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Confirm Support for the F-35 Mission at Luke AFB

Fighter Country — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:25:15 +0000

The future of Luke Air Force Base is in your hands.

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

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

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

CAF AZ Wing Event to Recognize Inductees into the Arizona Military Aviation Walk of Honor

Fighter Country — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:00:32 +0000

Arizona Wing Aviation Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

2012 WALK OF HONOR INDUCTEE PROFILES

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

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

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

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

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

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

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY RELEASED TODAY FOR F-35 AT LUKE AFB

Fighter Country — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:52:47 +0000

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

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

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

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

Key Dates to Remember:

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

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

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

FCP finishes 2011 with the Fiesta Bowl Parade & Patriot All-American Event

rsites — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:01:31 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Very Respectfully,

Ron Sites

Vet’s life great ride, full of adventure – Don Lubin

Fighter Country — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:30:20 +0000

If one were to write a book about Dr. Don Lubin, it would have to be called Don Lubin’s Wonderful Adventure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By STEPHEN DELGADO, Thunderbolt Staff Writer Luke Air Force Base

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Credit Union West receives award for financial education

Fighter Country — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:30:24 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wigwam names golf hole after Frank Luke Jr.

Fighter Country — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:00:04 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

$8 million and counting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Balloon buster

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

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

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

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

Attacking the balloons was considered suicidal, Don Luke said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Glendale firefighters team up with Luke AFB

Fighter Country — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:30:22 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By KATHRYN STAFFORD Staff Writer

Glendale rededicates Air Force F-100 jet at Bonsall Park

Fighter Country — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:30:11 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By BETTE SHARPE, CouryGraph Productions

2011 Patriot All-American Golfers from NCAA at Luke AFB

Fighter Country — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:36:33 +0000

Operation Thunderbox serves all military families

Fighter Country — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:30:51 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luke community thankful for your support

Fighter Country — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:00:54 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thunderbolts at your service

Fighter Country — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:22:25 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

56th FW ground safety best in Air Force

FCP Visions Winter 2011 – Web Edition

Fighter Country — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:55:27 +0000

FCP Visions Winter 2011 is now available as a digital download. This issue discusses Operation Thunderbox, the life of Dr. Don Lubin and more.

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

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

FCP Visions Fall 2011 – Web Edition

Tribute to Arizona’s Tuskegee Airmen CAF Arizona Wing Aviation Museum at Falcon Field

Fighter Country — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:23:06 +0000

Arizona Wing Aviation Museum

Why is the event being presented?

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

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

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

Who are the Tuskegee Airmen?

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

Why will the Tribute Event be so valuable?

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

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

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

Who are the Honorees?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special Tribute Event to Celebrate the Legacy of Arizona’s Tuskegee Airmen

Fighter Country — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:22:36 +0000

Arizona Wing Aviation Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glendale Slates Jet Rededication

Fighter Country — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:34:34 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The plane was refurbished earlier this year.

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

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

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

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

Article courtesy of staff reporters at yourwestvalley.com

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

Brig. Gen. Neubauer departs 332 AEW

Fighter Country — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:16:29 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The general’s command was not always easy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Familiar Face! Familiar Hat!

A Time for Thanks and Recognition

rsites — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:25:03 +0000

The holiday season around the base is extra special. The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays bring together the Airmen and their families more than any other time of the year. This is also the time when particular programs and services are critical, like Operation Thunderbox, Chaplain’s monthly deployed family dinners, Operation Warmheart – Angel Tree, Airmen Against Drunk Driving & Luke Airman’s Fund.

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

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

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

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

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

No related posts.

Glendale fire chief gets top honor in Arizona

Fighter Country — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:49:55 +0000

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

By John Genovese at the Arizona Republic

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

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

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

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

Burdick has championed several programs throughout his career in Glendale.

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

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

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

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

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

Turkeys for Troops

Fighter Country — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:24:50 +0000

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

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

Former “Luke 1” to be 12th Air Force Commander

Fighter Country — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:10:39 +0000

Major General Robin Rand

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

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

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

Gov. Jan Brewer heading to D.C.

Fighter Country — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:05:38 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brewer will return to Arizona on Friday.

By Jeremy Duda – jeremy.duda@azcapitoltimes.com

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and Steve Yamamori Love Luke AFB

Sonoran Desert Heritage plan protects Luke

rsites — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:30:30 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public feedback sought

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

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

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

Luke Forward F-35 Mission Update

Fighter Country — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:10:30 +0000

F-35A Training Draft EIS Available Winter 2012

F-35 Mission Update: The United States Air Force issued the following revised schedule for the release of F-35 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). As indicated in the news release, the draft EIS has been deferred to December 2011/January 2012. The public comment period will follow the release of the draft EIS by 30-45 days. It is expected that the Record of Decision will likely come in Summer 2012.

