www.WigwamArizona.com | 623-935-3811

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Chief Master Sgt. David Staton, 56th Fighter Wing command chief, and Staff Sgt. Kelvin Barnes, 56th LRS POL fuels lab NCO-in-charge, take a fuel sample for lab testing.

By SENIOR AIRMAN
KATE VAUGHN
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

One of the dirtiest jobs on base may be in the 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant Flight.

Every time a jet takes off, it’s powered by fuel. But where does that fuel come from and how does it make it into the jets?

The POL flight is ready to respond around the clock in order to ensure each jet gets the fuel it needs. It all starts at the preventive refueling maintenance section where each of the 18 R-11 fuel trucks is inspected to ensure nothing malfunctions while delivering fuel to a jet.

Staff Sgt. Elijah MacLaren, 56th LRS refueling maintenance technician, said repairing the R-11s is the best part of the job.

The R-11s hold up to 6,000 gallons of fuel and can fuel four F-16s at a time. Here at Luke, POL issues about 120,000 gallons of fuel a day, supplying fuel for an average of 51 sorties a day, MacLaren said.

After fuel makes its way from supplier Kinder Morgan in Phoenix to Luke’s storage tanks via pipeline, and before it’s transferred to the trucks, it must be tested. Fuel is tested for color, water, solids, conductivity, icing inhibitor and flashpoint.

Once the fuel passes all the tests, it’s transferred into an R-11 and makes its way out to the flightline.
The newest addition to the POL team, Chief Master Sgt. David Staton, 56th Fighter Wing command chief, is on a mission to learn the dirtiest jobs on base.

“Well, it’s not an easy job to learn” MacLaren said, “but Chief Staton seems like a natural. He was eager and wanted to know everything there is to know about POL. With a little bit of practice, he’d fit right in.”

In Staton’s eyes, POL is a vital part of the 56th Fighter Wing mission.

“What we do here at Luke is extremely important — getting jets in the air and training the world’s finest fighter pilots,” he said. “I want people to understand exactly how those jets get there.”

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Peoria Mayor Bob Barrett

There are two reasons I believe Luke Air Force Base is at more risk now than it was during the base selection process for the F-35.

Sequestration and BRAC, which is Base Realignment and Closure.
The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced that it will seek two rounds of base closures, one in 2015 followed by another in 2017. Apparently DoD wanted to do a BRAC last year but that was stymied by Congress, who just happened to be up for reelection.

Sequestration will damage Luke, our largest training base. Sequestration is a nice word for foolish across-the-board budget cuts being made without regard to the consequences. In its infinite wisdom Congress set up these massive budget cuts to force itself to reach agreements on how to reduce the budget. The thought was that the pain, and stupidity, of sequestration is so bad, they couldn’t allow it to happen.

Well, there’s no foolish thing that scares Congress. Sequestration is here and, based on news stories in early March, no member of Congress seems to want to compromise on the forced cuts.

Arizona, and Luke, is especially vulnerable because of the heavy military presence and the presence of military contractors in the state, such as Boeing, Raytheon, etc. Hopefully it will not throw the entire state back into recession.

But its already had an impact. Luke Days was cancelled. This is a celebration of the marriage between the Air Force and the surrounding communities and the entire Valley of the Sun. This celebration draws thousands of folks to the base to see the static displays and the air show.

The benefit to the public of Luke Days is that we get to see the military and understand what they do, how they protect us and how beneficial Luke is to the Valley. The air show is awesome and the other displays and shows allow us to see what we pay for with our taxes.

That’s gone this year. If the budget cuts continue, we need—as a community—to explore the possibility of what it would take to have Luke Days financed by business and state and local government contributions. Perhaps it is not possible. But maybe it is.

As for BRAC, that is the true danger.

It’s easy to sit back and say we’re the largest training base and we’re safe.
But it’s because we are the largest base that we’re at risk. How does DoD save the most money? Not by closing little bases. They’ll go after the big bases…like Luke.

We need to begin now to talk to our Congressional delegation, all of them, that we are aware of this threat and they need to do everything they can to keep Luke off the list of base closings. They need to begin those discussions with DoD now.

The specter of losing Luke because we did not get the F-35 was horrible to contemplate. As a community we came together and demonstrated our overwhelming support of Luke. We will need to duplicate that effort to deflect the threat of BRAC.

And we need to start soon.

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Development updates

• F-35B first flight successfully completed on June 11, 2008
• USAF Lt. Col. James Kromberg becomes first military pilot to fly F-35 on Jan. 30, 2008
• All three variants have successfully completed Critical Design Review.
• Final Block 3 software capabilities defined.

F-35 AA-1 flight testing

• Forty-three flights completed as of May 29, 2008.
• In-flight refueling system qualifications complete.
• Flight Test Update 3.0 installation complete.
• First military pilot to fly the F-35 (Jan. 30) described handling as “phenomenal.”
• Speed of Mach 0.9 achieved on Jan. 10, 2008
• Ascent to 38,000 feet on May 3, 2007
• Helmet-Mounted Display System flown for first time on April 4, 2007.
• F-35 AA-1 successfully completed its first flight on Dec. 15, 2006.
• Aircraft incorporates content from all nine F-35 participant countries.
• The first F-35B (BF-1), the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant, is on the flight line.
• First flight successfully completed on June 11
• Five flights as of July 9, 2008
• All ground tests completed on June 9.
• Successful ground test of STOVL propulsion system conducted on May 25.
• Successful afterburner engine runs on May 16.
• Aircraft moved from production line to flight line on Dec.18.

Manufacturing

• All System Development and Demonstration aircraft are in production or on the flight line; first production-model F-35s started.
• Manufacturing pace is increasing; all test aircraft are in flight testing or production.
• The first two Low Rate Initial Production aircraft are also in the manufacturing flow
• The F-35 Cooperative Avionics Test Bed has begun airborne avionics testing.
• The “CATBird,” a highly modified 737, will be used to validate the F-35’s massively powerful integrated avionics suite in flight before the avionics are flown on the F-35 aircraft.
• CATBird will fly and proof-test the complete, integrated F-35 mission systems package before it flies in an F-35 aircraft.
• CATB installations are under way for the AESA radar, inertial nav system, GPS, electronic warfare, and an F-35 cockpit to support airborne Block 0.5 avionics testing.
• CATBird resumed test flights on Dec. 7 following hardware and software installations.
• Aerial testing of F-35 Communications-Navigation-Identification system completed in half the time planned.

Sustainment

• The F-35 Autonomic Logistics and Global Sustainment (ALGS) system is active and supporting Manufacturing and Flight Testing
• F-35 Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) was switched on April 30.
• ALGS Operations Center is now operational.
• Funding approved for Low Rate Initial Production lot 2 (12 aircraft)
• Long-lead funding approved for Low Rate Initial Production lot 3 (18 aircraft)
• International Partners: All JSF participant countries have joined the F-35 program’s next phase. Those countries are the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark and Norway.
• Program Funding: Funding for the first two production aircraft has been approved by Congress and is under contract, and initial fabrication of those two airplanes is under way.
• Funding for the second phase of low-rate initial production (LRIP 2), and long-lead funding for third phase (LRIP 3), has been authorized by the Department of Defense.
• LRIP 2 funding provides approval to purchase six conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35As for the US Air Force, with provisional approval to purchase six short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) F-35Bs for the U.S. Marine Corps following a senior leadership review and the inaugural flight of that variant.
• LRIP 3 approval provides long-lead funding for at least 18 additional F-35s.
• First Flights Remaining: Carrier variant (CV) F-35C first flight in 2009
• Initial Operational Capability (IOC) dates are: 2012 for USMC; 2013 for USAF; 2015 for US Navy

Quantities (planned):

• USAF 1,763
• USN/USMC 680
• RAF/RN 138
• Italy 131
• Netherlands 85
• Turkey 100
• Australia 100
• Norway 48
• Denmark 48
• Canada 60
• Average Unit Recurring Flyaway Cost (in FY 2002 dollars – the most recent comprehensive estimate) :

F-35A upper-$40 million
F-35B mid-$60 million
F-35C mid-$60 million

Source: Lockheed Martin

For additional information, visit www.lockheedmartin.com. Also visit Lockheed Martin’s Flickr to see F-35 photographs.

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F-35 Lightning II on Tarmac

Following an intense four-year competition, the U.S. Department of Defense on 26 October 2001, named the Lockheed Martin lead Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) team as the winner of the contract to develop the F-35 Lightning II. The F-35 team immediately entered the program’s 10-year System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase.

The SDD period involves the development and testing of the entire aircraft system, including its manufacture. During SDD, the team will build a total of 22 test aircraft. Fourteen will undergo flight-testing, seven will be used for non-airborne test activities, and one will be used to evaluate the F-35’s radar signature.

Nine nations are partnering in the F-35’s SDD phase: The United States, United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Denmark, Norway and Australia. Partnership in SDD entitles those countries to bid for work on a best value basis, and participate in the aircraft’s development. Additionally, Israel and Singapore have agreed to join the program as a Security Cooperation Participants.

Lockheed Martin is the F-35 prime contractor, while Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems are principal partners in the project.

Final assembly of the F-35 takes place at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Fort Worth, Texas. Northrop Grumman Corporation in Palmdale and El Segundo, California will manufacture the center-fuselage, and the aft fuselage and tails will be manufactured by BAE Systems in Samlesbury, England. Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth will manufacture the forward fuselage and wings.

Flight-testing will be conducted at Fort Worth, Edwards Air Force Base, and Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Additionally, the STOVL and CV variants will undergo sea trials aboard American, British and Italian aircraft carriers.

Click here to read F-35 Lightning II program update and fast facts.

