Please consider attending one of the four public hearings to voice your support for the F-35 mission coming to Luke AFB. All hearings include an open house session from 5 to 6 pm, followed by a presentation and formal public comment session from 6 to 8 pm. Make sure and review the DEIS report available here before you attend.

F-35A EIS Public Hearings Schedule:

Send an E-Postcard -Voice your Support for the F-35 Mission Today

If you have not sent an e-postcard to the U.S. Air Force affirming that Luke AFB is the right location for the F-35 mission please do so by clicking here.

If you prefer to send your own letter or fax or email it yourself, please use the following:

Address for submission of letters:

HQ AETC/A7CPP,
Attn: David Martin, Air Force Contractor and Kim Fornof
266 F Street West, Bldg. 901
Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4319

Fax 210-652-5649
Email aetc.a7cpp.inbox@us.af.mil

No related posts.

Help Luke retain its seven-decade tradition of training the world’s greatest fighter pilots.  The next 6-months are critical for Luke’s future as the United States Air Force evaluates the base as one of the key training sites for the F-35 Lightning II, a next-generation fighter aircraft that will replace F-16.

Please help by clicking here to send an electronic postcard to the U.S. Air Force affirming that Luke AFB is the right location for the F-35 mission.

If awarded the F-35 training mission, Luke remains strong for decades to come, and can anticipate seeing an infusion of $120-$206 million in construction-related projects over the next few years. Much of this investment will positively impact the state’s economy with local labor and suppliers of construction material. The new mission will also generate additional employment and construction jobs, wages, consumer spending and investments throughout the West Valley and state.

1. Attend a Public Hearing & Voice Your Support for the F-35 Mission at Luke AFB
2. Luke Forward F-35 Mission Update
3. Peoria Chamber gathers troops to support F-35 mission at Luke

Arizona Wing Aviation Museum

SPECIAL INAUGURAL TRIBUTE EVENT TO RECOGNIZE THE FIRST INDUCTEES TO THE CAF ARIZONA WING AVIATION MUSEUM’S WALK OF HONOR

PHOENIX – The Commemorative Air Force (“CAF”) Arizona Wing Aviation Museum, located at Falcon Field in Mesa, Arizona, announced today the inauguration of its Walk of Honor as a tribute recognizing the contributions by Arizonans to the field of military aviation. Inductees will be honored for their achievement with the installation of a special bronze plaque at the Museum.

The inauguration will be celebrated at a dinner recognizing the first inductees on Saturday evening, February 18, 2012 at the Phoenix Hilton East-Mesa Hotel, 1011 W. Holmes, Mesa, Arizona 85210. Cocktails will be from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Dinner and the induction ceremony will follow. Brigadier General Jerry D. Harris, Commander, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB will be the keynote speaker.

The first six inductees into the Arizona Military Aviation Walk of Honor include: Lieutenant Frank Luke, Major Fred Ferguson, Rear Admiral W. L. Chatham, Mr. Sergei Sikorsky, Major Joseph Foss and Dr. Harry Robertson. Inductees are native, resident or former resident Arizonans, living or deceased, who made noteworthy contributions to the field of military aviation. They are selected based upon achievement in a variety of categories, including flying, engineering, manufacturing, operations, education or other commendable aviation-related achievements.

Tickets for the Induction Dinner will be available starting January 21, 2012 at www.azcaf.org or at the CAF Arizona Wing Aviation Museum, 2015 N. Greenfield Road, Mesa, AZ, 85215. For more information visit www.azcaf.org or call the Museum at 480-924-1940 or 480-268-2144. The CAF Arizona Military Aviation Walk of Honor has been officially recognized as an Arizona Centennial event.

The CAF Arizona Wing Aviation Museum is operated by the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. Organized in 1978 as the Arizona chapter of the Commemorative Air Force, the Wing’s mission is to restore and preserve historically important aircraft and related memorabilia in order to educate the public about the significant contributions made by men and women in the defense of the Nation.

2012 WALK OF HONOR INDUCTEE PROFILES

Lt Frank Luke, the “Arizona Balloon Buster”; 5/19/1897-9/29/1918 (KIA) Born in Phoenix, AZ; Nominated by Don Luke. 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group; WWI ace Recipient of the Medal of Honor, In seventeen days in September, 1918, in just nine days of combat flying, ten missions, and only thirty hours of flight time, he shot down fourteen enemy balloons and four aircraft making him America’s second ranking ace in World War One. Lt. Luke was the first airman and first Arizonan to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Luke AFB is named after Frank Luke.

Sergei Sikorsky has distinguished himself through his efforts directed toward the advancement or improvement of the helicopter industry. He flew some of the earliest helicopter search and rescue missions while serving with the US Coast Guard helicopter development squadron, and participated in the testing and demonstration of the earliest helicopter rescue hoists. He retired in 1992 as Vice President, Special Projects, Sikorsky Aircraft Company and remains active with the company as a consultant.

Maj. Fred E. Ferguson, AUS was cited for conspicuous gallantry for his actions on 31 January 1968 during the battle for Hue in saving the lives of five of his comrades at the risk of his own life. For actions above and beyond the call of duty, then CWO Ferguson was awarded the nation’s highest award for bravery, the Medal of Honor.

Maj. Joe Foss, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve received the Medal of Honor for outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as executive officer of VMF-121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, at Guadalcanal. Engaging in almost daily combat with the enemy from 9 October to 19 November 1942, Capt. Foss personally shot down 23 Japanese planes and damaged others so severely that their destruction was extremely probable.

Rear Admiral Lew Chatham, USN (Retired) received his commission as a Naval Officer in June, 1956. As an aviator, Chatham served in both attack and fighter squadrons. He has flown approximately 5,000 hours in over 30 different aircraft types and logged 1100 carrier arrested landings with 300 of those at night. Chatham commanded Attack Squadron 56, Carrier Air Wing Five, USS Hassaypana, USS Kitty Hawk, Carrier Air Group Six, and Task Force 70/77, Air Group Five. Chatham also served on the staffs of the Chief of Naval Aviation, Commander in Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander Seventh Fleet, Commander US Naval Forces Japan, and Commander Light Attack Wings Pacific. His awards include the Legion of Merit (6), the Distinguished Flying Cross (4), the Bronze star, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air medal (10), the Navy Commendation Medal with 4 “V” clusters and the strike Flight Air Medal (35). Chatham retired in June 1987 after 31 years of service. He and his wife reside in Tucson, AZ.

Dr. Harry S. Robertson has made unique contributions to Army aviation and aviation in general. These contributions can be summed up in three words – “They saved lives!” Thousands of Army pilots, crewmen and passengers who might otherwise have died in helicopter accidents are living tribute to Robertson, who pioneered crashworthy fuel systems.

1. Tribute to Arizona’s Tuskegee Airmen CAF Arizona Wing Aviation Museum at Falcon Field
2. Glendale fire chief gets top honor in Arizona
3. Largest Global Aviation Maintenance Trade Show in Phoenix , Arizona

The first night flight in the history of the Lockheed Martin F-35 program was completed on Jan. 19, 2012 in the skies above Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Piloted by Lockheed Martin Test Pilot Mark Ward, AF-6, an F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, launched at 5:05 p.m. PST and landed after sunset at 6:22 p.m.
F-35 Night flight video courtesy of Lockheed Martin.

1. F-35B Lightning II (STOVL) stealth fighter today became the fifth F-35 to begin flight operations
2. Lockheed Martin F-35 Multi-Ship Ferry from Ft. Worth, Texas to Edwards AFB
3. Amazing F-35 Lightning II Fifth-Generation Fighter Cockpit

1. Annual Partners
2. Veterans’ Membership
3. Photos from the 2011 HC Golf Tournament

Lockheed Martin, Edwards Air Force Base, 416th FLTS F-35 ITF, JSF, 6 ship static display, sunrise, AF-1, AF-2, AF-3, AF-4, AF-6, AF-7

The long awaited draft EIS was announced today which sets in motion the process for determining the likelihood of stationing up to 6 squadrons of F-35′s at Luke AFB.  The F-35A is the Air Force’s variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, which will replace the F-16 Falcon, F-15 Eagle and the A-10 Thunderbolt as the military’s new multi-role fighter.

The Draft EIS provides a detailed analysis of factors affecting air quality, noise and other impacts to the environment and provides an evaluation of reasonable alternatives. The environmental study is federally required when an air base is considered for a change in aircraft. The Draft F-35A Training EIS document will be available for review online at www.F-35ATrainingEIS.com.

The release of the F-35A training Draft EIS report begins the environmental review process that includes a public comment period. Public hearings will be held in mid-February in communities near Luke AFB. Citizens, interested parties and governmental agencies will also be able to submit public comments in writing to the Air Force during the public comment period, which closes on March 14, 2012. Upon completion of the public comment period, the Air Force will then publish its final EIS report in early summer prior to making its final decision. The Air Force anticipates issuing a Record of Decision (ROD) for F-35A training by July 2012. The ROD completes the EIS process.

Key Dates to Remember:

• January 20, 2012 - Public release of the F-35A Training Draft EIS
• January 20, 2012 – March 14, 2012  -   Public hearings for Luke AFB, Arizona
• February 13-16, 2012 - Public comment period for F-35A Training Draft EIS closes
• Summer 2012 - Release of Final F-35A Training EIS
• Summer 2012 - Issuance of USAF F-35A Training EIS Record of Decision

We are encouraging you to ask friends, neighbors, and relatives to register their support of the F-35 training mission at Luke online by visiting www.LukeForward.com. Thus far, nearly 21,000 citizens living in every city and town throughout Arizona have registered their support for the new mission at the air base.