Thank you for your continued support of the F-35 Mission and Luke AFB.

The U.S. Air Force is currently preparing the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed establishment of an F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft Pilot Training Center at one or more of the following bases: Boise Air Terminal Airport Air Guard Station (AGS), Idaho; Holloman Air Force Base (AFB), New Mexico; Luke AFB, Arizona (AZ); or Tucson International Airport AGS, AZ. The beddown is needed to train pilots and personnel to safely and effectively operate F-35A aircraft. All F-35A training is proposed to occur within existing military airspace and ranges in the vicinity of the proposed installations.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Draft EIS analyzes potential impacts on the natural, cultural and human environment associated with changes in personnel, construction of facilities, and training activities in existing military airspace and ranges to support the proposed F-35A beddown. No location will be selected until after the EIS is complete.

The Air Force conducted public scoping meetings in early 2010 to identify community concerns and environmental issues to address in the EIS. Potential noise from the training was identified as a primary community and environmental concern. As a result of those concerns as well as ongoing testing and development of the F-35A, the Air Force conducted additional noise studies. The results of these noise studies are being incorporated into the Draft EIS. Therefore, the Draft EIS, originally thought to be available in 2010, will become available in the winter of 2012.

Following release of the Draft EIS, the Air Force will host public hearings to provide details on the Draft EIS analysis and ensure the public has a fair and equal opportunity to consider and comment on the document and the proposals. The public will have 45 days to comment on the analysis presented in the Draft EIS.

Once available, the Draft EIS date of availability, the dates and locations of public hearings, and the location of public libraries will be posted. The public will be able to download the document from this website or view it at a public library. Individuals who attended the scoping meetings held in early 2010 and requested a copy of the Draft EIS will be provided with a copy once it is available. All interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to attend the public hearings and to comment on the Draft EIS and analysis.

This information has been provided by http://www.f-35atrainingeis.com/Schedule.html

Support of Luke vital in coming months

Fighter Country — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:00:49 +0000

Commentary by Mayor Elaine Scruggs, City of Glendale

It has been two years since the October 2009 launch of LukeForward.com, a statewide campaign to petition the Department of Defense to select Luke Air Force Base (AFB) as the second active duty training base for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter mission. Luke is currently the largest active duty F-16 training base in the world, and the Air Force is planning to begin replacing its fleet of F-16s with the new F-35 within the next few years.

The LukeForward campaign was developed by West Valley Partners and Fighter Country Partnership to generate awareness and support of the positive impacts the F-35 will bring to Arizona. Over 22,000 supporters have registered on the site! Fighter Country Partnership Board Chairman Charley Freericks and I serve as the co-chairs of the campaign.

West Valley Partners is the name selected for the organization made up of 14 municipal and county government members. The organization’s sole function is to retain appropriate federal representation in Washington, D.C. Our team of representatives work to secure funding for critical upgrades to Luke infrastructure; monitor legislation that impacts Luke and the military in general, and create awareness at all levels to assist in our goal of preserving current and future missions at Luke AFB. West Valley Partners’ efforts have resulted in federal appropriations to Luke and the Barry M. Goldwater Range of more than $14 million over the last few years.

Since launching LukeForward, the base has been named the “preferred alternative” which means it is the front runner for receiving the F-35 mission. Much work has been accomplished by the communities that surround Luke, as well as by the leadership of Fighter Country Partnership. It is vital that we continue to focus on our ultimate goal of bringing the F-35 mission to Luke.

Arizona’s federal delegation in Washington D.C., Governor Jan Brewer and individual cities and towns throughout Arizona have come out in strong support of basing the F-35 training mission at Luke AFB.

Recently, Senator John McCain brought together several local officials to reiterate his strong support for the F-35 mission coming to Luke, while also sharing his concerns regarding programming costs. In recent months, the Pentagon has asked for funding transfers to avoid cuts to the number of F-35 scheduled to be purchased. Senator McCain intends to analyze the funding transfers very closely for the purpose of not impacting other areas of the defense budget.

The Air Force anticipates releasing the draft Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for F-35 in September 2011 and making its final determination by March 2012. Public participation and support are critical to Luke receiving the F-35 mission. Over the next seven months, your community leaders will be calling on you to make your support for Luke AFB well known.