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U.S. Congressman Trent Franks

Having been in public service for roughly 30 years of my life, witnessing political posturing is not exactly a new phenomenon. But the recent back-and-forth over President Obama’s sequester, including the failure to reach an agreement before the March 1 deadline, has taken the worst aspects of bureaucracy to absurd new heights.

Indeed, the federal government has, at this point, become essentially a parody of itself. So inefficient and ineffective has the budgeting process become that the federal government has, for months, been scrambling to find some way to undo its own work.

A crash course was charted, autopilot was enabled, and we are now somehow shocked to find ourselves arriving at our destination.

The most disgraceful aspect of the sequester that Mr. Obama insisted be included in the Budget Control Act back in 2011 is that we are breaking faith with the nation’s best and brightest — those who signed on a dotted line that they were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for this country. And now, they will bear an unnecessary burden thanks to an executive who has put ideology and politics above all else.

The irresponsible method of these arbitrary cuts to our national defense has literally put troops’ body armor and missile defense on the same levels as excess color copies and lawn mowing services. And both Luke Air Force Base, and the state of Arizona, as a whole, will soon feel the effects, unless an agreement is reached on either one of the two plans House Republicans have offered to solve sequestration, or some other, as-yet-unintroduced plan.

Among those effects will be decreases in flight hours, a reduction in weapons sustainment, and furloughs of as many as 3,100 personnel in the state, resulting in nearly $24 million in lost pay.

This is, of course, why many members of Congress, myself included, voted against the poorly conceived (to put it mildly) Sequestration plan. And it’s why I have worked to ensure we do everything possible to prevent the damaging effect the cuts will have on our armed forces.

Among those efforts was my vote today on a Continuing Resolution that would take the important step of at least giving the military flexibility to determine how and where the cuts are made, thereby alleviating some of the pain caused by the cuts’ thoughtless, arbitrary nature.

But, as partisan as it may sound, the unfortunate fact of the matter is when dealing with a second-term ideologue President whose administration has now sunk to the level of literally releasing detained criminals and blaming it on sequestration, reasonable discourse has never been an option, making a permanent solution that much more difficult to attain.

Luke Air Force Base trains the best pilots in the world and serves as an indispensible component in our overall fighting force. Speaking as one of the most fiscally conservative members of Congress, there are many, many government programs that need to be cut in order to get our deficit under control. But Luke Air Force Base, and the vital funding that makes our military the greatest in the world, should be off-limits.

Going forward, I intend to continue working with my colleagues in the House toward the ultimate goal of a plan that is both sensible and fulfills one of Congress’ most fundamental Constitutional duties, as outlined in Article 1, Section 8 – ensuring America’s armed forces have every resource they need to continue serving as the standard by which all others are judged.

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Gen. Philip Breedlove

Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, 57, commander of U.S. Air Force personnel in Europe and Africa since July 2012, is President Barack Obama’s choice to head the NATO command. From June 2002 to June 2004, Breedlove was the wing commander at Luke AFB.

Breedlove has flown combat missions in Operation Joint Forge/Joint Guardian. He is a command pilot with 3,500 flying hours, primarily in the F-16.

If Breedlove is nominated and confirmed by the Senate, he would succeed Navy Adm. James Stavridis, who has been head of NATO since 2009. Breedlove would also be the first Air Force general to hold the top NATO position since 2000-2003.

Prior to assuming his current position, Breedlove served Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. As Vice Chief, he presided over the Air Staff and served as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Requirements Oversight Council and Deputy Advisory Working Group. He assisted the Chief of Staff with organizing, training, and equipping of 680,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas. General Breedlove has flown combat missions in Operation Joint Forge/Joint Guardian. He is a command pilot with 3,500 flying hours, primarily in the F-16.

Charley Freericks, Immediate Past Chairman of the FCP Board, knew Breedlove well, and commented on his selection as NATO chief.

Freericks said, “As a former wing commander of Luke AFB, he’s well known and part of our family, the Luke community. He’s a great man and a great leader, and I’m proud for him.

“I’ve met him because of things here. He is one of the founding fathers of FCP in its reborn condition. He was very involved in Fighter Country here before I was involved.

“He’s a good leader, very fair and smart guy. I think he’s a great choice.”

Breedlove was raised in Forest Park, Ga., and was commissioned in 1977 as a distinguished graduate of Georgia Tech’s ROTC program. He has been assigned to numerous operational, command and staff positions, and has completed nine overseas tours, including two remote tours. He has commanded a fighter squadron, an operations group, three fighter wings, and a numbered air force. Additionally, he has served as operations officer in the Pacific Command Division on the Joint Staff; executive officer to the Commander of Headquarters Air Combat Command; the senior military assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force; and Vice Director for Strategic Plans and Policy on the Joint Staff.

Assignments since May 2000

• June 2001 – June 2002, senior military assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
• June 2002 – June 2004, Commander, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB, Ariz.
• June 2004 – June 2005, Commander, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano AB, Italy
• June 2005 – October 2006, Vice Commander, 16th Air Force, Ramstein AB, Germany
• October 2006 – July 2008, Vice Director for Strategic Plans and Policy, Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
• July 2008 – August 2009, Commander, 3rd Air Force, Ramstein AB, Germany
• August 2009 – January 2011, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
• January 2011 – July 2012, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
• July 2012 – present, Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe; Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Africa; Commander, Air Component Command, Ramstein Air Base, Germany; and Director, Joint Air Power Competency Center, Ramstein.

Summary of Joint Assignments

1. July 1991 – May 1993, Chief of Air Operations, United Nations Command and Republic of Korea/U.S. Combined Forces Command, Yongsan Army Garrison, South Korea, as a major
2. June 1995 – July 1997, operations officer, U.S. Pacific Command Division, Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., as a lieutenant colonel
3. October 2006 – July 2008, Vice Director for Strategic Plans and Policy, Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., as a major general

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Luke cancels air show

Luke AFB officials announced Feb. 15 that Luke’s 2013 Open House and Air Show, “Storm on the Horizon,” originally scheduled for March 16 and 17, is canceled.

“While I value the importance of this event to both the Air Force and our local community, given the budgetary pressures and expected repercussions if sequestration goes into effect, we need to cancel this year’s Luke Days. I cannot in good conscience spend some of our limited resources to host an open house, while the Defense Department considers potential civilian furloughs,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Rothstein, 56th Fighter Wing commander.

Luke is taking additional steps to continue to be good financial stewards of tax payer dollars. This includes working to gain efficiencies, deferring non-mission critical repairs and supply buys, significantly reducing flying not directly related to pilot training, as well as reducing costs by curtailing non-mission critical services.

“I have been overwhelmed by the phenomenal community support shown to Luke in the short time I’ve been here. That support for our base is second to none, and made canceling our open house a very hard decision for me. I believe it’s important for Luke to open our gates to the public to enhance awareness of Air Force missions and military capabilities as well as the skills and professionalism of its people. I hope to continue our strong community alliance and resume special events like the open house as soon as possible,” Rothstein said.

No dates for future open houses have been set.

The announcement by Luke comes at the same time that officials at the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina announced they were also canceling their “Wings Over Wayne” open house scheduled for May 18 and 19 for the same reason as Luke’s open house cancellation: sequestration and congressional uncertainty.

Readers were asked the following question: “Should the Luke aFB Wing Commander have scaled down the air show and open house instead of cancelling the entire event?”

The Glendale Star readers were evenly split at 50 percent “yes” and 50 percent “no.”
Readers of the Peoria Times replied with 58.3 percent saying “yes” and 41.7 percent replying “no.”

Supporters of Luke AFB and its mission remain staunchly behind the base mission and have shown outpourings of support for the Airmen and their families through difficult times, and stand ready to lend their continued support.

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In order to enjoy FCP Visions Spring 2013 Web Edition you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent application that will display the PDF file format. Click here to download FCP Visions Spring 2013 (you may need to right click and “save file as”).

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

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Darcie McCracken, Honorary Commander, Luke Air Force Base

Fighter Country Partnership is proud to feature Darcie McCracken, an alumni member of the Honorary Commanders Program, for its newsletter. Darcie was assigned to the 63rd Fighter Squadron until the squadron deactivated and then the 309th Fighter Squadron from 2008 to 2010 at Luke Air Force Base.

Since July 2005, Darcie has been the Deputy City Clerk with the City of Glendale.  She worked for the City of Glendale in various positions including the City Manager’s office, City Court, and the Glendale Police Department since 1989.  Her education includes the Arizona State University Advanced Public Executive Program; a Master’s of Education in Leadership at Northern Arizona University; Bachelor of Science, Administration of Justice degree from Arizona State University West; and an Associates Degree in General Studies at Glendale Community College.

Darcie volunteers with the Fighter Country Partnership organization and is a member of the Blue Blazer Squadron (active Honorary Commander alumnus). As part of Fighter Country Partnership, she worked the annual golf tournament to help raise funds for the organization which, in turn, supports the men and women of Luke AFB.  She also proudly walked in the Fiesta Bowl Parade holding the U.S. Flag balloon with other FCP members, just previous to the men and women of the 56th Fighter Wing.

Doris Ong and Darcie McCracken, both members of the Blue Blazer Squadron, Fighter Country Partnership, participate in the March 2013 Blue Blazer Squadron Annual “Charge” at the Tucson Omni National Resort.

She recently participated in the Blue Blazer Squadron retreat in Tucson visiting with the 12th Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Robin Rand; the D-M 50 Tucson community leaders and visiting the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group.

Darcie also volunteered her time as a victim’s assistance caseworker with the Glendale Police Department from March 2002 to December 2012.  In 2007, she graduated from Leadership West, Class 14, and continued to participate as the Leadership West secretary from 2011 to 2012.   Darcie is a member of the Arizona Municipal Clerk’s Association and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks since 2005 holding offices as the president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.  She held various offices with the Arizona State University Alumni Association Criminology Chapter from January 2005 to 2010.