We will be keeping you apprised throughout the process, and we look forward to a positive outcome!

1. Luke Forward F-35 Mission Update
2. F-35 DEIS Update from Luke Forward
3. LUKE AFB SELECTED AS PREFERRED LOCATION FOR F-35 PILOT TRAINING CENTER

Mr. David Haddad, President, Fumar Cigars Inc.

This month, Fighter Country Partnership newsletter features Mr. David Haddad, president of Fumar Cigars, Inc. He was inducted into the Luke Air Force Base’s Honorary Commanders program in November 2010 assigned to the 309th Fighter Squadron–the “Wild Ducks.” He and his partner, Honorary Commander, Mr. James “Bubba” Moffett, owner, Crescent Crown Distributing, hit the ground running committing themselves to supporting programs that benefit military families not only at Luke Air Force Base but the military as a whole.

Background: David Haddad was born a military brat on September 6, 1961 at McConnell AFB in Wichita, Kansas, where his father, a U.S. Air Force captain, was stationed. He is a University of Denver graduate with a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration degree. Mr. Haddad is described by many as a self-styled showman cigar bard and entrepreneur with a flair for renaissance. He has been collecting rare cigars and one-of-a-kind spirits for nearly three decades. He founded Fumar Cigars in 1996 with operations in 10 states and 26 markets providing cigar services to more than 300 resorts from coast to coast. In 2006, he established a cigar retail store and private club in the Deer Valley Airpark.

Actor Gary Sinise and Mr. David Haddad in Las Vegas

Mr. Haddad says that Fumar Cigars is a cigar company with a purpose. When asked what that meant, he explained, “I have always known since starting Fumar Cigars in 1996 that we were destined to be different. We are actually in the hospitality industry–we just happen to sell cigars. Our core business provides more than 300 luxury resorts with all of their cigars and cigar rolling shows. This platform provided me with a series of contacts and friends that empower Fumar and “Friends of Freedom,” our foundation dedicated to the support of military families. It gives us the ability to tap into a pool of goodwill and resources from the hotels to provide rooms and banquet facilities for events that we produce throughout the year,” he said.

“We have several major partners that donate in excess of $250,000 a year in benefits for our programs,” explains Mr. Haddad. “From coast to coast, we have access to luxury resorts for military families, wounded soldiers and volunteers. This has given me the opportunity to add value to programs unachievable without my network of contacts. Our purpose is to be good corporate citizens and to deliver the excellence that being an American demands.”

Mr. Haddad is a charter member of the USO Advisory Council and president of Friends of Freedom. He is a strategic partner as of 2009 with American Airlines Veterans Initiatives Programs gathering school supplies for Iraqi school children with Gary Sinise and Operation International Children, a division of People to People International whose chief executive officer is Mary Jean Eisenhower, one of Mr. Haddad’s most valued partners in supporting the troops.

Mr. David Haddad with the girls in Tallil Air Base, Iraq

At Easter 2009, Mr. Haddad completed a mission to Iraq to deliver 20 tons of school supplies to Iraqi children along with 7,000 pairs of Crocs shoes and 7,000 cigars for the first-ever “Cigar Social” in a war zone. David held socials in nine forward operating bases throughout Iraq and at bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, USS Eisenhower off the coast of Bahrain and at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Thanksgiving in 2009, he delivered another 15,000 cigars to Camp Leatherneck and Camp Bastion outside Kandahar, Afghanistan.

He is the committee chair and co-sponsor of the “Wounded Warrior Getaway to Las Vegas” with American Airlines taking 125 severely wounded servicemen and their caregivers from Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital to The Venetian for an all-expense paid “break” from the rehab centers. Partners in this amazing program for 2010 included Clint Black, Gary Sinise, Rich Little, Terry Fator and Sheldon Adelson, and the chief executive officer of the Sands Casinos.

David Haddad with Blackhawk soldier in Iraq

In July 2009, he delivered two complete driving ranges to the troops of Camp Victory and Camp Sather, Baghdad, with the help of the U.S. Golf Association. Communities in Scottsdale and Golf Week Magazine readers donated 100,000 golf balls, 402 golf clubs and five driving mats.

When asked what it is like being an Honorary Commander at Luke, he explained, “It is truly an honor and a privilege.” My partner in this command is Bubba Moffett , and between us, we have made every opportunity to support and show our appreciation to the military. The people in the 309th Fighter Squadron are absolutely the best! I have learned what a caring family is. The squadron has a cohesive nature to it that is very enriching and both the spouses and the airmen are important to that feature.”

Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, and Mr. David Haddad, President, Fumar Cigars Inc.

The Honorary Commanders program provides many opportunities and events for these selected community and business leaders. Mr. Haddad explained that one of the most memorable events so far in his two-year term was the graduation of a new class of fighter pilots.

“It was really humbling and it made me so proud,” he said. “The graduation ceremony was moving on a visceral level. To see the young men with such commitment, honor and pride, represent me as a citizen, getting to know them and watch them develop, makes me alive with spirit. It drives me to recommit my desire to grow as a father, husband and businessman,” he said.

The 309th Fighter Squadron affectionately gave Mr. Haddad a new name–a call sign of “Willie Pete” during a naming ceremony.

Mr. Haddad is a father of three, Molly, 13, Adam, 17, and James 24, and is married to Judy for 14 years. He and his family have committed themselves to programs to support the Luke AFB family. For the past three years, he produced Fumar’s Friends of Freedom Day–a Celebration of Patriot Day.

“This day of remembrance is commemorated with fun and food and frolic and, of course, fine cigars for all, honoring our service members and first responders,” Mr. Haddad said.

Mr. Haddad explained that more than 75 companies donate to the day of music, boxing, food and beverages, while bringing in Luke AFB’s airmen and the National Guard to salute those who serve. More than 1,200 people came the first year and 3,500 to the second year with New York Metropolitan Opera star Chuck Taylor singing God Bless America, The Go Daddy Girls, national recording stars from Branson, Missouri, local bands, Air Force Reserve Commander (retired) Lieutenant General John Bradley, Bondurant School of Racing and dozens of other attractions to celebrate Freedom. In 2010, many high-level political members, including Senator John McCain, came to speak, entertain and thank our troops.

“We gathered more than 5,000 blankets for Operation Lamia Relief for Afghanistan and hundreds of pairs of Crocs shoes for refugees and airmen families at Luke AFB,” Mr. Haddad said.

“We try to include key players from the base at the Patriot Day event and have invited all of the airmen to attend at no cost,” he explained. “In fact, my host commander, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Lasica, commander of the 309th Fighter Squadron, played a pivotal role in our Patriot Day program by presenting the Freedom Award to two WWII Fighter Aces. We do this to show our citizens’ support and to integrate the airmen to the city at large on a social basis. Without the help and support of Fighter Country Partnership and the base team, a lot of what we are doing would not happen,” he continued.

“We also organized field trips for the airmen to our cigar club and to Bubba’s warehouse for the experience of seeing out operations and how they work,” he said. “It is easy when you are in the beer and cigar business to gain interest.”

As a result of Mr. Haddad’s support, he was able to provide a scholarship grant for an airmen’s family from the Patriot Day contributions. He also provided more than 500 cigars with the “Ducks” logo on it and underwrote a charity for the Ducks called the “Prohibition Party.”

Mr. Ron Sites, President and Executive Director of Fighter Country Partnership, stated, “David’s support for the military as a whole over the years has been incredible. As an Honorary Commander, he has found a greater understanding of what Luke AFB is to our community and nation. That knowledge has also allowed him the opportunity to directly support the programs and services that FCP funds annually through our FCP Top Ten program. It is involvement and awareness like David has acquired that provides FCP the privilege of being successful in our responsibility of supporting the men, women, families and mission of Luke AFB.”

“I love this gang,” Mr. Haddad said. “I am thankful that my family and I get to participate in the Honorary Commanders Program. I appreciate the leadership of Fighter Country Partnership for the support they provide to the Honorary Commanders program and to the men and women of Luke. I am proud to be a part of this program.”

1. Honorary Commander Feature: Mr. Mike Nealy
2. Honorary Commander Feature: Mr. Blair Bunting
3. The Honorary Commander Program

Fighter Country Partnership, Luke AFB Honorary Commanders & APS Volunteers float the American Flag at the 2011 Fiesta Bowl Parade

2011 could not have finished on a more perfect note. Having the privilege to host Luke AFB in the Fiesta Bowl parade annually reminds us of how patriotic the United States is, and it is ALWAYS nice to be reminded of that with the challenging times our country has seen recently. FCP Blue Blazers and Ambassadors had the responsibility of handling the American Flag balloon in front of our Luke AFB Airmen. Luke’s group consisted of Brigadier General Jerry D. Harris, Commander of the 56th Fighter Wing, CMSgt Rory Wicks and Command Chief of the 56th Fighter Wing, 2 Luke Police Dogs, 2 Luke MP Squad units, 1 Hummer with a 20 caliber machine gun turret and approximately 100 Airmen marching within. The cheers heard as we walked along the parade route made me proud to be an American and a Luke AFB supporter. That is always the perfect experience to charge me up for another year of generating support for Luke AFB.