I want to thank all of you who have been supporting our efforts up to this point and ask that you continue your involvement. You have made a positive impression and have contributed to getting us to this point!

I want to encourage those who may be reading about our efforts for the first time to join with us by signing up at LukeForward.com. Your voices of support for bringing the F-35 mission to Luke Air Force Base will be extremely valuable in the coming months. Registered supporters will have access to the latest information, including the EIS public meeting schedule.

Together, we can help ensure Luke’s best possible future.

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

Education and Awareness campaign continue to generate support for FCP

Fighter Country — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:30:16 +0000

Ron Sites, President/Executive Director Fighter Country Partnership holding a trophy (a small model of an F-16) at the 2ND Annual Honorary Commanders Golf Tournament awards ceremony.

FCP has many valuable roles and responsibilities with respect to Luke Air Force Base and the community. Every day “we” are humbled with the opportunity to serve those who constantly serve and support our country.

FCP’s “we” is a very large and diverse group of individuals, organizations, municipalities and fellow civic organizations.

One of FCP’s most important responsibilities is to continuously update our supporters with information regarding Luke AFB to preserve our relationships going forward. I call this our Education and Awareness Campaign.

We generate support for Luke AFB through the education and awareness we provide. I can’t explain how it feels to watch eyes literally “widen” as someone’s perception of what Luke AFB is changes in a five- minute conversation.

The civilian population drives by the base every day, sees the F-16s flying high and loves the sound of freedom – and rightfully so. My perspective of Luke AFB has changed significantly since I have been privileged enough to support it.

I see the aircraft and think a little differently. I see a squadron, and what is a squadron? A squadron has 24 aircraft, 30 pilots and 50 mission support personnel. Mission Support is your medical group, security forces, family services, etc. (actual numbers vary, these are approximates)

Why would there be 50 Mission Support personnel assigned to 30 pilots? Because there are 300 maintainers assigned to take care of those 24 planes so the 30 pilots are safe. There are six squadrons at Luke AFB. Do the math.

While Luke AFB is a training base for F-16 fighter pilots, it takes thousands of other airmen with incredibly important responsibilities to accomplish that mission. These airmen aren’t cleaning latrines and mopping floors; they are crew chiefs of an F-16, life support, security forces, family services, etc.

Here is another eye opening example that I have experienced: I met an F-16 crew chief and asked him a few questions. While this airman is ultimately responsible for a $25 million aircraft, his rank/paygrade is an E-5, he is married, his spouse doesn’t work and they have two children.

I won’t share their household income, but I can tell you that there are a lot of things “our community” can do to support these airmen and their families.

There are 3,193 Airmen on Luke AFB of Rank/Paygrade E-5 and below. Once again, do the math. Want to know how you can support? Call FCP at 623-882-2191.

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

Air Force delivers first F-35

Fighter Country — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 01:35:54 +0000

A crew chief from the 33rd Fighter Wing guides a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II to its final parking position. The aircraft, known as AF-9, is the first production F-35 to be delivered to Eglin AFB. AF-9 arrived at 1:18 p.m. CDT after launching on its more than 90-minute ferry flight from Fort Worth, Texas. The jet will be used for activities in concert with training F-35 pilots and maintainers who begin coursework at the base’s new F-35 Integrated Training Center this fall.

The first Air Force F-35 Lighting II joint strike fighter arrived at Eglin Air Force Base July 14, marking a major milestone in our nation’s military history.

“It’s an exciting day here at the wing, where our joint and integrated team has been preparing for this day since October 2009,” Col. Andrew Toth, 33rd Fighter wing commander. “I have no doubt the caliber of the Airmen, Sailors, Marines and contractors will provide safe and effective training operations at Eglin. Now we look forward to the start of classes later this year.”

The military’s first F-35 pilots ferried the joint strike fighter from Lockheed Martin headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, to its new home at Eglin. The unique environment comprised of military, civilians and contractors at Eglin will train pilots and maintainers for all three variants of the aircraft.

As the world’s first multirole stealth fighter, the JSF is known for its superior range, cutting-edge avionics and next-generation sensor fusion. Each model shares breakthroughs in combat performance, survivability and support, while each is specifically tailored for unique service needs.

A BRAC 2005 decision recommended Eglin as the initial joint training site for the Department of Defense. Since then, the 33rd FW flew its last F-15 September 2009, transitioned to Air Education and Training Command October 2009 and completed $400 million in military construction and upgrades this year to support the necessary infrastructure on the wing’s JSF training campus.