When asked what it’s like being an Honorary Commander at Luke AFB, she said, “A rewarding adventure.”

“The people that I have met are the biggest asset of the military.  The support that the families give to their military men and women is inspirational.  Each and every spouse and family member that supports their service member takes on the role of father, mother, daily chores, etc., and makes it possible for the service men and women to serve our country.  The sacrifice made by the families and servicemen and women–missing birthdays, anniversaries and holidays, as well as all the special events–humbles me.”

Darcie explained that she learned how military traditions are practiced and revered at Luke and throughout the Air Force.

“For every event, for every promotion, or change of command, there are certain things that must be done–certain traditions and customs that are expected and part of the event itself,” she said.” “While some of the events are very much procedure, there is that sense of caring throughout that shows how proud the men and women are to be doing what they are doing and to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”

The Honorary Commanders program is designed to promote mutual partnerships with the local community and to promote a better understanding of the important Air Force mission.  The goal is to gain positive public opinion with influencers.

Darcie McCracken receives an F-16 orientation flight by Lieutenant Colonel Jack “Max” Maixner, Commander of the 63rd Fighter Squadron, Luke Air Force Base.

“I do feel that the Honorary Commander program is meeting its’ goal to promote mutual partnerships. I work for the City of Glendale, and Luke was annexed by the City many years ago to protect the mission of the base. I’ve had the opportunity to bring members of my squadron to events here at the City and the squadron has been very generous with their time and invitations to include me in the events of the squadron and the base.”

“After my orientation flight, I gained a huge respect and understanding for the men and women who fly and the men and women who maintain the planes so that the job can be done safely and effectively.

Even before I stepped foot on the tarmac, my training began in earnest so that my flight would be done safely and within the regulations of the Air Force.  I learned how to get in and out of the plane and if I had been ejected I would have the instructions on how to float to the ground safely.  (Notice I didn’t say quietly).  When we stepped to our first plane, there was an issue and another plane was quickly found.  That attention to detail and pre-checks made my flight a very safe one.

Darcie McCracken hangs from a mock-up parachute while receiving F-16 Life Support Egress Training from the 56th Operational Support Squadron before taking an orientation flight as an Honorary Commander.

Keeping with the spirit of mutual support and understanding, Darcie has been thrilled with her host commanders’ interest in learning about the City of Glendale. She has taken them to special city council installation ceremonies, hosted them at various events in the city’s suite at the arena as well as other city events.

When asked what activities has she participated in at Luke AFB, she explained,

“I’ve been able to attend the F-16 student pilot graduations and changes of command as well as giving each year to the First Sergeant’s Council to assist with the holidays.  I am participating in the ladies crud tournament, been a part of the pre-open house air show activities, invited to the squadron ladies coffees, attended base special events and ceremonies, to include at least one retirement. It’s a great bunch of people and I appreciate how they include me in their events.  With the creation of the Blue Blazer Squadron, I’m hoping to be able to give more in the way of time and tangible projects.”

She concludes saying, “I think my time as an Honorary has allowed me to grow. I still feel a little self- conscious about going up to men and women in uniform and thanking them for their service, but I still do it. They need to know that “We the People” appreciate their service and their sacrifice.”

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FCP has enjoyed a relationship with Luke that is so unique, mainly due to the fact that we have been given the opportunity to bring successful prototypical programs to Luke that no other military installations are able to accomplish.  The successes of these events are being recognized by senior leaders in the AF, thereby causing other military installations in the country to ask “how are you able to do this?”

FCP provides support in three areas – Health & Human Services, Culture & Tradition, and Advocacy.  The importance of advocating in support of Luke’s mission is critical, because without Luke, we would not be a part of the other two areas that are incredibly rewarding.  FCP plays a valuable role in enhancing our Airmen’s quality of life while they are stationed at Luke.  Whether we are funding summer camps for Autistic children, assisting with amazing wellness expos for the men and women, supporting the Air Force Ball and Luke Days Open House, or simply being a conduit for Spring Training tickets, FCP does whatever it can to assist with the quality of life for our Airmen.

The mission of Luke is to train pilots, so that mission will most likely be the last thing affected by budget cuts. The programs and services that support the Airmen and their families could be an area most directly affected.  FCP is prepared to assist within those areas.  FCP has proven its value, and now has the burden of potential.  We embrace this challenge and will be the paradigm that other communities and installations can follow so they can do the same for their military families.

The cancellation of the Luke Days Open House paints a vivid picture that the community “needs” to see and understand. General Rothstein made the correct decision for Luke AFB.  That being said, it was not an easy decision for him to make, as he fully understands and knows how important this incredible event is for our community. FCP was not surprised by the decision and fully supports his choice.  The mission of Luke AFB is to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots and maintainers, and to potentially sacrifice that mission to bring us our Open House is not an option.  Moving forward, FCP understands that this situation further defines our role of supporting Luke, and this support will most likely increase significantly in the future.

FCP now has a new goal…a 2014 Luke Days Open House.  We will work with the base to identify new and creative ways within the Air Force regulations so that Luke AFB can host the 2014 Luke Days Open House.

The Luke Days Open House is just the tip of the iceberg of many gaps that will need to be filled if sequestration comes to fruition as many expect.  With challenges come huge opportunities.  I will leave you with one that has made an impact on me the most.  As another BRAC (Branch Re-Alignment and Closure) approaches, think about how strong we can make Luke and the community appear to the DoD and Air Force if FCP can accomplish the goals that we have.

Be ready, more news to come! We will reach out, and we will expect to have the same great continued support we have had in the past as we support the men, women, families and mission of Luke AFB!!

V/r,

Ron Sites
Executive Director / President
Fighter Country Partnership
Fighter Country Foundation
Supporting the Men, Women, Families and Mission of Luke AFB

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Joshua Abel, Honorary Command Chief, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base

Fighter Country Partnership is proud to feature Joshua Abel, an alumni member of the Honorary Commanders Program, for its newsletter.  Joshua was assigned “Honorary Command Chief” to the 56th Fighter Wing Command Chief, Command Chief Master Sergeant Rory Wicks, at Luke Air Force Base.  The Command Chief is responsible for the morale, welfare, training, management and professional growth of 5,000 enlisted personnel assigned to the Air Force’s largest fighter wing.

Joshua Abel founded Imaginary Trout in 2008, a technology and internet consulting company specializing in online marketing. The company also develops, manages and hosts a variety of websites and internet-enabled applications. Joshua brings over 13 years of internet technology experience to the forefront.

In his free time Joshua enjoys researching new technology, cooking and bar-b-queuing with his wife and for guests.  He also likes to exercise in the gym and train his Chesapeake Bay retriever. To escape Arizona’s summer heat, Joshua travels to his hometown of Spokane WA to visit with family, friends and clientele.  Fly fishing the cold-water streams and rivers of the Pacific Northwest is Josh’s favorite hobby.  Joshua studied Bio-Medical Engineering at Arizona State University and is a lifetime member of Trout Unlimited.

In 2009, he was approached by Fighter Country Partnership to help improve and develop their website.  He has volunteered his time and resources in managing the FCP website ever since, which has gradually evolved into a strong partnership. This partnership has vastly improved FCP’s customer relationships, automating their constituent membership database for easier management.

According to FCP President Ron Sites, “Josh truly sets the standard for involvement with FCP through his unending dedication to taking FCP to the next level.  FCP wouldn’t be where it is today without the passion and efforts of Joshua Abel and Imaginary Trout.”

Honorary Command Chief Joshua Abel (right) receives an F-16 orientation flight by Major Elton “Elvis” Davis of the 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB

In 2010 Joshua was inducted as an Honorary Command Chief assigned to the Command Chief Master Sergeant Rory Wicks at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Ariz.  The two-year Honorary Commander Program expands the 56th Fighter Wing Commander’s ability to foster relationships between local civic and business leaders and base personnel.  It also serves as an excellent vehicle for promoting a better understanding of Air Education and Training Command and Luke’s F-16 training mission.

When asked what it is like being an Honorary Command Chief, he stated, “Incredible!”  “I’ve been given an opportunity to learn firsthand what life is like as an Airman at Luke AFB through the Honorary Commanders Program.  I’ve learned the important role that  Luke AFB has in training the world’s greatest F-16 pilots (soon to be F-35 pilots) and maintainers in the world.”

Photo above from left to right: Honorary Command Chief Adam Lyons, Champion Partnerships, LLLP; former 56th Fighter Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant Rory “Wicky” Wicks; and Honorary Command Chief Joshua Abel, Imaginary Trout.

Joshua stated, “The HC program has expanded my knowledge and ability to educate civilians at large about the critical mission of Luke AFB. My experience in the HC program at Luke has enabled me to be involved in events and engagements that very few civilians have the opportunity to participate in.”

“I’ve been asked countless times if I was a Command Chief because they see me wear my wing shirt or wear my CCMSgt lapel pin. This opens the door to explain to them the story of Luke and the Air Force.  My response is always that I was an “honorary” and how I became a part of a non-civilian culture that not too many folks have an opportunity to be part of unless they are family or friend of an airman. This has impacted me in several ways, some of which I’m too humble to explain. I can, however, express the fact that I’ve been “enlisted” as an airman vicariously through my host commander, CCMSgt Rory “Wicky” Wicks.  An experience I will never forget. I was presented with the “Big Picture” of leading Airmen.”

For the last three years, Joshua also participated in the Fiesta Bowl Parade as FCP members carry a U. S. Flag balloon the entire parade route.  Also as an Honorary Commander alumnus, he is now a new member of the inaugural class of Blue Blazer Squadron.