Cory Whitsett (center) Wins Inaugural Patriot All-America Invitational at The Wigwam

FCP also had the opportunity to work with an extremely talented group of professionals who have initiated what I believe to be one of the most meaningful events in Arizona. The Patriot All-American event, hosted by the Wigwam, features a field of 84 All-American Collegiate golfers from NCAA Div.1, Div.2, Div.3, NAIA and other qualifying categories. Most of the golfers in the field don’t get the opportunity to play in the NCAA National Championship for golf because it is a team based championship, not individually based. These 84 incredibly skilled players now get the opportunity to tee it up against each other in a 3 day tournament on the Wigwam’s Gold Golf Course.

The Patriot’s golf committee has incorporated an unbelievable military support component to the event. Each player carries a golf bag donated by PING that has the name of a fallen or injured soldier from the state that they represent. These golf bags then get sent back to the respective college institution and raffled off to their boosters. The proceeds then go back to a national foundation called “The Folds of Honor” which supports the families of the fallen or injured. The vision and purpose of this event are so captivating that updates actually made ESPN’s Sportcenter each day…absolutely incredible.

These are the 84 Collegiate All-American golfers from NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA participating in the 2011 tournament held at The Wigwam. This picture is taken at Luke AFB after a dinner inside a hanger on base. Brigadier General Jerry D. Harris, Commander of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB is centered in this picture. What an honor for both parties.

The 84 Participants also had the opportunity to have dinner on Luke AFB inside a hanger with an F-16 there as a static display. General Harris and others addressed these young men so they understand the importance of Luke AFB and organizations like Folds of Honor. FCP played the role of “resource agent” for the Patriot All-American Event and assisted with the logistics involved. From the opening ceremonies to the trophy presentation, Luke AFB had a presence in an event that will undoubtedly achieve significant national exposure in years to come.

This is just another humbling reminder of the great purpose FCP represents and are thankful for the responsibility.

Very Respectfully,

Ron Sites

1. 2011 Patriot All-American Golfers from NCAA at Luke AFB
2. Fiesta Bowl Parade 2010
3. Air Force protects Super Bowl XLIV

His adventure began in New York in 1925 and has let him experience a plethora of activities from flying in the skies far above the earth in numerous types of aircraft to earning a college degree to having a successful 37-year career as an optometrist.

Dr. Lubin’s flying experience began in the Army Air Corps as an 18-year-old trainee. He was flying a B-24 Liberator by age 20. His service from 1943 to 1946 includes training stops in Texas, Kansas, and Arizona at Williams Field, and a short tour at Luke Air Force Base.

“I was on a flying-practice mission at Williams Field in a B-24, and we were practicing bombing runs on an overcast day using radar, which was new at the time,” Dr. Lubin said. “The day World War II ended, I was flying. It was a remarkable day and a memorable experience for a 20-year-old.”
Upon leaving the Army Air Corps, Dr. Lubin used his GI Bill benefits and enrolled at the University of Miami, Fla., graduating with a degree in Liberal Arts in 1950 with some premedical units mixed in, which helped him later when he started optometry school.

He kept his ties in the military by joining the Air Force Reserve.

But first, he heeded his country’s call to duty during the Korean War, which would leave him with an unforgettable experience.

“I was recalled to duty in 1951 flying cargo from Japan to Korea in a C-46,” he said. “On one of the flights, I had the opportunity to fly former heavyweight champion Joe Louis around Japan. He was so large that the parachute wouldn’t fit. It was a thrill to fly someone that famous.”

After the Korean War, Dr. Lubin enrolled in the Southern College of Optometry and graduated in 1955. While in school he married Sybil, to whom he has been married for 59 years. They have three children and five grandchildren. Their son lives in Sitka, Alaska, and they have a daughter who lives in California and a daughter who resides in Phoenix.

He also went back into the Reserve, attached to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., retiring in 1963 with 20 years of service and more than 5,000 hours in the air. During his flying career, he flew the B-24, P-51, B-25, C-46, C-119 and the F-84.

Dr. Lubin had a successful optometry practice in McLean and Leesburg, Va. He retired in 1987.

However, Dr. Lubin and Sybil weren’t about to sit around and watch television. There were places to see and people to visit.

“We left Virginia in 1994 and moved to Florida,” Mrs. Lubin said. “Before we moved to Florida, we took three cross-country trips by car, taking different routes each trip. We took the northern, middle and southern route, which gave us the opportunity to see most of the country and visit family and friends.”

What’s more, Dr. Lubin didn’t let his interest in aviation die when he left the military.

“I had a 1936 Monocoupe Airplane and a 1947 Swift Airplane, which I enjoyed flying,” he said. “Danielle Steel’s book, Wings, featured my Monocoupe Airplane on the cover.”

The Lubins made their way to the Phoenix area in September 2010 and said they love it here.

All in all, Dr. Lubin said that his life has been a great ride.

“I’ve had two great careers, a wonderful wife, children and grandchildren,” he said. “I had the opportunity to live my dreams.”

By STEPHEN DELGADO, Thunderbolt Staff Writer Luke Air Force Base

No related posts.

Robert "Bob" MacGregor, Credit Union West President & Chief Executive Officer

Credit Union West continues to build its long and unwavering commitment to the Luke Air Force Base community. This is evident in the cooperative relationship they have developed over the years with the Airmen and Family Readiness Center.

In collaboration with the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, Credit Union West conducts two of the required four hours of financial education during FTAC. They equip young airmen with the tools necessary to make sound financial decisions. The goal is to provide basic education to minimize the missteps that can so easily divert families from achieving financial success.

For their dedication to education Credit Union West received First Place at the State level competition for the 2011 Desjardins Adult Financial Education Award.

Other financial briefings on topics ranging from Understanding Your Credit Score to Avoiding Credit Pitfalls are also presented on a monthly basis. Credit Union West understands that an airman worried about financial matters is not focused on the mission.

In addition to the many financial education classes the credit union conducts, they participate each year with the Military Saves Week Campaign and other financial related programs. They also support local scholarship programs that focus on military members and their families. For more than six years, Credit Union West has partnered with the Peoria Chamber of Commerce to provide two scholarships of $2,000 each to JROTC Cadets from the Peoria Unified School District. In support of the Officers Spouses Club and the Enlisted Spouses Club, the credit union provides $3,000 in scholarships to dependents of active duty military. Other military-connected grants go to support various organizations on base including the Luke Chapter of the American Society of Military Comptrollers.

According to an MSNBC report, many Americans will spend up to $250,000 too much in interest over their lifetimes due to their unhealthy credit scores. This year Credit Union West made a hard push to save members money by refinancing their high-interest debt from other lenders. As of December 4, 2011, Credit Union West members saved nearly $9.5 million in interest over the previous eleven months.

Credit Union West understands that freedom isn’t free! For over 60 years the credit union has been honored and privileged to serve the men and women of Luke Air Force Base.

1. Treasurer – Bob MacGregor
2. West Valley cities near Luke make sacrifices to ensure freedom for all Americans
3. Education and Awareness campaign continue to generate support for FCP

DON LUKE, NEPHEW of Lt. Frank Luke Jr., speaks to guests at a naming ceremony at the Wigwam resort in Litchfield Park Wednesday. One of the resort’s golf course holes was named after the World War I fighter ace. View photo by Michael Clawson

As Wigwam resort owners kicked around the idea of naming golf course holes after patriotic Arizonans, one name quickly separated itself from the rest: Lt. Frank Luke Jr.

“This was a natural,” Wigwam’s most recognizable owner, Jerry Colangelo, told the View Wednesday. “We’re honoring people who’re deserving, and Frank Luke is at the top of the list.”

“Who would be at the first tee? I can’t think of anyone else but Frank Luke,” the deceased airman’s nephew, Don Luke, told the View. “It is a perfect fit.”

What made the Wednesday afternoon ceremony perfect was the fact it began with the Color Guard from Luke Air Force Base, which was named after Frank Luke Jr., the first U.S. aviator to be awarded a Medal of Honor.

“It is a privilege to honor a man who made the supreme sacrifice for this country,” Colangelo told the View. “And having his nephew here to speak to it was terrific.”

$8 million and counting

Wednesday’s event at the Wigwam was just another step by its current owners, JDM Partners, in renovating the 82-year-old resort while at the same time restoring its history.

JDM Partners – Colangelo, David Eaton and Mel Shultz – and other financial backers have invested more than $8 million in the Litchfield Park resort as part of its renovation since taking over the property in December 2009.

A few months ago, the resort renamed two of its courses. The Blue Course became the Patriot Course and the Red Course was renamed the Heritage Course. The Gold Course retained its name.

Wednesday’s dedication ceremony was the first of many to come for both the Patriot and Heritage courses, said Tom O’Malley, general counsel and director of operations for JDM Partners.

“[The Patriot] will be dedicated to the servicemen, policemen and firefighters,” O’Malley said. “It’s great to start with Frank Luke.

“Eventually, we’ll start naming each hole on the Heritage Course after a piece of Arizona history,” he said.

The goal on both courses is not to name every hole as soon as possible, O’Malley said, but to save them for special occasions and ceremonies.

“It’s our version of the Hall of Fame,” he said.

A plaque displaying Frank Luke Jr.’s name, picture and some biographical information was placed by Patriot Course’s No. 1 tee box.

“Patriotism has always been a big part of what I believe in,” Colangelo said. “When you look at the history of Luke Air Force Base and [Frank Luke Jr.'s] history, it is unbelievable. When I look to the sky now and see a balloon, I’ll look at it with different eyes.”

Balloon buster

Frank Luke Jr. was born in Phoenix and became immortalized for his role in basically inventing a way to knock down German observation balloons during World War I.

The balloons “were the eyes of the enemy,” Don Luke told the crowd Wednesday. The men stationed in the balloons would be able to direct their forces exactly where to strike.