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

Franks weighs in on F-35

Fighter Country — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 23:32:23 +0000

By Carolyn Dryer @ The Glendale Star

Congressman Trent Franks commented this week on the mission at Luke Air Force Base and the scheduling of the F-16 squadrons’ move to Holloman Air Force Base once the F-35 Lightning II lands at the base in Glendale.

Upon entering office, Franks said he was part of the delegation that worked diligently to save Luke during the Base Relocation and Closure (BRAC) process.

“Then, we were working hard to get the F-35 to Luke,” Franks said. “.So, those are wonderful successes I’m thankful for.”

Franks said the first F-16 movement, the first squadron, was set to move the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 and now has been rescheduled to the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.

The second squadron was set to move the third quarter of fiscal year 2013, and that has been changed to the third quarter of fiscal year 2014.

The good news, Franks said, is the F-16 will be based at Luke longer.
He said the F-35 is now set to arrive at Luke the second quarter of fiscal year 2013.

“We haven’t seen any delay in the F-35,” he said.

Asked to comment on Sen. John McCain’s statements about the F-16 squadron movement in his Sept. 8, 2011 letter to Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Franks said, “I understand Sen. McCain’s perspective very well. I’m not sure with the transition that’s occurring I would be in a mindset to challenge the Air Force at this time.

“It’s important to know the last update I’ve seen, the three squadrons planned to base at Luke are already funded, so hopefully, they are immune to cuts to the initial three squadrons.”

Franks is not so optimistic about future funding for defense.

He said, “After the budget control act and super committee, there’s an ominous willingness to cut the defense budget at a time when we’re penny wise and pound foolish. When those two airplanes hit those buildings, it cost $2 trillion.

“It is vital for America to understand that our critical economic productively depends on a secure environment. And one of the most important things we can do economically is make sure our defense is the greatest in the world.

“One of the most important foundations for Americans to be such a favorable economic investment across the world is the unquestioned nature of our security environment. If we diminish our security in the interest of economic savings, we may do the worst for both.”

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

No related posts.

FCP Visions Fall 2011 – Web Edition

Fighter Country — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 01:39:01 +0000

Fighter Country Partnership is pleased to announce the availability of FCP Visions Fall 2011 as a digital download. The Fall 2011 issue announces the United States Air Force delivery of it’s first F-35 and so much more…

In order to enjoy FCP Visions – 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 2011 (you may need to right click and “save file as”).

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

FCP Visions Winter 2011 – Web Edition

Honorary Commander Feature: Mr. Mike Nealy

maryjo — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:05:50 +0000

Mike Nealy, COO & Alt. Governor, Phoenix Coyotes and Jobing.com Arena & FCP Board of Directors

Each month, Fighter Country Partnership will feature an Honorary Commander–both alumni and current members. This month’s feature is on Mr. Mike Nealy, Chief Operating Officer of the Phoenix Coyotes. He is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day business operations for the Coyotes and Jobing.com Arena. He also serves as one of the team’s alternate governors.

The Honorary Commanders Program partners Luke Air Force Base squadron commanders and others in leadership positions with civilian business and community leaders from the Phoenix metropolitan area. The program is designed to strengthen relationships between the base and local community. Since 1999, more than 400 community and business leaders have been inducted into the program. In November 2010, 65 new honorary commanders joined during a ceremony for a two-year term.

Mr. Nealy, a Minnesota native, has been an active alumni of the program since his term ended in 2008. He was inducted into the program in 2006 assigned to the 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron. He is currently on the Fighter Country Partnership Board of Directors participating in projects that support the men and women of Luke Air Force Base.

Military working Dog at Luke AFB chases down Mike Nealy during an Honorary Commander tour on base.

It was an honor to be exposed to the internal workings of Luke and to see, firsthand, how a base operates and to see the skilled airmen perform their duties,” Nealy said. “Being an Honorary Commander gave me access to a world that I knew little about and also allowed me to share my world with the staff and airmen that I met.”

The military commanders are invited by their Honorary Commanders to learn about the community in which they live outside the confines of the base. Although military commanders usually have a short two-year assignment at Luke, they are encouraged to get involved in the local community and this program gives them that opportunity.

Mr. Nealy supports the base in many ways through a great partnership with the Phoenix Coyotes. He and his team go out of their way to ensure Airmen are recognized at every opportunity.

“I always try to think of how to include the base at our home games,” said Mr. Nealy. “For example, at each home game we honor a “Hero of the Game” and often this is an Airman from the base. We get them center ice seats, introduce and recognized them during the game, always to huge cheers from the fans.”

As a board member of Fighter Country Partnership, Mr. Nealy believes that the more you put into a great cause, the more you get out of it.