The 2013 Inaugural Blue Blazer Squadron of Fighter Country Partnership

The Blue Blazer Squadron (BBS) is an opportunity for honorary commander alumni to continue to support the men women and families at Luke AFB. The Blue Blazer Squadron is a group of 56 active former Honorary Commanders who have lived the mission at Luke through their experience on base and now want to continue to exercise their support by becoming a part of an exclusive FCP program.  As a “Blue Blazer”, these individuals will be ambassadors and a visible representative of FCP to the community.

“I’m beyond humbled to be able to continue my support of Luke AFB through this new charter and extension of FCP.”

Joshua sits on the FCP Honorary Commanders golf tournament committee which is the largest fund-raising event for FCP.  He also is on the advisory council for Friends of Freedom/No One Left Behind founded by another Honorary Commander, David Haddad of Fumar Cigars.  Friends of Freedom (FOF) believes that America’s military veterans deserve the full measure of care and assistance they need to live with dignity, hope and independence with “No One Left Behind (NOLB).”  The purpose is to facilitate the transition from military to civilian life by creating the programs and building the structure that will ensure the most efficient delivery of healing services to the anticipated tens of thousands of veterans expected to reside in Arizona in the coming years.

When asked what event sticks out in his mind the most, he stated, “I attended 56^th Fighter Wing Awards Banquet which honored the best of Luke AFB’s Airmen.  Listening to a fantastic speech by Lieutenant General Robin Rand, 12th Air Force commander, and the presentation of a Purple Heart to a Luke airman brought tears to my eyes as I didn’t know what it meant to receive the Purple Heart.  It was truly a moving event.”

Joshua Abel’s contributions to the Luke Forward coalition ensuring Luke AFB would be chosen for the F-35 aircraft training site were instrumental. He and his partner at the time, Adam Lyons, (also an Honorary Commander Alumnus) worked with the Luke Forward coalition managing the online support campaign.

The Luke Forward campaign operated from the home base of LukeForward.com. The website’s purpose is to educate and update the community on the progress of the campaign and promote statewide support. The campaign used electronic communications, social media, a speaker’s bureau and other outreach tools.

“This was the most important project and rewarding experience I’ve worked in support of Luke AFB” Joshua said.  “I take great pride in being intimately involved in that campaign which could not have happened without my friend and former business associate, Adam Lyons, and others such as then FCP Executive Director, Steve Yamamori and his assistant Nancy; then FCP Chairman Charley Freericks, the FCP board, Ron Sites, Susan Lovelace, and all the supporters of Fighter Country Partnership, former Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and her staff, James Rusty “Torch” Mitchell, all the cities and individual supporters in Arizona and across our great nation.”

An F-35A aircraft slated for Operational Test at Nellis AFB, Nev., completes a check flight from the Fort Worth, Texas, F-35 factory Oct. 15, 2012.

After the draft Environmental Impact Statement was published, the Luke Forward coalition’s expectations were vastly exceeded capturing tremendous community support for the F-35 training to be located at Luke AFB.  Nearly 22,000 registered supporters submitted positive written public comments.

“I was heavily involved working closely with the City of Glendale until the F-35 EIS Record of Decision was made.  During a celebratory reception attended by the governor, congressmen, state legislators, and others, Mayor Scruggs specifically recognized myself and Adam for our hard work.”

Luke Forward received Westmarc’s Special 20th Anniversary Best of the West Award for championing one of the West Valley’s biggest accomplishments — Luke Air Force Base landing the F-35 training center.

The Air Force will initially place 72 new aircraft at Luke, likely to arrive in phases over the next couple of years.  In addition to ensuring the long-term viability of Luke, the F-35 training mission will serve as an economic stimulus for Arizona. The new fighter will require construction projects, facility improvements and infrastructure upgrades, which are getting under way this fall. It is anticipated that the construction work can initially bring as much as $110 million and about 2,290 jobs.

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Prior to forming Vintage Partners, Scholl was with Westcor. As senior vice president of development for Westcor, Scholl oversaw ground-up development and redevelopment for Macerich’s Arizona portfolio. A 40-year resident of Phoenix, Scholl was with Westcor for 24 years and has been active in the southwest US real estate market for more than 27 years.

Scholl is active in many aspects of the shopping center development industry. He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and the Urban Land Institute (ULI). He also serves on the management committee for the Arizona District Council of ULI, as a member of the Arizona ICSC Government Affairs Committee, and on the board of Fighter Country Partnership.

Scholl earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona and his MBA degree from Arizona State University. After graduating from Arizona State University, Scholl worked with the Phoenix office of Coldwell Banker as a broker-trainee before joining Westcor.

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Before we get to “the list,” the first highlight has to be the Record of Decision.  The DoD’s decision for Luke to be the next training base for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, is far and away the biggest news of the year.  With that decision, we now have another viable mission at Luke that will keep the base busy for “decades” to come.  That means that the second largest economic engine in the Valley (next to the PhoenixSkyHarborAirport) will continue to thrive, but more importantly, we will have the privilege of hosting the same high quality of airmen that currently live in our communities.

From FCP’s viewpoint, we now have the opportunity to continue our role as the community’s leading support and advocacy group.  We continue to bring creative programs and services to our Luke families that enhance their quality of life while living in the Valley of the Sun.  What a rewarding role to have!

Here is FCP’s year in review, which can also be a forecast for “decades” to come:

Health & Human Services:

• 56th Medical Group’s Beautiful Women – Inside & Out wellness expo
• 56th Medical Group’s “Tune up for Health” Men’s wellness expo
• Luke Airman’s Fund
• Chaplain’s Monthly Deployed Family Dinners
• FCP / Luke AFB Summer Camps for Luke Children with Autism
• Officer Spouses’ Club Scholarship Program
• Operation Fighter Country Christmas – Supporting Luke’s Dorm Residents

Culture & Tradition:

• Luke’s Second Annual Haboob Havoc
• Fiesta Bowl Parade
• Navy Ball
• 944th Fighter Wing Annual Holiday Picnic
• The Patriot – Collegiate All-American Golf Classic

Advocacy:

• Luke Forward F-35 Campaign alongside WestValley Partners
• VIP Community Reception – Hosting Military Leaders
• FCP Annual Meeting – Gov. Brewer as Keynote Speaker
• Luke Civilian Fly In – promoting civilian flight safety around Luke
• Luke Mission Sustainability Campaigns
• FCP Education & Awareness Campaigns

Providing a definition of these programs and services would require another quarterly edition of FCP Visions, but if you have questions about any specific program, always feel free to contact us at contact@fightercountry.org for further education and potential involvement.

On behalf of the FCP Board of Directors, Susan Lovelace and myself, Thank You for a great year.  To our municipal supporters, corporate sponsors, individual supporters, Luke Forward supporters, and program volunteers, thank you for being a part of the strongest conduit of support any military installation has in the country.  Be proud of that, and share with everyone the uniqueness we bring to Luke AFB and their families.

And last but not least, say “thank you” to that individual in uniform, especially during the holidays.

V/r,

Ron Sites
Executive Director / President
Fighter Country Partnership
Fighter Country Foundation
Supporting the Men, Women, Families and Mission of Luke AFB

The post FCP’s 2012 – A Year to Remember appeared first on Fighter Country Partnership.

Serving on the board for the Southwest Valley Family YMCA, he found himself volunteering more and more. His own miss-perceptions of what the YMCA represents led him to become an ambassador for the organization. An opportunity arose in 2007 to become the Associate Executive Director of the branch. He became the Executive director 7 months later and directly responsible for 150 full and part time staff, a membership base of 10,000 people, 300 children in Childcare Programs, 1,500 Youth Sports participants and a myriad of Community Service programs including High School Drop Out Prevention, Youth Obesity programs, and Military Outreach Programs in the West Valley .

In September of 2010, history repeated itself once again. While volunteering his time supporting Luke AFB, his own miss-perceptions of Luke AFB caused him to jump at the privilege to be the next President and Executive Director of Fighter Country Partnership, the non-profit organization attached to Luke AFB supporting the men, women, families and mission of Luke AFB. He passed up the opportunity to join the Air Force 18 years ago, and is incredibly excited about his chance to serve our country while educating the community about the valuable resource we have in the Valley of the Sun.

He is also a proud member of the Litchfield Park Rotary Club, Operation American Patriot, Westmarc, Air Force Association and past Honorary Command Chief of Luke Air Force Base.

The post Executive Director / President – Ron Sites appeared first on Fighter Country Partnership.

Bradley E. Wright is Vice President and General Counsel for SunCor Development Company, the real estate development subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation.

Wright graduated from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri with his Juris Doctorate degree in 1991, and from Illinois State University with a Bachelors of Science in Accounting in 1998. He spent the first nine years of his legal career in private practice, first in Missouri, then moving to Arizona in 1994, specializing in complex litigation and professional negligence matters. He is a member in good standing of the Arizona, Missouri and Illinois State Bar Associations.

Appointed by former Governor Janet Napolitano and re-appointed by Governor Janice Brewer to the Board of Directors of the Arizona Tourism and Sports Authority, Wright currently serves as its Chairman. He is a member of the Board of Directors for Valley Partnership and is a member of the Urban Land Institute. He is also affiliated with the Cactus League and some of its local host committees.

Wright is a Luke Air Force Base Honorary Commander assigned to the 56th Operations Group and is a member of the Board of Directors of Fighter Country Partnership.

Wright is the Past Chairman of Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona. He is also a Life Member of both the Metropolitan Phoenix Boys and Girls Club Executive Council and the Scottsdale Active 20/30 Club.

Wright was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was raised in Danville, Illinois. He is married to Jaime (Dion) and they live in Paradise Valley, Arizona with their six year old daughter Josie, and three year old son Davis.

The post Vice Chair – Bradley Wright appeared first on Fighter Country Partnership.

