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Indiana lieutenant governor visits Grissom

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. R. Orders-Woempner
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  The Hoosier Wing gave the Hoosier state's lieutenant governor an up-close look at its mission and importance.

Indiana Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann, along with her staff and staff from U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski's office, visited Grissom to learn more about the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the base and their role in both national defense and the Indiana economy May 14.

"What our Airmen do each and every day is absolutely phenomenal, and for the lieutenant governor and congressional staffers to take time from their busy schedules to meet with us and see the work we do means a lot," said Col. Bryan Reinhart, 434th ARW commander.

The first stop for Ellspermann was a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft in Dock 1, where she was able to see firsthand the tender loving care that goes into maintaining Grissom's 50-year-old jets.

"Wow!" she exclaimed upon stepping foot onboard the Stratotanker and taking note of the 1963 aircraft's condition. "Not even my house is this clean."

While in Dock 1, Ellspermann, who earned her master's degree and doctorate in industrial engineering at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, was able to dig deep into the technical aspects of aerial refueling with 434th ARW pilots.

After seeing the aircraft, the lieutenant governor got her chance at the controls of the aircraft in Grissom's flight deck and boom operator weapons systems trainer simulators.

In the simulators, Ellspermann proved herself a natural aviator in the virtual world, with both a successful takeoff and landing as a pilot as well as successful refueling an F-22 Raptor aircraft as a boom operator.

"That was really amazing," she said. "This is going to be one of those days the governor is going to be really jealous of what I got to do."

On top of seeing the 434th ARW's mission, Ellspermann also learned about how Grissom supports the state through its economic impact and direct mission support.

As the largest employer in Miami County, Grissom provides more than $118 million in economic impact to the local economy. Through its fire department, explosive ordnance disposal unit and air traffic control functions, Grissom is also involved in directly supporting the state in various ways.

Grissom's fire department and EOD unit train various local, state and federal agencies throughout Indiana and are frequently called upon to support those agencies in emergency situations.

The base's ATC controls all air traffic up to 10,000 feet between Chicago Center and Indianapolis Center, going as far west as Lafayette, Indiana.

Ellspermann also learned about the missions of Grissom's tenant units to include its three Army Reserve units, Marine Corps Reserve communications detachment and the Air Force Reserve's Contingency Emergency Management Facility.

Several times during her visit, she reiterated her support for the military and Grissom.

"The governor and I support you all the way," she said.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135 unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world 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