesome to listen to Sergeant Ziadeh share our history with the GCC, and to have my vice commander, Col. Paul Gates, expound on that for our guests,” said Col. Larry Shaw, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. “It really helps establish our identity throughout key historic events.”
Not only through historical events is the unit’s identity established, but working alongside members of the community council also provides them an opportunity to spread the word in the community.
“The community council does so much for us,” said Shaw. “We are grateful for the opportunity to have them visit and learn more about the wonderful capabilities our Airmen bring to the fight.”
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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