On a lighter note, Fighter Country Partnership will make every effort to provide Luke AFB to the opportunity to have their next Open House Air Show in 2014.

Be sure to subscribe to our e-mail updates and stay up to date about future air show events including what Fighter Country Partnership is doing to support the Men, Women, Families and mission of Luke AFB.

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In order to enjoy FCP Visions Winter 2012 Web Edition you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent application that will display the PDF file format. Click here to download FCP Visions Winter 2012 (you may need to right click and “save file as”).

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

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HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – An F-22 Raptor begins take-off from the runway here Feb. 29. The launching of 15 consecutive F-22 Raptors marked the culmination of a Phase 1 Operational Readiness Exercise at Holloman. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel E. Liddicoet/Released)

An F-22 squadron slated to move from New Mexico to Florida early this year will stay put until early 2014.

The transfer from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., involves 620 active-duty and 230 Reserve airmen, and 21 F-22s and seven T-38 Talons. As a part of the shuffle, Holloman, in spring 2014, will receive two F-16 squadrons with 950 personnel authorizations from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Luke will eventually host three F-35A squadrons.

Personnel assignments will be timed with the transfer of aircraft “to the extent possible,” according to Air Combat Command. Airmen and families scheduled to leave Holloman before Dec. 2013 will be able to stay and support the F-22 mission until 2014.

Almost 200 airmen arrived to Tyndall between August and December 2012 and have been assigned to maintenance backshops that are transitioning from contractor to military manning.

Budget negotiations in Congress delayed the F-22 squadron’s move to Tyndall. Congress has yet to pass a 2013 budget, leaving the federal government operating on a continuing resolution that prohibits new projects and any increases in spending over 2012.

The passage of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act relieved the Air Force of those restrictions, but with aircraft transfers already on hold, the delay “allows the approved actions to be synchronized in a way that minimizes disruption to airmen and their families while optimizing combat capabilities and continuity in training,” according to a statement from Air Combat Command.

By Brian Everstine - Air Force Times Staff writer

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Honorary Commanders and Blue Blazer Squadron Chair

Bruce Larson, PE

RBF Consulting, A Baker Company, Senior Vice President and Local Practice Manager for Civil and Environmental Engineering

Bruce is a fourth generation Arizona native.  After graduating from Brigham Young University with his bachelors in Civil Engineering, he started his engineering career working for his Father’s engineering firm, American Engineering, which was a home grown Phoenix firm started in 1952.  Bruce has seen this small firm grow into a Southwest consulting firm when it merged with RBF Consulting in 1997.  In 2011, the firm was purchased by Michael Baker Corporation and now has a national presence in Engineering, Planning, Architecture, and Surveying.

Bruce has spent the majority of his 24 year professional career working in the private sector for developers and home builders in the design and construction of subdivisions and master plan communities.  Bruce also has experience working with commercial and industrial developers as well as with municipalites and the State of Arizona on public sector projects.  He oversees, as principal-in-charge, the Arizona survey, and planning disciplines as well.  When RBF was purchased by Michael Baker Corporation, Bruce expanded his role with the new company to oversee Department of Defense and Boarder Patrol Civil Engineering, and Surface Water engineering.  Bruce was an Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base from 2008-2011 assigned to the Component Maintenance Squadron.

Bruce is involved with many volunteer and professional organizations.  He is a member of the transportation committee and previous board member of Westmarc, a member and previous retreat committee chair of Leadership West, a steering committee member of Friends of Civil Engineering at ASU, Fighter Country Partnership Board member as the Honorary Commander Program Chairman and Blue Blazer Chairman.  Bruce is also active in professional organizations related to his profession such as Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, Federal Affairs committee of Valley Partnership, Arizona Council of Engineering Consultants (ACEC), Arizona Public Works Association (APWA), and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).  He is a registered professional engineer in Arizona, California, and New Mexico.

Bruce is married to Louisa and a father to three children, Blake, Christina, and Hailey.  He is a proud Grandfather to one granddaughter, MarKaylee.  Louisa is an avid bicycle racer and three time Arizona State champion.  In his free time, Bruce enjoys road biking, hiking, photography, and spending time shuttling his 15 year daughter around as she performs on her tenor saxophone.

The post Director – Bruce Larson appeared first on Fighter Country Partnership.

Additionally we wanted to thank our Airmen including Chief Master Sgt. David Staton, 56th Fighter Wing Command Chief who marched during the 42nd annual Fiesta Bowl Parade.  The crowds along the parade often stood up, doffed their hats and applauded our men and women in uniform. Thank you for your service and all that you do in support of securing our nation’s freedom.  It was an honor to float the American Flag in front of you!

The post 2012 Fiesta Bowl Parade appeared first on Fighter Country Partnership.

The size of the active membership is limited to 56.  A selection process was used to select the most passionate individuals.  Each year, there will be an opportunity for honorary commander alumni to apply and join the Blue Blazer Squadron.

Beginning with the induction ceremony each January, the Blue Blazer Squadron will be actively involved in a few must attend critical events, along with other unique, significant and supportive activities under the direction of the Fighter Country Partnership Board.  One of these activities will occur the end of December when BBS marches in the Fiesta Bowl Parade escorting the brave men and women from Luke AFB while carrying the United States Flag balloon.  Some other opportunities will include support and participation in the Honorary Commander golf tournament, active involvement in service opportunities for Luke AFB,  and the annual Haboob Havoc, to name a few.

The Blue Blazer Squadron has been a work in progress for over a year with a committee of former honorary commanders from the base program working very hard to get the BBS firmly established. This group has been under the leadership of Patrick McDermott, the current Chairman of BBS, Bruce Larson the current Vice Chair, Ron Sites the Executive Director of FCP, and the Fighter Country Partnership Board.  Patrick McDermott stated, “I am so excited to see this vision become a reality.  The BBS is made up of a very special group of highly talented individuals who fully understand the mission at Luke having witnessed it first hand during their two years as an honorary commander. We now have an opportunity for honorary commander alumni to be involved with Fighter Country Partnership as it continues to meaningfully support the mission at Luke.”

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Retiring Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs speaks after a Special Recognition award for her leadership by WESTMARC at the Best of the West Awards Thursday night at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel. Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012

Luke Forward received the Special 20th Anniversary Best of the West award Thursday night at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel as WESTMARC celebrated its 20th annual awards presentation.

Co-chairs, retiring Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and Charley Freericks, president of DMB, accepted the award on behalf of all those involved with the Luke Forward campaign, including the cities of El Mirage, Surprise, Peoria, Youngtown, Tolleson, Litchfield Park, Goodyear and Avondale.

Luke Forward helped secure that Luke Air Force Base would serve as the Air Force’s new F-35 training center.

It was Scruggs’ idea was to make Luke Forward a “grassroots campaign.”

El Mirage City Manager Spencer Isom said, “We are proud supporters of Luke Air Force Base.”

The West Valley Excellence in Innovation award went to Arizona Metropolitan Trust, a self-funded benefits plan, which is a collaboration between the cities of El Mirage, Youngtown, Avondale and Apache Junction. The AzMT is the cities’ answer to the rising costs of benefits.

Other winners included: Midwestern University in Glendale with the West Valley Economic Engine Award and Glendale Community College’s “Changing Communities Through a Culture of Sustainability” with the West Valley Quality of Life Enhancement Award.

The WESTMARC Leadership Award went to Candace Wiest, president and CEO of West Valley National Bank, a locally owned and operated community bank, and the John F. Long Achievement Award went to Diane McCarthy, founding president of WESTMARC.

The honorable mentions for the West Valley Economic Engine Award were: West Valley Cactus League Spring Training, City of Surprise Economic Development Team and Sun Health Senior Living.

Honorable mentions for West Valley Quality of Life Enhancement Award were: Arizona in ACTION, the Goodyear Public Art Program and Denton Santarelli, the superintendent of the Peoria Unified School District.

From: TINA GAMEZ/DAILY NEWS-SUN

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Luke Forward received Westmarc’s Special 20th Anniversary Best of the West Award for championing one of the West Valley’s biggest accomplishments — Luke Air Force Base landing the F-35 training center.

The region’s biggest awards were given during a banquet Thursday at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel attended by about 500. Westmarc, a coalition of business, government, education and community-group leaders that lobbies on behalf of the West Valley, launched the awards program two decades ago to promote outstanding contributions to the West Valley.

“The Luke Forward award was designed as a distinct honor for Luke Forward’s successful efforts to make the F-35 mission at Luke Air Force base a reality,” said Michelle Rider, president and chief executive of Westmarc. “The Best of the West event is a perfect fit to honor this group that has made such a significant impact in the West Valley.”

Luke Forward co-chairs Elaine Scruggs and Charley Freericks received the award on behalf of the group.

Creating the campaign

The West Valley has rallied around the men and women of Luke Air Force Base since its inception in 1941. In 2009, Luke Forward was launched as a broad public campaign to secure the F-35, the fighter jet expected to eventually replace existing aircraft, at Luke.

The Luke Forward campaign was launched by the West Valley Partners (Maricopa County and the cities and towns within the county west of Interstate17) and Fighter Country Partnership to generate awareness and support of the positive impacts the F-35 will bring to Arizona.

The goal was to show decision makers in Washington, D.C., that Arizona strongly supports Luke Air Force Base continuing to serve as the nation’s premier fighter-pilot training facility.

Campaign highlights

The Luke Forward campaign operated from the home base of LukeForward.com. The website’s purpose is to educate and update the community on the progress of the campaign and promote statewide support. The campaign used electronic communications, social media, a speaker’s bureau and other outreach tools. Campaign highlights include:

Several statewide delegation visits to Washington, D.C.

21,000 registered supporters statewide.

10,000 e-mails to decision makers.

1,500 participants in four official Environmental Impact Statement hearings throughout the West Valley.

Statewide delegation

The Luke Forward campaign engaged public- and private-sector leaders from across Arizona. Several supporters went to Washington, D.C., including this delegation organized by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council in April 2010, which included Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and Arizona Cardinals President Michael Bidwill.

Record of decision

On Aug.1, the U.S. Air Force announced its final selection of Luke as the first F-35 training center. The Air Force will initially place 72 new aircraft at Luke, likely to arrive in phases over the next couple of years.

In addition to ensuring the long-term viability of Luke, the F-35 training mission will serve as an economic stimulus for Arizona. The new fighter will require construction projects, facility improvements and infrastructure upgrades, which are getting under way this fall. It is anticipated that the construction work can initially bring as much as $110 million and about 2,290 jobs.

By Lori BakerThe Republic | azcentral.com

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Who:

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

What:

4th 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, Gold Heritage and Patriot courses.

When:

Friday, May 31st, 2013
Registration — 06:00a
Shotgun Start — 07:00a

Why:

The Honorary Commanders Golf Tournament raises money to support the Top 3 programs of Luke AFB, including Health and Human Services, Culture & Tradition, and Advocacy.

THANK YOU to our 2013 Presenting Sponsors for ALL of their SUPPORT!

Sponsorship & Player Opportunities

Sponsorship Registration:

Register: Crew Chief Sponsor – $500**

Includes a limited edition F-16 shaped Tee Box sign with your logo on it!

**Does not include foursome

To download a PDF of the brochure please click here.

Wing Commander Sponsors (2) - Ping & Wigwam

Thunderbolt Sponsor – $25,000

Includes 4 foursomes (two extended to Luke Airmen), logo on commemorative coin and S.W.A.G. bag items, event signage, invitations to Thursday evening V.I.P. Sponsor Recognition Event and all advance collateral materials. Recognition in tournament publicity and at the event.  Online registration is not available for Thunderbolt sponsorship.  Please contact Ron Sites or Susan Lovelace for more information.

Falcon Sponsor – $15,000

Includes 2 foursomes (one extended to Luke Airmen), logo on S.W.A.G. bag item, event signage and general marketing exposure, and  invitations to Thursday evening V.I.P. Sponsor Recognition Event.  Online registration is not available for Falcon sponsorship.  Please contact Ron Sites or Susan Lovelace for more information.

Register: Patriot Sponsor – $5,000

Includes 1 foursome, signage, S.W.A.G. bag,  invitations to Thursday evening V.I.P. Sponsor Recognition Event and publicity opportunities.

Register: Fuel Cart Sponsor – $3,000

Includes 1 foursome,  invitations to Thursday evening V.I.P. Sponsor Recognition Event and logo on drink tickets.

Register: Sidewinder Sponsor – $2,000

Includes 1 foursome, tee box signage, and name on the pin flag.

Thunderbolt, Falcon and multiple sponsorship opportunity and information:

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

Foursome Registration:

• Foursome Registration - $1800 per foursome with outstanding S.W.A.G. bags for participants.
• Municipal Registration - $1000 per municipal foursome to compete in the municipal challenge.
• Various sponsorship packages which include foursomes are also available.

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Historically, it has been a challenge to get men to attend wellness events. The Med Group addressed this issue by implementing the idea of hosting a golf tournament, as well as a car show. The car show brought in approximately 80 amazing automobiles for display, and the golf tournament hosted approximately 120 golfers.

The Wellness Expo hosted medical screenings, and were available as “pit stop” booths during the event such as: Test your Blinkers (vision check), Check your oil flow (blood pressure), Check engine light (cholesterol and glucose), as well as Fueling Stations (healthy food and refreshments). Men, as well as their families and guests that were Tricare eligible were invited to attend. There were approximately 700 individuals in attendance, which makes this event bigger than the Women’s Wellness Event last year. More importantly, the goals that the Med Group had in place to accomplish were achieved, precisely what it was conceived to do.

Fighter Country Partnership was honored to help support this wonderful event through obtaining $11,000 in door prizes that were given away throughout the expo. It was our pleasure to have invested lots of time, resources and energy to make this inaugural men’s health event a huge success. There are not many times when events exceed my expectations, but the Tune Up for Health Event did, which is AWESOME!

As I continuously say, it is a humbling experience to support the men, women, families and mission of Luke AFB, and to be able to do it in unique ways that is new to our military brings our part in this experience over the top. Spread the word.

In good health,

Ron Sites
Executive Director / President
Fighter Country Partnership
Fighter Country Foundation
Supporting the Men, Women, Families and Mission of Luke AFB

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This year’s applicants were asked to submit essays focusing on the challenges and opportunities military life presents. With increased deployments, many spouses are taking on a role similar to that of a single parent. They are confronted with balancing their time between school, work, kids and normal household chores. Another challenge many spouses face is when they have a permanent change of station move in the middle of their schooling.

Often times there can be issues of credits not transferring, degree programs not be available in a new location, or a negative impact on grades and tuition costs. These are just some of the obstacles a spouse may come across along the way to achieving their higher educational goals.

Credit Union West continues to build on a long and unwavering commitment to Luke Air Force Base and the military community as a whole. In addition to supporting the Enlisted Spouses’ Club, the credit union provides $2,000 in scholarships to dependents of active-duty military through the Officers’ Spouses’ Club. They also support various military-connected organizations through program sponsorships and grants.

Credit Union West provides financial support to community organizations that share their commitment to education.

Robert MacGregor, President/CEO, said, “Each year our credit union teams up with Luke Air Force Base because we believe it is critical to support military personnel and their families.”

Enhancing quality of life is more than just words on paper at Credit Union West. It’s their mission that provides the credit union’s direction each day.

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In a few short months, the nation’s top collegiate golfers will gather at Wigwam Golf for the second annual Patriot All-America Invitational. The event, which benefits the Folds of Honor Foundation, is set for Dec. 27 to 31, 2012.

To show support for Folds of Honor, each golfer will carry a commemorative PING golf bag bearing the name of a fallen soldier from the community in which they live or attend school. In addition to supporting Folds of Honor, golfers will also visit Luke Air Force Base to tour the facility and pay their respects to those who protect our country during tournament week.

Wigwam Golf welcomes spectators during the Patriot All-America event. For more information on tournament dates, times, admission and event details, visit www.patriotallamerica.com.

The post Wigwam Golf hosts Patriot All-America Gold Invitational appeared first on Fighter Country Partnership.

To have a successful project, AZ Heroes to Hometowns is in need of $10 grocery gift cards or monetary donations for a turkey or ham for Thanksgiving dinner to complete the food boxes. Donations of grocery gift cards and checks can be mailed to: AZ Heroes to Hometowns, P.O. Box 31646, Mesa, AZ 85275. For your convenience, PayPal is also being utilized for donations; information can be located at www.azheroestohometowns.org.

AZ Heroes to Hometowns hopes you decide to join them in the crusade to collect 2,400 gift cards ($10 each) to help military families this Thanksgiving season.

Donations are needed by Nov. 1 to allow time to purchase the grocery gift cards and deliver them to the six Arizona locations to be distributed along with the food boxes.

Call or e-mail if you need additional information to Kathy Pearce, President, AZ Heroes to Hometowns, at 480-330-1632, or e-mail kathypearce1@cox.net.

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It’s the start of another school year, and that can mean plenty of anxiety and sleepless nights for students preparing for class in a different school. The unfamiliar setting. New teachers. Different classmates.

Now, imagine going through that stress and worry every few years. That’s the reality for thousands of Arizona children who have one or more parents in the Armed Forces. Due to regular deployments, transfers and other unique stresses of the mobile military lifestyle, these children face special challenges in their education.

To help meet these challenges, Gov. Jan Brewer signed an Executive Order establishing a State Council on the Education for Military Children. The council will provide a forum for these families to discuss their needs, and will offer recommendations to the governor on steps the State of Arizona can take to assist military families in minimizing the educational disruption to children during deployment and relocation.

Currently, an estimated 9,890 children from military families attend Arizona K-12 schools
“I’m proud that Arizona has a strong military community, with installations employing more than 83,000 active-duty personnel, reservists and civilians across our State,” Brewer said. “But I also recognize that children in these households may face unique academic challenges, especially due to their frequent relocation. Through the work of this council, the State of Arizona can take the actions necessary to minimize disruptions so that these children receive the education they deserve while their parents serve our nation.”

The average military family moves three times more often than its civilian counterpart. As a result, it is estimated that most military children will enroll in six to nine different school systems between kindergarten and high school graduation. Every time a student transfers, they face not only the stress of making new friends and becoming accustomed to a new school, but also more mundane challenges associated with records transfer, variable academic and graduation requirements between schools, missed milestone assessments and other issues.

“The Department of Education has been representing Arizona on the Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to address the unique needs of our state’s military children,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal. “We are pleased the governor has created this advisory council to help enhance our efforts.”

The primary goal of the State Council on the Education for Military Children will be to provide a forum for the representatives of Arizona’s military installations, school administrators and parents to present and find solutions to these unique challenges.

“The military families in the Yuma area appreciate the governor’s emphasis on addressing the unique needs of the military child. These young people are as dedicated to excellence as their parents,” said Col. Robert Kuckuk, commanding officer for Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. “Support for the Interstate Compact for Military Children is vital to leveling the playing field for these highly-mobile children.”

The panel will include, but not be limited to, the following members:

• State Superintendent of Public Instruction or designee
• A superintendent of a school district with a high concentration of military children
• The commander, or their designee, from each of the following military installations:
• Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
• Fort Huachuca
• Luke Air Force Base
• U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground
• Marine Corps Air Station Yuma
• The Adjutant General or designee
• One representative from the legislative branch
• One representative from the executive branch

“Our Fort Huachuca Families and I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the State Council on the Education for Military Children,” said Maj. Gen. Gregg Potter, commanding general of Fort Huachuca and the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence. “Soldiers are the strength of our Army, and our families are the strength of our soldiers. Ensuring our military children have the best access to the best education is just one way we can strengthen our Army and our Nation. Ultimately, all of Arizona’s children will benefit from the efforts of this Council to smooth student transitions associated with relocation.”

Pursuant to A.R.S. §15-1911, the State Council on the Education for Military Children will function in compliance with the now 43-state Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children in removing educational barriers often imposed on Arizona’s military families.

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Brig. Gen. Michael D. Rothstein

COLONEL MICHAEL D ROTHSTEIN

Colonel Michael D. Rothstein is the Commander of the 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa Air Base, Japan. He commands a combat-ready F-16CJ fighter wing composed of nearly 3,100 personnel and sustains forces and facilities worth over $2 billion. Colonel Rothstein oversees a 13,000-person installation which supports eight associate units representing three U.S. military services (Air Force, Army, and Navy) and the Japan Air Self Defense Force.

Colonel Rothstein received his commission in 1988, graduating as a Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science, a Master of Military Arts and Sciences degree and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies. He has commanded the 57th Operations Support Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and the 609th Air Operations Group at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. He also served as the Director of Operations and Plans, U.S. Air Forces Central, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina.

EDUCATION:
1988 Bachelor’s degree in political science, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO
1995 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL
1995 United States Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, Nellis AFB, NV
1999 Master of Military Arts and Sciences, Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS
2006 Master of Strategic Studies, Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL

ASSIGNMENTS:
1. August 1988 – January 1990, Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training, Sheppard AFB, TX
2. January – August 1990 F-16 Replacement Training, 72nd Fighter Squadron, MacDill AFB, FL
3. September 1990 – February 1992, F-16 Pilot, 80th Fighter Squadron, Kunsan AB, South Korea
4. March 1992 – June 1995, F-16 Instructor Pilot, 13th Fighter Squadron, Misawa AB, Japan
5. July 1995 – December 1995, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Nellis AFB, NV
6. January 1996 – May 1998, Chief, Weapons and Tactics, 69th Fighter Squadron and Chief, F-16 Weapons and Tactics, 347th Wing, Moody AFB, GA
7. June 1998 – June 1999, Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS
8. June 1999 – January 2002, Chief, Advanced Programs Branch then Assistant Chief, Operations and Training Division, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein AB, Germany
9. April 2002 – April 2004, Assistant Operations Officer 421st Fighter Squadron, Operations Officer, 34th Fighter Squadron, Hill AFB, UT
10. April 2004 – November 2005, Commander, 57th Operations Support Squadron, Nellis AFB, NV
11. December 2005 – May 2007, student then Special Assistant to the Commandant, Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL
12. May 2007 – March 2008, Commander, 609th Air Operations Group and Director of Operations, United States Central Command Air Forces, Shaw AFB, SC
13. March 2008 – May 2009, Director, Operations and Plans, 9th Air Force and United States Air Forces Central, Shaw AFB, SC
14. June 2009 – June 2010, Chief, Activities Synchronization, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command, Kabul, Afghanistan
15. August 2010 – Present, Commander, 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa AB, Japan

FLIGHT INFORMATION:
Rating: Command Pilot
Flight Hours: More than 2,500
Aircraft Flown: F-16C Block 30/40/50, T-38, T-37

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Aerial Achievement Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Second Lieutenant June 1, 1988
First Lieutenant June 1, 1990
Captain June 1, 1992
Major Aug. 1, 1998
Lieutenant Colonel May 1, 2001
Colonel Dec. 1, 2006

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Arizona Senator John McCain addressing a town hall meeting on Aug. 23 warning voters of the catastrophic effects cuts in our nation’s military budget.

Kathryn Stafford
Staff Writer

Arizona Senator John McCain held a press conference and town hall meeting at Peoria City Hall, Aug. 23, discussing the future of the F-35, military cuts, and creating jobs for veterans to a crowd of standing room only.

The 2008 Republican presidential nominee conducted the meeting with West Valley mayors and Firefighter Country Partnership members prior to the town hall meeting.

The meeting’s purpose was to give residents an opportunity to hear from the senator concerning the deployment of F-35 jet fighters to Luke Air Force Base and the proposed automatic budget cuts to national defense. The senator also took questions from members of the audience.

McCain set the tone of urgency early at the meeting. He began his presentation standing in front of a large screen which displayed, “Arizona: 35,248 jobs at risk. $3 Billion Gross state product impact.”

“We are facing a very serious situation here,” McCain said. McCain pointed to a study released from George Mason University that reported approximately 36,000 Arizona defense jobs would be cut (1 million total throughout the nation) due to automatic defense cuts in the nation’s budget.

Earlier this month, President Barack Obama signed the Sequestration Transparency Act, which is designed to cut an estimated $1.2 trillion in mandatory cuts over a nine-year period, if no agreement on volunteered cuts by both Republican and Democratic parties is reached.

McCain said an estimated $500 billion would be removed from the defense budget during the nine-year span, with an estimated $55 billion already scheduled for next year. McCain said that the scheduled mandatory automatic budget cuts would need President Obama’s attention to keep from taking place.

The senator said if Congress doesn’t take action to restructure the federal budget before Jan. 2, the budget cuts affecting the nation’s defense budget will, indeed, take place.

These most recent cuts are being added on to previous cuts already scheduled to take place. McCain said a prior $460 billion for reductions in defense has already been scheduled. This includes reducing the U.S. Army by 100,000 personnel as well as cutting the Marine Corps by 80,000.

“It’s not as though we are not already making cuts,” McCain said. He said the cuts will not only hurt national security, but Arizona’s economy as well.

McCain drew connections between the repercussions national military cuts would have on the local and state economy. The Air Force’s decision to have Luke Air Force Base host F-35 pilot training, added to Boeing’s Apache helicopter facility, and Raytheon Missile Systems plant in Tucson, would all be in jeopardy.

“We are starting to see some signs that we are beginning to pull out of this recession,” McCain said. “You do this to the state of Arizona, my friends, and we will be right back into it. So, what do we need to do? We need to sit down together, Republican and Democrat, and we need to do what’s best for everyone and resolve this.” McCain also referenced quotes from members of the nation’s military expressing their concern over the impending cuts.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said, “This mechanism would force defense cuts that would do catastrophic damage to our military and its ability to protect this country.”

U.S. Army General Martin Dempsey said, “…we’d have to redo our strategy and we would not any longer be a global power.” McCain referenced recent global issues, which require the strength of our nation’s military.

“We’ve suffered a lot of losses of American blood in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we can’t allow Al Qaeda to come back; we can’t allow the Russians to support the Syrians, who are being massacred; we can’t allow China to continue to go unchecked.”

McCain then took questions from members of the audience. West Valley resident and attendee Paul Smiley, who is a combat veteran from Desert Storm, asked the senator what people can expect to see from Arizona’s delegation to help put veterans back to work.
“One of the great shames of this country is we have a 8.3 percent unemployment rate, and unemployment amongst veterans is 14 percent,” McCain said. “That is unacceptable in America.”

However, McCain said the country’s GI Bill is exceptionally generous with helping veterans afford school. McCain said it was important for the nation to continue to encourage veterans to go back to school. He also touted the advent of job fairs and their ability to assist veterans in finding jobs.

When one resident asked McCain what his stance was on the proposed Tohono O’odham reservation and casino, McCain answered he was in support of the state’s gaming compact.

“The compact was never envisioned to have tribes buy lands near major cities. It was meant to have gaming be reserved to Indian reservations.”

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Col. Robert Webb, Vice Commander, 56th Fighter Wing, and Rusty Mitchell, Director of Community Initiatives at Luke Air Force Base, answer questions about the Department of Defense decision to base F-35 training at the West Valley site.

By CAROLYN DRYER

The weather was just one factor in the selection of Luke Air Force Base by the Department of Defense as a training center for the fifth-generation fighter jet, the F-35 Lightning II. The Department of Defense released its Record of Decision and Wednesday afternoon, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley announced Luke had been chosen. The base will receive 72 aircraft for a total of three fighter squadrons. Luke AFB met with the media at a last-minute press conference Wednesday.

Col. Robert Webb, Vice Commander, 56th Fighter Wing, and Rusty Mitchell, Director of Community Initiatives at Luke, stood together to spread the news and answer questions from more than a dozen reporters at the wing headquarters. Webb praised the F-35’s capabilities to those who questioned its safety. He said it would replace the F16s and A10s now being flown by the military. In addition to U.S. pilots, Webb said there would be seven F-35A partners on site.

As for local economic development that will occur with the training center at Luke, the base is receiving $110 million with a target of October for construction projects to begin. Webb said local contractors and subcontractors will be called upon to provide labor. Up to 3,000 people are expected to be utilized in that construction. Aircraft is expected to begin arriving between late 2013 and mid-2014.

Luke had its competitors in the training center selection process, and Webb said the Air Force “was very diligent, transparent, and open” in its procedure to choose a site. But after all was said and done, it was Luke’s facility and capability to expand, the ramp capacity, range access to Barry Goldwater Range, and weather, as well as capacity for future growth. Worth mentioning as a major factor in the selection of Luke was community support.

“We’re the envy of the Air Force when it comes to community support,” Mitchell said. “While there has been development that’s grown out toward Luke, the community has made every effort to ensure that the growth has been compatible with our mission. We cannot thank our West Valley neighbors enough for letting us be part of the community, not just in the community.”

Mitchell addressed the noise complaint issue, saying the public affairs office receives noise complaints all the time. But he pointed out that two weeks ago, an F-35 flew into Luke, then flew out, and nobody even noticed, or at least, nobody called to complain. In a written statement, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said, “The Air Force is committed to training our U.S. and partner nation pilots on this fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Collaborative training on aircraft designed with stealth, maneuverability and integrated avionics will better prepare our combined forces to assume multi-role missions for the future of tactical aviation.”

Mayor Bob Barrett made a statement today on the announcement by the Department of Defense that the Air Force’s new F-35 training center will be located at Luke AFB.

“This is an exciting, and much needed shot in the arm for all of the cities in the West Valley. I know how much all of the mayors and their staff have worked to bring this announcement to fruition.” Peoria, through the efforts of the Intergovernmental Affairs Director, John Schell, as well as Mayor Barrett, City Attorney Steve Kemp and City Council Members have taken lead roles in the developing of policies and political relationships, both locally and nationally, resulting in today’s announcement.

“As someone who served our country in war, as well as a proud Arizonan, landing this agreement has been a top priority for me and our community. I cannot say enough of all the work John (Schell) and all of the other unsung heroes who work behind the scenes in West Valley city government offices who got this deal done. Congratulations to all of us.

Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, co-chair of Luke Forward campaign, said, “The goal of our statewide initiative was to send a clear message to the decision makers in Washington D.C. that Arizona strongly supports Luke Air Force Base continuing to serve as our nation’s premier fighter pilot training facility.

“Arizona’s military industry is one of the largest industries in our state, and Luke serves as the anchor. This new F-35 training mission will bring with it decades of tremendous military value to our national security and sustainable economic benefits to our region and state. I want to thank and recognize all the elected officials and citizens of the West Valley cities and Maricopa County for standing firm in their unwavering support of Luke Air Force Base all the way through to the end of the F-35 basing process.”

Fighter Country Partnership Chairman Charley Freericks, who co-chaired the campaign with Scruggs, believes the widespread community support garnered for the F-35 by Luke Forward elevated Arizona from states in other parts of the country where the Air Force was considering placing the F-35.

“Through Luke Forward, we were able to engage nearly 10,000 residents to attend public hearings, send emails or phone Air Force representatives in support of Luke and to get 21,000 citizens from throughout the state to register their support of the F-35 at LukeForward.com,” said Freericks. “This tremendous support, from state and local officials, business partners, homeowners associations, residents, retirees and others, really made us stand out among the competition.”

Even the F-35 manufacturer had a few things to say. Michael J. Rein, director of communications for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Program, said, “Today’s decision to designate Luke Air Force Base as a U.S. and international pilot training base is another positive step in the F-35 program’s operational maturation. We look forward to working closely with the Air Force and the Luke Air Force Base community to support their pilot training operations for decades to come.”

To learn more about the F-35 Lightning II, visit www.f35.com.

Also look for more news in the fall edition of Fighter Country Partnership’s quarterly VISIONS newsletter, due to hit news stands in September.

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In order to enjoy FCP Visions Fall 2012 Web Edition you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent reader that will display the PDF file format. Click here to download FCP Visions Fall 2012 (you may need to right click and “save file as”).


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

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Honorary Commander Rick Hearn, Director of Leasing and Designated Broker for Vestar

Each month, Fighter Country Partnership features an Honorary Commander – both alumni and current members. This month’s feature is on Rick Hearn, Director of Leasing, Vestar.

The Honorary Commanders Program is designed to promote a better understanding of the mission of the U.S. Air Force and specifically, Luke Air Force Base. It reaches out to business and community leaders to become personally involved by signing up for a two-year program assigned to a particular squadron or group at Luke. They become a member of that unit. In turn, they exchange experiences and opportunities allowing military members to learn about their community outside the gates of Luke AFB.

As the Director of Leasing and Designated Broker for Vestar, Rick; a 25-year veteran of the industry, is responsible for the leasing, marketing, and broker management of the company’s retail portfolios (development, operational, third party management) located throughout the southwestern U.S. (AZ, CA).

He is a member of Valley Partnership since 2005, and its current Chairman (2012), he has been active on the Board of Directors for two terms focusing on the organization’s centric goals of advocacy, education, networking and philanthropy. Focus for 2012 includes board development, organizational communication, strategic alliances, and fiscal policies.

Rick is a long-standing member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), a volunteer executive since 1994, and the recipient of the prestigious “Trustees Distinguished Service Award” (2010). He is a past Chairman of the Western Division Conference, a 13 state regional program (2007 – 2009); Arizona’s former State Political Action Committee Chairman (2005 – 2008); and a past State Director (2002 – 2005). Through both organizations, he is actively involved in promoting responsible legislative agendas and policies that have local, statewide, regional and national benefits, and implications for the retail development industry.

He is community-minded, with his support for many local charities and organizations. Involved with Fighter Country Partnership since 2009, this philanthropic advocacy group supports the mission and the service personnel and families of Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona. Rick is one of its board members (Financial Development Chairman) and responsible for creating varying revenue streams for the organization.

Rick Hearn & Col. Deborah Liddick at the Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony in 2010

In 2010, at the invitation of the wing commander for Luke Air Force Base, Rick was asked to serve as an Honorary Commander, assigned to the 56th (MXG) Maintenance Group’s Commander – Colonel Deborah Liddick. This 2-year program is designed to enhance and expand military/private sector awareness, promoting the military/educational role that Luke AFB has locally, nationally and globally, while creating lasting relationships with many of the service personnel and their families.

Additionally, in 2010, this involvement led to a unique invitation by the Secretary of the Air Force to attend the USAF National Security Forum held at Maxwell AFB, participating in the Air Education Training Command’s annual Civic Leaders immersion program. The future class of leadership, from all five branches of the U.S. military, along with global coalition partners, participates in this yearlong program and annual forum.

When asked what it is like being an Honorary Commander at Luke AFB, Mr. Hearn stated,
“To be that someone who’s been bestowed with a true honor and privilege, a rarity that is easily described as “bucket list” item! We strive to continuously grow and learn as individuals. There’s no better way to advance that desire than to participate in the Honorary Commander program and learn about professional military best practices and camaraderie.

During his two years as an Honorary Commander, he explained his perspective. “As a country, we have the best trained, highly educated, and well-rounded military professionals with no equal,” he said. “Whether Airman or Commander, they enjoy their jobs and acknowledge their self-made commitments and that we, the Citizenry, provide them their livelihood and that they truly work for us, as this is “everyone’s” Air Force.”

Mr. Hearn explained that being assigned to the 56th Maintenance Group was “Amazing!”

“I had no idea how much of the base’s functions are integrated under the 56th MXG. Explained in layman’s terms, the guys and gals who maintain those F-16 aircraft are a like a NASCAR pit crew. They change the tires, refuel, clean windows, just like the team that takes the broken vehicles to the infield garages for extensive repairs/overhauls and the team that goes out cleans the track for safety concerns, all are the functions of the 56th MXG. One thing that truly separates the two, that NASCAR might truly desire, is access to munitions that remove the “bad guys” ahead of them in the turns! That’s the 56th MXG!

He stated that one of his most memorable events was attending the farewell and change of command ceremony of his assigned host commander, Colonel Deborah Liddick when she presented him a memorialized 56th Maintenance Group guidon. “Say it Loud, Say it Proud!”

Mr. Hearn thoroughly enjoys participating in the many base functions such as the Maintenance Professional of the Year award ceremonies, bomb loading competitions, base tours, flight simulator training, observing a 21-airship launch from the control tower, an over-night stay with the wing commander for day and night maneuvers at the Barry M. Goldwater Range, to the participation at the National Security Forum at Maxwell AFB. He explained that above all, it is the meeting of the Airmen who are the backbone of the Air Force that impresses him the most.

Supporters of Fighter Country Partnership visit Luke AFB’s flight line. From left to right: Phoenix Councilman Bill Gates and General Counsel of Phoenix-based company PING; John Solheim, Chief Executive Officer of PING; Jason Schechterle, USAF retired and Arizona Highway Patrol retired; Rick Hearn, Director of Leasing and Designated Broker for Vestar and Honorary Commander; Ron Sites, President, Fighter Country Partnership and Honorary Commander; Dave Bray, PING.

“Whether it’s a single-stripe Airman or a general officer, I’ve been truly blessed to interact with the “Good Guys & Gals!” All, who are dedicated to the defense of this country, becoming the best military professional pilots and maintainers, while representing the entire Air Force.”

In the past four years, Mr. Hearn has been directly associated with Luke AFB, whether philanthropic, political or social, and all at both the personal and corporate level. As a member of the Board for Fighter Country Partnership, as its Fundraising Development Chair, his role is to create sustainable revenue streams that directly support the base, catering primarily to the needs of all base personnel and their families.

Mr. Ron Sites, President of Fighter Country Partnership states, “FCP has had the privilege to have Mr. Hearn currently serving a dual role within the Luke community. As both a FCP Board Member and current 56th Maintenance Group Honorary Commander, we have been able to utilize his passion for our military to greatly assist FCP with our mission and goals. If FCP had more Mr. Hearns…we could so much more than we already do. A thank you for his time and support isn’t enough, and he wouldn’t want that. He is so honored and proud to be a part of a group that carries the responsibility of supporting military families, that a thank you isn’t needed.”

When Mr. Hearn was asked what is the most enjoyable and rewarding part of being active with Fighter Country Partnership, he said, “Simple, being able to “pay-it-forward” for these very deserving Airmen and their families. I was neither as mature, nor as selfless, as these individuals to enlist in the Services when I was their age 30 years ago. Now, I strive to make a difference in their lives.”

“Fighter Country Partnership is respected and appreciated by the base, the Air Force, and the Department of Defense. It is a national model unrealized anywhere else in the country. To be a part of this group of individuals has been, is, and will always be an honor and privilege for me.”

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