While stationed in France, Don Luke’s uncle met with the “doughboys” on the ground, which is when “he learned the fear they had in the trenches for those balloons.”

“He took it as a personal challenge to protect those soldiers,” Don Luke, an Arizona native who made his wealth by running car dealerships, told the View.

Attacking the balloons was considered suicidal, Don Luke said.

“They had four or five aircraft above them and were defended below by machine guns,” he said.

Plus, it took three to four fly-bys to get enough holes in the balloons to make them burst, he said.

“Everyone knows you’re coming,” Don Luke said. “So you’re flying through a wall of lead. He was absolutely fearless.”

Frank Luke Jr. decided to attack at dusk, when most planes were down and machine gun fire was less accurate, his nephew said. Frank Luke’s nighttime missions made history: They were the first evening aerial assaults and the first night landings in U.S. military history, his uncle said.

Frank Luke Jr., then 21, recorded his first balloon victory on Sept. 12, 1918. In the span of two weeks, he went on to knock down 13 German balloons and five aircraft.

There were three air squadrons in France at the time, comprising about 60 pilots, all with the task of blinding the Germans, Don Luke said.

Over a one-week period, 80 percent of the balloons knocked out of the sky where destroyed by one pilot, Lt. Frank Luke Jr., he said.

On Sept. 29, 1918, after knocking down three balloons, Luke crash landed in a small French village. He was killed by enemy fire after the crash.

LAFB Community Initiative Team Director Rusty Mitchell told of a recent encounter by a Luke Air Force Base member with a villager near the site of the crash. Frank Luke Jr.’s story is passed down from generation to generation in France so it will never die, Mitchell said.

“The villager thanked [the LAFB member] for what Luke did for France and the free world,” Mitchell said. “His legacy will continue to live as long as brave men and women take to the sky to defend this country.”

His legacy will also live on now, too, whenever people take to the Patriot Course to play golf at the Wigwam.

“It’s real nice they took the time to honor him,” Don Luke told the View. “He was a unique individual and he did some incredible things in his short life.”

By Rich Ott, assistant editor at the West Valley View. Rich can be reached by email at rott@westvalleyview.com.

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Members of the Glendale Fire Department and Luke Air Force Base’s Fire Department get acquainted with each other before they get to work. Glendale firefighters will be stationed with one of their loaned fire trucks atLuke as part of the city’s partnership.

The Glendale Fire Department recently joined forces with Luke Air Force Base to provide enhanced fire and advanced life safety protection for the base and West Glendale. The two agencies have begun a pilot program in which the Glendale Fire Department will provide a fire truck and two trained paramedics at Luke’s Fire Station 362 to provide advanced emergency medical services to the area. The program, which launched Dec. 6, is grant funded thanks to the Governor’s Office of Economic Recovery, Public Safety Stabilization Program.

Because Luke is located in a remote area, the nearest Glendale fire station was approximately seven miles away. Luke already had its own fire department, which would respond to calls in the area. However, by partnering with each other, the Glendale Fire Department will be able to provide extra firefighters and paramedics trained in advanced life support for enhanced protection and improved response time at Luke and West Glendale.

Glendale Fire Chief Mark Burdick stands with Assistant Luke AFB Fire Chief Tony Robanza. The two chiefs will work more closely with one another as their departments begin working together.AFB’s fire department.

Glendale’s city council recently approved a proposal allowing for a partnership between the city and the military base. The program will allow Glendale firefighters, paramedics, and a fire truck at the Luke fire station for 40 hours a week each week, during peak time calls, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The pilot program will run for a six-month period. After the pilot program ends, the department will review the success rate and future costs to fund it.

Assistant Luke AFB Fire Chief Tony Robanza said the program really is a win-win for both parties involved.

“The Glendale Fire Department is allowing us to expose our base firefighters to advanced emergency medical services, which they otherwise would not be,” he said. “This will allow them to be trained in emergency medical services, which they may be able to use one day, should they wish to seek a career with the fire department down the road. In turn, we are able to offer our enhanced training and life-saving skills to residents in the area.”

Burdick said his department is happy to be able to use Luke’s facility so they will be closer to calls within a five-mile radius from the base.

“We will have a much quicker initial attack on a fire scene than we originally would have,” he said. “From a search and rescue standpoint that is critical.”

By KATHRYN STAFFORD Staff Writer

1. Glendale fire chief gets top honor in Arizona
2. Glendale Slates Jet Rededication
3. Glendale rededicates Air Force F-100 jet at Bonsall Park

The "Hun" F-100D fighter jet was brought back to like-new condition and proudly aims toward the sky once again at Bonsall Park.

An F-100D Super Sabre Air Force jet that served at Luke Air Force Base 1962 to 1969 was used to train young pilots.

The jet was retired from use by United States Air Force and placed into the National Museum of United States Air Force Static Display Program in 1971. In 1973, the jet was installed at Bonsall Park, 59th Avenue and Bethany Home Road, Glendale.

Retired Lt. Col, Warren H. Rice, from Prescott, actually flew the F-100D Sabre jet that was rededicated at Bonsall Park, right down to the same tailfin identification number. GlendaleCouncilmember Phil Lieberman's interview with him can be seen on video at GlendaleDailyPlanet.com.

Visitors to the park and passers by might not realize that the plane was piloted by retired Lt. Col Warren H. Rice, who had more than 200 missions with the F-100D during the Vietnam War. The Dec. 15 rededication ceremony presented the F-100D or the “Hun” as it was nicknamed, in its newly painted exterior and new identification numbers. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the jet’s display status. Not only had Rice flown this type of fighter aircraft, but he had flown some hours in the exact plane at Bonsall Park.

The plane’s new paint and numbers took more than 30 days to complete and involved removing the old paint and finish and giving the jet a new high-tech paint application and updated identification.

A special group of volunteers helped considerably with the restoration project. Lt. Col. Marc “Dutch” Matthews, Arizona Air National Guard, and Lt. Col. and Mrs. David J. Kempson researched the flight history and background of the plane and are helping with fundraising efforts. A fund has been created to support the annual maintenance of the fighter plane to preserve and maintain it for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. Donations are being accepted; call Michelle Yates at 623-930-2044 or myates@glendaleaz.com for more information.

Lt. Col. Marc “Dutch” Matthews, Lt. Col. Dave Kempson, Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, and Councilmember Phil Lieberman greet each other before the rededication of the F-100 jet..

Glendale Cactus Councilmember Phil Lieberman, in whose district the plane is located, said, “We, the council, those people behind me, the mayor, the rest of the council and the City of Glendale are 101 percent behind Luke Air Force Base…”

To many, this F-100D Super Sabre is a symbol of freedom. Thanks to a $5,000 city-funded contribution from Lieberman and some dedicated volunteers, the F-100D Super Sabre has been refurbished and rededicated to the military veterans of Arizona who have served our country.

By BETTE SHARPE, CouryGraph Productions

1. Glendale Slates Jet Rededication
2. Former “Luke 1” to be 12th Air Force Commander
3. Glendale fire chief gets top honor in Arizona

These are the 84 Collegiate All-American golfers from NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA participating in the 2011 tournament held at The Wigwam. This picture is taken at Luke AFB after a dinner inside a hanger on base. Brigadier General Jerry D. Harris, Commander of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB is centered in this picture. What an honor for both parties.

1. FCP finishes 2011 with the Fiesta Bowl Parade & Patriot All-American Event
2. Wigwam names golf hole after Frank Luke Jr.

"Operation Thunderbox also serves as an opportunity to thank them for their service as well as let each Airman know they are not forgotten." -CMSGT RoryWicks 56th Fighter Wing Command Chief

With more than 280 Thunderbolts currently deployed around the world, Operation Thunderbox focuses on sending care packages to deployed Luke Air Force Base Airmen.

The program started around 2004 by a former Luke command chief, Scott Dearduff and his wife.

“They wanted to ensure Luke personnel received a taste of home and to let them know that Luke leadership was always thinking about its deployed Thunderbolts,” said Master Sgt. Evelyn Proctor, 56th Security Forces Squadron logistics superintendent.

Operation Thunderbox is a self-sustaining program. It relies solely on donated items and money from local charitable organizations and retired communities.

“Operation Thunderbox was originally created to support our deploying Thunderbolts,” said Chief Master Sgt. Rory Wicks, 56th Fighter Wing Command Chief. “Many of our teammates were being sent to austere locations without the ability to obtain some of the basic niceties that provide a sense of home. Operation Thunderbox also serves as an opportunity to thank them for their service as well as let each Airman know they are not forgotten.”

In the beginning, there were few organizations that donated to the program, which made it difficult, but every effort was made to provide packages to deployed Thunderbolts.

Evelyn Proctor and her husband, retired Master Sgt. Stewart Proctor, have been running the program for the last four years and it has grown to the point where every Thunderbolt gets at least two packages.

According to Evelyn Proctor, the program creates new, and enhances existing, relationships throughout Arizona.

“Operation Thunderbox is a pillar within our wing that supports not only our great men and women from all services that deploy to contingency operations,” Wicks said, “it also supports in the surrounding community families in need.”

The program also donates to Luke families, shelters and churches that assist homeless veterans throughout the Valley. It has provided Eagle Scouts and various Valley schools with community service opportunities.

“We also want to pass on to Luke personnel that when they are given a deployment tasking, they don’t need to buy travel toiletries; they can contact us to get a travel toiletry kit,” Evelyn Proctor said.

“The most important thing we’d like to get out to the Luke community is that we need regular updates from unit deployment managers about their deployed personnel,” she said. “The success of the program depends on the most up-to-date information.”

Operation Thunderbox is always looking for volunteers. Assistance is needed with packing and transporting care packages and moving to a new location.

Anyone interested can contact the unit first sergeant, or e-mail the Proctors directly at OTBox56@gmail.com.

By SENIOR AIRMAN DARLENE SELTMANN, 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1. Operation Unified Response: Airmen from Hawaii provide relief for Haiti
2. 56th FW ground safety best in Air Force
3. A Time for Thanks and Recognition

Brig. Gen. JD Harris, Commander 56th Fighter Wing

At Luke Air Force Base, we’re proud to be part of the community in the West Valley. We recognize that the support of surrounding communities is vital to our success as we carry out our mission of training the world’s greatest F-16 pilots and maintainers.

We’ve had an outstanding year at Luke. This year, we graduated 372 pilots, 529 crew chiefs, and 68 intelligence specialists. We deployed 484 Airmen in support of U.S. operations overseas, while continuing to accomplish the mission at home.

We also earned a rating of “Excellent” on the Unit Compliance Inspection conducted by Air Education and Training Command. This is a major inspection conducted every two years which assesses our compliance with regulations. The results validated what I have seen over the past 14 months as the wing commander here and are a testament to the professionalism of our men and women at Luke.

As we carry out our mission, we strive to be good neighbors in the West Valley. Last year alone, Luke Airmen volunteered more than 100,000 hours in the local community.

We conducted dozens of flyovers in support of community events and had the privilege of our Airmen speaking to thousands of people at school and civic functions in the region.

We also make every effort to be good stewards of the environment and our resources.

Work continues on a 15 megawatt solar array, located on 106 acres of undeveloped land in the southwest corner of the base. When completed, the array is expected to provide up to 50 percent of the base’s normal electrical needs. According to EPA estimates, this will avoid 19,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. There is no out-of-pocket expense to the Air Force for construction of the actual array, and long-term electricity cost savings over the next 20 years are expected to exceed $15 million.

Also on the environmental front, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department has renewed a Title V air permit for Luke, reestablishing the framework for the base’s continued compliance with federal and local air regulations. We’re committed to doing our part to protect the environment, and we value the guidance of the county in that regard.

The Navy Operational Support Center, previously located in Phoenix, is relocating to Luke as well. The new 32,055 square foot building has its own 67 kilowatt solar array for providing renewable energy and is an exemplary model of sustainability. The building is on track to receive certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

By being located within the perimeter of Luke, the NOSC benefits from the base’s secured perimeter and abundance of parking, while redeveloping an older section of the base.

Once again, I am extremely grateful for the support of communities around the base. I think I speak for all the men and women at Luke when I say we’re honored to have the opportunity to live and work here. I’d like to wish all our neighbors in the West Valley happy holidays and a safe and prosperous New Year! It is good to be back home in the West Valley.

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2. Support Building for Statewide F-35 Luke Forward Campaign
3. Large Crowds in El Mirage Support New F-35 at Luke Air Force Base

Luke Air Force Base members assist a wounded warrior pack for a move to San Antonio. Participating were Senior Master Sgt. Eric Culver, 56th Force Support Squadron superintendent, who handled the volunteer tasking; Tech. Sgts. Lyndsey Lemus and Carolyn Russell, 56th FSS Airman Leadership School; Staff Sgts. Brian Tisdall, 56th FSS ALS, Gerard Tilley, 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, Daniel Bays, 56th FSS Honor Guard and Clinton Wellman, 756th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Senior Airmen Darryl McNeil, Travis Grasmick, 56th EMS, Caleb Odom, 756th AMXS, William Canfield, 56th AMXS, Andrew Leaver, 56th Component Maintenance Squadron, and Kory Hitchens, 56th Operations Support Squadron; and Airmen 1st Class, Brian Speaks, 56th EMS, and Benjamin McCloud, 607th ACS.

When one hears of all the wars, crime and political strife, it easy to feel a sense of hopelessness, but there are a lot of good things happening that can restore hope.
One such event took place on a sweltering late-August day at Luke Air Force Base.

“I received a call from Jenny Voss, a retired Air Force major, who was a combat nurse in Iraq, asking for help in finding volunteers to help her load boxes into a U-Haul truck,” said Vickie Muniz, 56th Force Support Squadron Airmen and Family Readiness Flight community readiness specialist. “She was moving to San Antonio and needed help.

“Ms. Voss had made the moving van arrangements in coordination with the Wounded Warrior program office at Randolph Air Force Base, (Texas)” Muniz said. “I asked Master Sgt. Tanya Myers, Airman and Family Readiness Center superintendent, to put out a call for volunteers. The response was overwhelming.”

The volunteers had a few obstacles to brave including triple-digit heat.

“It was 117 degrees that day, and we had to wait at Ms. Voss’ house for 35 minutes until the U-Haul arrived,” Muniz said. “I didn’t hear any complaints about the heat or having to wait. The people who helped were professional and made a good impression on the Voss family. The task was completed in a little more than an hour.”

“The Wounded Warrior program point-of-contact at Luke is Sandra Gray, 56th FSS Airman and Readiness Flight community readiness consultant,” said Cory Carmichael, 56th FSS AFRF community readiness technician. “We are here to assist our people and don’t want anyone to fall through the cracks.”

The Wounded Warrior program exists to help Air Force personnel who are injured in combat by working one-on-one with the service member to ensure their needs are met. This help includes pay, employment, medical and the Veterans Affairs. Each wounded warrior is assigned a case worker who follows the member for approximately five years after their return to the United States. A big team at Randolph coordinates the program.

In all, Gray said she works with a fabulous team whose number one concern is service to military personnel and their families. An example of this commitment is that Muniz bought water, pizza and other beverages for the volunteers out of her own pocket.

To learn more about Wounded Warrior, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

By STEPHEN DELGADO, Thunderbolt Staff Writer, Luke Air Force Base.

1. 56th FW ground safety best in Air Force

In order to enjoy FCP Visions Winter 2011 Web Edition you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent reader that will display the PDF file format. Click here to download FCP Visions Winter 2011 (you may need to right click and “save file as”).


This publication is made available with permission of Pueblo Publishers, Inc.

1. FCP Visions Fall 2011 – Web Edition

Arizona Wing Aviation Museum

Why is the event being presented?

The Tribute event is timed to coincide with Lucasfilm’s release of “Red Tails” on January 20, 2012. See www.redtails2012.com. However, the Tribute event is presented an entire week earlier — at the start of the 2012 MLK Holiday weekend — to raise awareness of the significance of the Tuskegee Airmen’s experience not just in aerial combat over Europe in World War II, but as a major driver in the movement for civil rights and equality which, in the decades following World War Two, reshaped America’s military in particular and American society on the whole.

It was in effect, the force and excellence of the Tuskegee Airmen’s experience that provided the momentum, substance and support for the social evolution for which national and local Black leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King and others are known.

By Proclamation of Governor Jan Brewer, January 14, 2012 will be proclaimed Arizona’s Salute to the Tuskegee Airmen.

Who are the Tuskegee Airmen?

Fifteen thousand Black Americans — men and women — were trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama and at other bases across America as pilots, air crew, ground support, armorers, tacticians, planners, doctors, nurses and other medical personnel — an entirely segregated force — to combat Nazi aggression in Europe. Approximately 450 Tuskegee Airmen formed four fighter squadrons — the 99th, the 100th, the 301st and the 302nd of the 332nd Fighter Group — known at the time as “Red Tails” for the distinctive red tail markings of their P-51 Mustangs. They flew ground support missions for Allied troops in the field from bases in North Africa and then ultimately Italy, but they are best known for their escort of 15th Air Force heavy bombers on missions targeted at German factories and military installations in central and eastern Europe, including Germany itself. Under the leadership of their ranking officer, Colonel Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., their mission was to stay with the bombers they escorted. They did so and provided an effective shield against German fighters that would have otherwise ravaged the American bomber formations. In doing so they had one of the lowest loss rates of escorted bombers in the European Theater. Over sixty Tuskegee Airmen lost their lives and over thirty were taken prisoner by the Germans after being shot down. Those who returned became the nucleus of a force that would ultimately see the integration of the U. S Armed Forces by President Harry Truman in 1948. The example had wide ranging repercussions for American social change in the decades following the war.

Why will the Tribute Event be so valuable?

The Lucasfilm story of the Tuskegee Airmen itself chronicles the experiences of these men of color who rose to their Nation’s defense at its greatest time of need — to combat Fascism in Europe that threatened the very existence of the United States — notwithstanding the discrimination these men confronted here at home. Their acts of heroism and determination, although uniquely and greatly contributing to the Allied success in Europe in the Second World War, were not celebrated nor acknowledged for many years after the war’s close. As men of color, they returned home to face challenges that were, in many respects, just as significant and daunting as those they met on the battlefield.

The Tribute event, then, is aimed at providing this important educational awareness as a preface to the “Red Tails” film, thereby heightening audience appreciation for the special contribution made by these men to our country’s wartime and social history.

Arizonans in particular should be aware and proud of the fact that these historic men reside and still walk among us here in our State. This unique event will provide a special opportunity then to meet Arizona’s Tuskegee Airmen, gain valuable insights into their history and legacy and preview a behind-the-scenes educational film backgrounding the forthcoming “Red Tails” movie and the historic events that inspired the film’s production.

Who are the Honorees?

The honorees are all original Tuskegee Airmen — meaning men who trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field between 1941 and 1948. They include fighter and bomber pilots and ground crewmen. They include:

• Fred Archer (Deceased)
• Nathaniel Carr, Sr. (Deceased)
• Vernon Haywood (Deceased)
• Lincoln Ragsdale, Sr. (Deceased)
• Luke Weathers (Deceased)
• Bob Ashby
• George Biggs
•  Bill Campbell
• Charles Cooper
• Thurston Gaines
• Ivie Giles
• Asa Herring
• Rudolph Silas
• Howard Williams

Who is involved in the production and presentation of the Event?

The event is hosted by the CAF Arizona Wing Aviation Museum, in close collaboration with the Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. and The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory and the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, who will provide an Honor Guard for the honorees and invited dignitaries.

The CAF Arizona Wing Aviation Museum is operated by the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. Organized in 1978 as the Arizona chapter of the Commemorative Air Force, the Wing’s mission is to restore and preserve historically important aircraft and related memorabilia in order to educate the public about the significant contributions made by men and women in the defense of the Nation.

The Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. is named in honor of two original Tuskegee Airmen, Fred Archer, the first African American USAF Chief Master Sergeant and Lincoln Ragsdale, a Civil Rights leader and prominent businessman in Phoenix and the State of Arizona who decided to remain in the Phoenix area after completing his military obligation as a P-51 fighter pilot at Luke Air Force Base. The Archer-Ragsdale Chapter is committed to keeping alive the great legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen through youth outreach and other community-based programs throughout Phoenix, the state and the Southwest, targeting in particular minority youth including African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans.

The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory and the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment is based in Mesa, Arizona, and was founded by Commander Fred Marable and Michelle London- Marable as a means to keep alive the history and legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, whose consistent devotion to duty dates back well before Arizona’s statehood. The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory appear regularly at events celebrating local and national historic occasions and other celebrations where its members present an accurate depiction, reenactment and portrayal of the 19th Century West in which the Buffalo Soldier legacy finds it roots.

1. Special Tribute Event to Celebrate the Legacy of Arizona’s Tuskegee Airmen
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3. Largest Global Aviation Maintenance Trade Show in Phoenix , Arizona

Arizona Wing Aviation Museum

PHOENIX – The CAF Arizona Wing Aviation Museum, located at Falcon Field in Mesa Arizona, announced today plans to host a Tribute to Arizona’s Tuskegee Airmen, on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at its Museum at 2017 N. Greenfield Road (northeast corner of McKellips Road and N. Greenfield Road in collaboration with the Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. and the Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory and the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment to honor Arizona’s Tuskegee Airmen.

The event will provide a unique and valuable educational experience in advance of the premiere of Lucasfilm’s new wartime movie epic “Red Tails”, opening in theaters the following Saturday, January 20, 2012.

The ceremony will honor fourteen original Tuskegee Airmen, five of whom are now deceased.  It will include a special Memorial service for the deceased Tuskegee Airmen; an insightful presentation about the history of the Tuskegee Airmen and their significant contribution to social change in both the United States Military and the Nation in the years following the Second World War; appearances by special invited guests; and will be climaxed with a Keynote Address by Major General Marcia Anderson, the highest-ranked woman of color in the U.S. Army, who will also make special presentations to the nine surviving honorees.

After a brief intermission, a special edition of Lucasfilm’s “Double Victory” will be shown.  ”Double Victory” is a gripping documentary of America’s first all-black aerial unit – the Tuskegee Airmen – who broke racial barriers and challenged stereotypes by serving their country in World War II.

The Museum will be closed that day, except to ticket holders to the event, but will open its doors at 10:00 A.M., enabling attendees to tour the Museum’s unique collection of historic aircraft and memorabilia.  The Tribute ceremony will begin at 2:00 P.M.  Seating is limited.  Reservations can be made and tickets purchased at the Museum’s website at www.azcaf.org/redtails or by calling the Museum Gift Shop at (480) 924-1940.  Questions about the event can be answered by emailing the Museum at redtails@azcaf.org.

Go here information about the Tribute to Arizona’s Tuskegee Airmen, CAF Arizona Wing Aviation Museum at Falcon Field.

Media Contact:
Herb Zinn; 480-369-0557 (cell); email HIZ109@aol.com

Website: www.azcaf.org; www.azcaf.org/redtails

1. Tribute to Arizona’s Tuskegee Airmen CAF Arizona Wing Aviation Museum at Falcon Field
2. CAF AZ Wing Event to Recognize Inductees into the Arizona Military Aviation Walk of Honor
3. Missouri Guard sending two airmen to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base

The F-100D Super Sabre, nicknamed “The Hun,” is on display at Bonsall Park in Glendale.

GLENDALE — The F-100D Super Sabre, nicknamed “The Hun,” displayed at Bonsall Park, has been refurbished and will be rededicated on Thursday to the military veterans of Arizona who have served our country.

The rededication ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. and feature comments from city dignitaries, including Glendale’s Mayor Elaine Scruggs and council members Norma Alvarez and Phil Lieberman.

Bonsall Park is at 59th Avenue and Bethany Home Road.

Also attending will be special guests from Luke Air Force Base and Warren H. Rice, a fighter pilot that actually flew this F-100.

The F-100 at Bonsall Park served at Luke AFB from 1962 to 1969, where it was used to train young fighter pilots. Along with Arizona, this jet was deployed from California, Japan, Korea, Nevada and South Dakota. In 1971, the aircraft was dropped from Air Force inventory and transferred to museum status. It was installed at Bonsall Park in 1973.

This year marks the 40th anniversary the plane was removed from active use and placed into the National Museum of the United States Air Force Static Display Program.

The plane was refurbished earlier this year.

The facelift took more than 30 days to complete and involved removing the old paint and finish and giving the jet a new high-tech paint application and updated identification.

A special group of volunteers has  helped with the restoration project. Lt. Col. Marc “Dutch” Matthews, Arizona Air National Guard, and Lt. Col. David J. Kempson, Arizona Air National Guard, researched the flight history and background of the plane and are helping with fundraising efforts.

“The visual impact the jet has on visitors and citizens of Glendale is a tremendous reminder of the sacrifices that our military have made and continue to make today,” said Karen Hesser, parks and recreation deputy director. “The personal commitment of the volunteers with the support of the city of Glendale to restore the jet to its original luster reflects the dedication to keeping these symbols in the forefront of our community.”

A fund has been created to support the annual maintenance of the fighter plane to preserve and maintain it for future generations to enjoy.

Article courtesy of staff reporters at yourwestvalley.com

More information is available here or you can contact Michelle Yates, 623-930-2044 or myates@glendaleaz.com.

1. Glendale rededicates Air Force F-100 jet at Bonsall Park
2. Glendale firefighters team up with Luke AFB
3. Glendale fire chief gets top honor in Arizona

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Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's former commander, addresses the Tuskegee Airmen during the relinquishment of command ceremony at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia Dec. 4, 2011. Neubauer, who commanded the 332nd AEW "Red Tails" from Oct. 2010 to Dec. 4, 2011, lead the wing during the transistion of the largest movement of personnel and equipment since World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Paul Mann)

12/3/2011 – SOUTHWEST ASIA — What began 14 months ago will conclude, with the satisfaction of transitioning the second largest U.S. base in Iraq, among other things.

Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander and the final commander of Joint Base Balad, will relinquish command Dec. 5, 2011 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

“My first feeling was of gratitude for the privilege of wing command again,” said Neubauer, who took command Oct. 5, 2010. “The second was the challenge of facing the unknown of accomplishing the mission from Balad while effectively shutting down a base the size of Charlottesville, Va.”

The general took command and helped transfer JBB to the Government of Iraq.

“I’m very proud of what our wing accomplished and the experience of command in (U.S. Central Command) has been profound, both professionally and personally,” said Neubauer, who considers Phoenix, Ariz., home. “I will greatly miss serving with the Red Tails but I’m anxious to be reunited with my family and go on to our next assignment in Korea.”

After returning home to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Neubauer will serve as 7th Air Force vice commander at Osan Air Base, Korea.

Along the way, Neubauer has gained many memories of the 332nd AEW.

“There are so many memories – for example, flying that last combat sortie from Balad,” he said. “Other things that come to mind are personnel rotations. You get attached to people after serving with them. Watching squadron and group commanders turn over, or seeing my command chief leave – those are bittersweet memories.”

The general also highlighted transferring the air control and C-130 squadrons and standing up detachments for the Predator and MC-12 squadrons as unforgettable events.

“The last very vivid memory is seeing JBB fade from the view of our C-130 after we signed the base over to the Iraqi air force,” he said. “That memory will stay with me for a long while.”

The general’s command was not always easy.

“Our biggest challenge was getting the mission done – defending the base , providing top cover for U.S. Forces-Iraq and assisting our Iraqi hosts – while simultaneously drawing down our Airmen and equipment,” said Neubauer. “That was a real test and I couldn’t be more proud of the leadership, stamina, strength and agility of our Red Tail group and squadron commanders. They did a Herculean job balancing those divergent mission tasks.”

Despite the challenges, however, the 332nd AEW succeeded.

“My most rewarding experience is not losing anybody through the course of 14 months,” he said. “In spite of the fact that we were under significant indirect fire threat, and things got a little hairy as personnel and equipment thinned out, we went in this thing together and we came through the other side together.”

Neubauer gives his thanks to the Airmen of the 332nd AEW.

“I think everybody has a lot to be proud of,” he said. “They may not realize how important their role is and continues to be in this part of the world, but let there be no doubt that what they did has been righteous and worthy work. It’s something they should be proud of, and more importantly, they shouldn’t be bashful about telling their families and their fellow citizens back home what they did here.

