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Grissom makes economic impact of $124.9 million for FY15

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Katrina Heikkinen
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  As the largest employer in Miami County, Grissom has been a major contributor to the local economy since 1942 - and 2015 was no exception.

The 434th Air Refueling Wing recently announced that the Hoosier Wing had a total economic impact of $124.9 million for fiscal 2015.

"We are proud to be a part of this community," said Col. Doug Schwartz, 434th ARW commander. "We pride ourselves on being good neighbors who serve globally while living - and spending locally."

"Our impact is not limited to the wages of our employees, but the businesses and industries that serve as our civilian partners," he said. "Together we form a team that strengthens our community, our state and our nation."

Jason Dunn, 434th ARW comptroller, echoed how Grissom and the local economy have a direct and positive impact on each other.

"Anytime there's a construction project including building a runway, or a new building, or planting trees - all that work is done either internally or outside the fence-line," Dunn said. "Every dollar that Uncle Sam pays somebody to work here at Grissom is money that flows directly into the economy."

During 2015, Grissom expended $27.4 million in equipment, supplies, contracts and minor construction, directly impacting local community job creation by more than $25 million.

"We need each other," Schwartz said. "We can't do our jobs without the support of the community and we're happy that we can provide a positive financial impact."

Economic impact analyses conducted by the Air Force represent only first and second tier indicators as only salaries and direct costs of labor and construction are measured, thus resulting in conservative numbers, Dunn said.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. 434th ARW Airmen and aircraft routinely deploy in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer