State of the Base address tonight Published May 3, 2007 GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- A standing room only crowd will hear the first-ever "State of the Base" address by Brig. Gen. Dean Despinoy, 434th ARW Commander, tonight at the base dining facility. The packed audeince will include base personnel and key leaders from the local civilian communities of Peru, Kokomo, Logansport and Wabash. General Despinoy's presentation will cover the current state of affairs at the base as well as upcoming activities. "The address will also highlight the personal accomplishments of Grissom personnel," according to Lt. Col. Gary Lockard, director of public affairs. "For example, Grissom security forces personnel who were deployed to Iraq, and participants of Operation Iron Falcon." The idea for the "State of the Base" Address grew out of a joint effort between the Grissom Community Council and General Despinoy, to develop a more formal activity which would have greater educational value," the colonel explained. The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. In addition to being a self-contained combat ready unit, the 434th ARW also has the responsibility to operate and maintain Grissom ARB.