“Finally I’d ask them to understand that they added to the heritage and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen,” he continued. “The story of the Tuskegee Airmen is about character. Like them in the forties, our Airmen revealed their character by the way they handled the adversity of accomplishing the mission, protecting the force, preparing for the future and transitioning the base to the Iraqis. They should be very proud of themselves for that.”

Although Neubauer is leaving the 332nd AEW, he will take the lessons he learned with him.

“Regardless of what rank or what position an Airman serves in, everybody can be inspirational,” said Neubauer. “You just have to unlock their potential, and each one of us has talents and gifts in different measure. Those talents and gifts can inspire other Airmen. That inspiration creates belief, and belief is powerful. I’m talking about belief in the mission, belief in each other and belief in ourselves – because once you create belief, you release other virtues–virtues like trust, virtues like loyalty – when you have belief, trust and loyalty, you get action that is unstoppable.

“Regardless of proximity to the flightline or the badge above your U.S. Air Force tape on the (Airman Battle Uniform), regardless of how many stripes on your sleeve or brass on your collar, every single Airman can inspire,” he continued. “All we have to do is look at our Red Tail heritage and think of American Airmen like Benjamin O. Davis or Lee Archer. Although they’re gone, they still inspire us today.”

by Senior Airman Amber R. Kelly-Herard, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

1. Familiar Face! Familiar Hat!

While most families at Luke will have an enjoyable holiday season, there are also those families that will utilize these base programs and services to secure a more comfortable holiday for them and their families as well.

There are currently 224 Luke Airmen deployed which equates to many families going through a situation most of us are unfamiliar with during the holidays. We are proud at FCP to shoulder part of the responsibility to assist Luke in ensuring that every family at Luke AFB enjoys the holidays. FCP provides funding to these areas so the base has the resources they need to accomplish those goals.

I would also like to mention another fact that gets overlooked. When an Airman is deployed, their mission at Luke doesn’t go away; their roles and responsibilities are absorbed by the dedicated Airmen doing their mission here at home. So while these 224 Airmen are deployed during the holidays, you also have a minimum of 224 Airmen (if not 448) having increased workloads here to accomplish those missions at Luke AFB during the holiday season.

Please remember two things during the holidays. First of all, be thankful and proud of the support that you provide FCP, because that support is passed through to the areas that are needed the most at the most appropriate times. Secondly, as you celebrate these special days with your family, remember to thank the men and women in uniform for the service they provide so that we can enjoy the privileges that we have. Saying “thank you” could help an airman, soldier or seaman to keep their morale high as they perform their missions for our country.

Thanks for the support you provide to Fighter Country Partnership and have a Happy Holiday Season!

No related posts.

Glendale Fire Chief Mark Burdick is "Chief Fire Officer of the Year."

By John Genovese at the Arizona Republic

Glendale Fire Chief Mark Burdick was named “Chief Fire Officer of the Year” by the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association.

Burdick has served nearly three decades with the department, and has been chief since 2002.

Burdick was presented the award at a recent City Council meeting by Larry Rooney, the immediate past president of the association, which organizes fire department leaders across the state.

Association members nominate one of their peers each year to receive the honor.

Burdick has championed several programs throughout his career in Glendale.

In 2007, he helped launch the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center, a facility used by several West Valley cities to train new and veteran firefighters and police.

In 2010, he pioneered the Helicopter Air-Medical and Logistical Operations project, designed as a rapid-response air medical team primarily used to transport critically ill and injured patients to the hospital.

According to the association, Burdick has provided unified guidance on fire-service issues and concerns around the state, in addition to focusing on the health and safety of firefighters.

The organization described the chief as “an excellent example of a progressive and innovative fire service professional.”

Chief Mark Burdick is a current Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base for the 56 CES/CC.

1. Glendale firefighters team up with Luke AFB
2. CAF AZ Wing Event to Recognize Inductees into the Arizona Military Aviation Walk of Honor
3. New Command Chief at Luke AFB is Ready to Serve

Community support at its finest!  Turkeys for Troops is sponsored by the Litchfield Kiwanis.

1. Peoria Chamber gathers troops to support F-35 mission at Luke

Save the date for our 3rd annual Honorary Commanders Golf Tournament sponsored by Wigwam & Ping.  Last year’s event was sold out and a smashing success. See for yourself here here.

In the coming months we will update this page with more information and links to sponsor the event, sponsor a hole or tee box, registration for volunteers and foursome registration.

Who:

Fighter Country Partnership (FCP), the leading support and advocacy organization for Luke AFB.

What:

3rd Annual Honorary Commanders Golf Tournament, luncheon, auctions and raffle for terrific prizes and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Where:

The Wigwam Golf Club at Wigwam Arizona

When:

Friday, June 1st, 2012
    Registration — 06:00
    Shotgun Start — 07:00

Why:

To raise money to support the FCP Top Ten programs of Luke AFB.

Cost:

$1000 per foursome with outstanding S.W.A.G. bags for participants
$1000 per municipal foursome to compete in the municipal challenge.
Various Sponsor packages (see below.)

Registration:

Coming soon via this page (fightercountry.org/golf2012)

More Info:

Contact Ron Sites (rsites@fightercountry.org)
or Susan Lovelace (susan@fightercountry.org)

To download a PDF of the brochure please click here.

1. PebbleCreek Republican Club 1st Annual Charity Golf Tournament
2. 2nd Annual FCP HC Golf Tournament
3. 2011 FCP Golf Tournament Sponsorship *Update*

The IMS Arizona Marathon wants to thank the community for its continuous support over the past three years. To show our appreciation, we would like to offer you a special rate at the 2012 event. As we approach our fourth year of running, walking and jogging through our cities’ streets, it is time to think about throwing on a pair of running shoes and taking part in the IMS Arizona Marathon – Half – Relay – 5k – Fit Kids Celebration. This year a commerative medal in celebration of 100 years of Arizona.

Go to our registration page and enter the Coupon code MILITARY30 and save $30 which will be a special rate of $35 for the full marathon and $30 for the half marathon.

We cannot wait to see you join us in February 2012, along with the support from your family and friends cheering you on along the course!

Hurry, the OFFER EXPIRES December 30, 2011

Click here to download a PDF.

1. Wigwam Salutes our Heroes
2. Community Works of Arizona Donation Bins

Blair Bunting - Blair Bunting Photography

This month, Fighter Country Partnership newsletter features Mr. Blair Bunting, an advertising and editorial photographer in Phoenix specializing in commercial portraits of celebrities and athletes. Mr. Blair Bunting was inducted into the Luke Air Force Base’s Honorary Commanders program a year ago. Since then, he has immersed himself into the 425th Fighter Squadron and has made a positive impact to the base and his adopted squadron family.

Background:  Blair Bunting burst onto the commercial advertising scene at age 19 with a very unique style.  His photos for the Discovery Channel: MythBusters, Deadliest Catch, Future Weapons, the list of professional athletes and celebrities he’s photographed for major publications continues to grow.  His style is edgy, contrasty, specular and is widely recognized for his vibrant and unique imagery and lighting.  His advertising clientele includes Pepsi, General Motors, Adidas, Discovery Networks, AT&T, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship series.  Additionally, Blair has worked with numerous movie and television personalities, profession athletes, and high profile politicians.  His editorial and portraiture work has appeared in countless national and international newspapers and magazines such as the New York Times, Time, Business Week, Cosmopolitan, Sports Illustrated and ESPN Magazine.

When asked what it is like being an Honorary Commander, he explained, “First and foremost, an honor.  It is an invitation to a family of men and women that possess character and class that is unrivaled.  It is also a responsibility to the Airmen of Luke and a role that I take much pride in.”

Many Honorary Commanders have had no previous experience with the military or know what military life is all about.  The program provides a unique insight into the mission and people at Luke.

“I have learned the complexity that the base functions under,” said Mr. Bunting. “The respect and attention that is given to every function that goes into making the F-16’s fly safely, is overwhelming.  Every role has a purpose as the leadership has done such an incredible job making the bigger picture visible.”

The Honorary Commanders program provides many opportunities and events for these selected community and business leaders.  Mr. Bunting explained that his most memorable so far have been the induction ceremony and the squadron naming ceremony.

“The induction is where the gravity of the situation and our role as Honorary Commanders really struck me perhaps due to the character and accomplishments of all the Honorary’s that I serve alongside or perhaps because I was the youngest one in the room,” he said.

Each squadron at Luke is assigned two Honorary Commanders.  Mr. Bunting serves alongside Mr. Garth Stevens, of Snell & Wilmer.

Mr. Blair Bunting is inducted as an Honorary Commander November 2010 at Luke Air Force Base assigned to the 425th Fighter Squadron commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Dean (right)

“The naming ceremony with the 425th Fighter Squadron “Black Widows” was very memorable,” Mr. Bunting said.  “After that night, I was no longer Blair, but became “Flash” and Garth became “JDAM” and the 425th were not my squad, but my brothers.”

Mr. Bunting explained that one of his favorite experiences was a trip with the 425^th FS to the Barry M. Goldwater Range.

“It was an opportunity to meet not only our squad, but also their families, which is a very important aspect of the 425th (a Singapore squadron), he said. “We watched practice bomb drops and strafing passes from our guys and found a greater respect for the skill it takes to be a Viper pilot.”

Lieutenant Colonel Michael “Screamin” Dean, the commander of the 425^th Fighter Squadron, explained, “This program allows us to establish personal relationships with folks who have the ability to reach the community in ways we can’t.  I’m sure there are very few people in the community who are aware of Singapore’s presence at Luke and even more importantly, why they are here.  Both of my assigned Honorary Commanders, Blair “Flash” Bunting and Garth “JDAM” Stevens, know the Widows well and are advocates.  They have introduced the Widows to their peers and share the “One Team, One Fight” spirit of the Black Widows with them.”

Colonel Dean went on to say, “I’ve learned not to take my job for granted.”  “The ability to serve and do it as a fighter pilot and a commander is a privilege.  It’s a calling most civilians don’t understand and never have the opportunity to experience.  Seeing their reactions to our accomplishments is refreshing and rewarding in and of itself.  Additionally, it’s always good to see appreciation from the folks we are here to protect.  Blair and Garth are absolutely appreciative.”

Currently Mr. Bunting is helping the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds with a photo shoot this month to give a high-quality look to their already incredible show. He has also offered to do a photo shoot with the Widows and has been very generous providing support for larger squadron events.  He has also offered his participation in many of the athletic events and promotions he photographs.

425th Fighter Squadron - Black Widows - Feared Throughout the Land

“Being assigned to the 425th Fighter Squadron is like finding out you’ve won a car, only to learn that the car you have won is a Ferrari,” Mr. Bunting explains. “Being a Black Widow is being a part of their family, their Singaporean culture, and their lives.  The 425th is about community and on many occasions I have brought family, friends, and even other Honorary Commanders to our events and all were immediately treated as family.”

“Both Blair and Garth have whole heartedly embraced this program and we are happy to call them Widows,” Colonel Dean said.  “The message they spread throughout the community is positive and their passion for the military is rewarding.  They missed their calling and would both make great Fighter Pilots!”

Mr. Bunting concludes, “Winning photography awards is great, traveling the world for shoots is fun, but nothing (and I mean NOTHING) brings as much pride to me than to say, “I am a Black Widow—Feared Throughout the Land.”

1. Honorary Commander Feature: Mr. Mike Nealy
2. Honorary Commander Feature: Mr. David Haddad
3. The Honorary Commander Program

Major General Robin Rand

Major General Robin Rand received Senate confirmation November 14th to be the Commander, 12th Air Force, at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, AZ. The posting also comes with a promotion to the grade of Lieutenant General. General Rand was the 56th Fighter Wing Commander from June ’04 – June ’06 and was a staunch supporter of Fighter Country Partnership throughout his tenure at Luke AFB. His personal relationships with local civic leaders spearheaded rapid growth and acceptance of Fighter Country Partnership as a powerful lobby for the Airmen of Luke AFB, as well as spearheading the drive for future basing of the F-35 Lightning II at Luke.

(L to R) Maj Gen Rand, Col Jack Maixner, Lt Col Jeff Lovelace, Brig Gen Kurt Neubauer, and Lt Col Jeff Jenssen on the occasion of Lt Col Lovelace’s final flight in the F-16 at Luke AFB on June 4th 2009

General Rand and his lovely wife, Kim, were always present at FCP events, and cultivated a culture of ‘unity of purpose’ among all of our members. For the past year, he has been the Special Assistant to the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, General Phil Breedlove – his predecessor as Luke 1! We would like to wish General and Mrs. Rand the absolute best in their new assignment, and hopefully will see more of them in the near future.

1. Luke Air Force Base Serves as the “School House” for Air Force Fighter Training
2. Major F-35 training mission criteria requirement met by Luke Air Force Base
3. 2011 Patriot All-American Golfers from NCAA at Luke AFB

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer stands outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010, after attending arguments at the Supreme Court who will decide if the Arizona employer sanctions law is constitutional. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Gov. Jan Brewer will head to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday for a day of meetings on Capitol Hill and a speech to a GOP women’s group.

Brewer will meet on Wednesday with members of Arizona’s congressional delegation, followed by a meeting with U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley. Gubernatorial spokesman Matthew Benson said Brewer and Donley will discuss Luke Air Force Base’s bid to be the home of the F-35 joint strike fighter.

After the meeting with Donley, Brewer will meet again with members of the delegation, and possibly with other members of Congress as well, Benson said.

On Thursday, Brewer will speak at the 2011 Women Working for Change Conference, hosted by Project Go Pink, a Republican women’s organization, in National Harbor, Md. Brewer, who will also be signing copies of her new book at the conference, will join a star-studded roster that includes former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte, Texas First Lady Anita Perry, author and activist Callista Gingrich, the wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and seven members of Congress.

“I think it’s more an educational opportunity to again reiterate the governor’s commitment to seeing that the F-35 is sited at Luke Air Force Base, as well as some timing issues with regard to the phase-out of the F-16 and trying to make sure the F-35 and the F-16 are kind of in sync in terms of when one is phased out and the other is phased in,” Benson said.

Benson said he isn’t exactly sure what Brewer and the congressional delegation will discuss.

“I would imagine that the IRC will be a major topic of discussion, but certainly not the only issue that’s on their table right now.”

Republican members of the delegation urged Brewer several weeks ago to call a special session to oust Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission Chairwoman Colleen Mathis. Brewer and the Senate removed Mathis from office on Nov. 1.

Brewer will return to Arizona on Friday.

By Jeremy Duda – jeremy.duda@azcapitoltimes.com

1. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and Steve Yamamori Love Luke AFB

Article by Ron Sites, President and Executive Director of Fighter Country Partnership.

The Sonoran Desert Heritage draft proposal for protecting public lands in western Maricopa County is not simply a conservation effort. It is supported by a broad cross-section of homegrown Arizona public and private interests for a variety of environmental and economic reasons.

Fighter Country Partnership is proud to support the Sonoran Desert Heritage conservation plan because its passage will further protect Luke Air Force Base and its $2.1 billion annual economic impact to our community.

The Sonoran Desert Heritage conservation proposal will protect and maintain the necessary open spaces over which missions are conducted, thereby preserving the vital air corridors necessary for flight operations at Luke. This protection is more critical now than ever because Luke is the preferred alternative for training pilots of the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Proactive conservation of this landscape also helps safeguard wildlife species outside of Arizona’s military bases and the Barry M. Goldwater Range, thereby reducing the risk to these species concerned and the financial burden of managing them.

Over the course of more than five years, local organizers for this effort have been reaching out to communities in the West Valley to find partners to help shape this draft proposal into a well-vetted measure to be introduced in Congress. Fighter Country Partnership was one of several stakeholder groups that recently met with our congressional delegation in Washington to support the draft conservation proposal. Other supporters include West Valley churches, like the Avondale Church of God; energy companies such as Abengoa Solar Inc. and NextEra Energy Resources LLC; wildlife and outdoor groups such as the Arizona Wildlife Federation, Arizona State Horsemen’s Association, and Friends of Saddle Mountain; and companies like DMB Associates., and Sunbelt Holdings, residential developers of Verrado and Douglas Ranch, respectively.

Fighter Country Partnership is proud to be part of this collaborative, transparent process to protect Arizona’s heritage.

We encourage the public to offer candid feedback on the Sonoran Desert Heritage draft proposal during a series of open-house meetings in the West Valley. Draft maps and materials will be available for viewing; attendees can submit comments and request additional meetings to address any questions.

Public feedback sought

The public is invited to give feedback on the Sonoran Desert Heritage draft proposal during a series of open-house meetings. All meetings are from 7 to 9 p.m. Additional information is available at www.sonoranheritage.org.

Nov. 10 — Wickenburg Community Center, 175 E. Swilling Ave., Wickenburg.
Nov. 15 — Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce, 16126 N.Civic Center Plaza, Surprise.
Nov. 17 — Buckeye Chamber of Commerce, 508 E. Monroe Ave., Buckeye.

This story published courtesy of West Valley Voices via Arizona Republic.

1. Luke Air Force Base anti-encroachment pact protects base for F-35 mission
2. Luke Forward F-35 Mission Update
3. Support Building for Statewide F-35 Luke Forward Campaign

FCP at the 2011 Scottsdale Airshow

1. Fourth of July Freedom Fest at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
2. Scottsdale Gun Club Selects FCP as Beneficiary During Opening of SGC|Peoria
3. FCP @ Vistancia Music & Wine Festival 2011

Fighter Country Partnership at Vistancia Music & Wine Festival 2011

1. Tickets Now on Sale for the Vistancia Music & Wine Festival
2. Vistancia Music & Wine Festival 2011
3. FCP @ Scottsdale Airshow 2011

 Join us for an exclusive Wellness Expo designed just for you.

• Know your Numbers—Get health screenings & advice from medical professionals to stay healthy!
• Get a mammogram onsite through Mobile Onsite Mammography
• Make appointments at the women’s clinics on base or throughout Phoenix
• Participate in healthy cooking demonstrations and sample the delicious cuisine
• Get physical with fun fitness demonstrations
• Healthy snacks provided throughout the day
• Win great prizes every 30 minutes!

You could walk away with amazing raffle prizes such as a 42” flat screen TV or weekend getaways at the Wigwam Resort, Kierland Westin Resort, Omni Tucson National Resort and more.

Event Details

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Wigwam Resort – Grand Ballroom
300 Wigwam Blvd.
Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 (link to map)

Join us at the time most convenient for you:
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

FREE child care available for children over age 3
(must reserve space in advance for your child)

Let us know if you will be joining us!
* = required field

Sorry, registration has closed for the the Beautiful Women Expo event.

This event is brought to you by:

1. Wigwam Salutes our Heroes