Mike Nealy is suited up and ready to climb aboard an F-16 Fighter Falcon fighter aircraft for the experience of a life time.

“When it was time to move on from the Honorary Commanders program, I did not feel as though I have given enough, so for me, I was fortunate enough to be able to join the Fighter Country Partnership and still serve on the board today. This allows me to continue to support the base and stay close to and informed on the needs of the base and its Airmen. With my position at the Phoenix Coyotes hockey organization, I have also been able to support the base by connecting the Team and base with various opportunities.”

Mr. Ron Sites, Executive Director, Fighter Country Partnership, appreciates the great support that Mr. Nealy and the Phoenix Coyotes Hockey Team provides to the men and women of Luke AFB.

“Watching 200 Airmen and their families enjoy a Phoenix Coyotes hockey game is an opportunity a lot of these airmen wouldn’t experience without the support that the Coyotes and Mr. Nealy provide,” he stated. “They have been there for the base on a consistent basis.”

“The Coyotes’ contributions are another example why the Airmen and their families at Luke AFB enjoy a quality of life that is different than other military installations, Mr. Sites explained. “Without the community support, the quality of life within Luke would be significantly different. Thank you Mr. Nealy and the Coyotes!”

When asked what inspires him, Mr. Nealy explained, “For me, I live under the protection of those who serve and have served in our armed forces and I have the opportunities I enjoy because of their service. It is my way of giving something back.

Familiar Face! Familiar Hat!

syamamori — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:20:17 +0000

Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander, celebrates surpassing the 4,000th flying hour mark in the F-16 "Fighting Falcon" aircraft. Neubauer was greeted by Joint Base Balad, Iraq, personnel to celebrate the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jeffrey Schultze)

Nothing but pride as we read this story from Luke’s website! See below for an update on our former Luke Commander!

8/12/2011 - JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Fly .. Fight … Win: three words that define our focus, our duty and our purpose. For a fighter pilot, every sortie, every bomb or bullet on target and every minute of reconnaissance vividly represents those words. And each successive “mission complete” sharpens their commitment to get the job done. This is especially true for Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Tuskegee Airmen commander and former 56th Fighter Wing commander, who Aug. 1 notched his 4,000th hour of flight at the stick of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, or as it is more affectionately known, the “Viper.”

The pressures of leading a combat mission, the austerity of an unforgiving environment and the enduring threat of enemy action did little to affect the general’s achievement as he joined a very elite company.

A number of Joint Base Balad personnel, undeterred by 123 degree heat, came out to congratulate him on the milestone.

How did he feel after the engine cut off?

“Grateful,” said Neubauer. “Hitting the 4,000 hour mark as Red Tail 1 was beyond words and seeing the crowd out there was a scene I’ll forever remember.”

His milestone realized, the general reflected upon past, present and future combat aviators as well as his place within the community at-large.

“To the combat pilots of the past, thank you for showing the way; to today’s, seize the day with gusto. To tomorrow’s, persevere,” he said.

Joining Neubauer as his wingman was Lt. Col. Bob Whitehouse, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group deputy commander, who reached 3,000 flight hours in the F-16 more than a month ago.

“Whitehouse and I served together at Luke Air Force Base,” said Neubauer. “He’s a superb officer and a great fighter pilot.”

When asked if he would have ever envisioned this moment more than 30 years ago, the general did not mince words.

“Not in a million years,” he said. “Lieutenant Neubauer just wanted to be the best wingman in the 430th Tactical Fighter Squadron.”

“I’m thankful to the Air Force for granting me the honor to serve as an Airman and fighter pilot more than 30 years,” he continued. “I’m thankful to my fellow fighter pilots and the Airmen I have served with over all those years for their example, stick, rudder, heart and soul, and giving so much to our Air Force. Lastly, I’m thankful to the Tuskegee Airmen for their courage, character and sacrifice.”

by Capt. Larry Farrell

332nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group

Brig. Gen. Neubauer departs 332 AEW

56th FW ground safety best in Air Force

Fighter Country — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:56:28 +0000

Congrats 56th Fighter Wing!

6/3/2011 - LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – The Air Force Meritorious Award for Achievement in Ground Safety was recently presented to 56th Fighter Wing Ground Safety professionals. This award is in recognition of outstanding performance in mishap prevention by the 56th FW for 2010 and recognizes Luke’s ground safety unit as the best in the Air Force.

Candidates are evaluated on all base ground safety programs to include low accident rates, safety campaigns and proactive programs for mishap prevention at the base level.
Initially chosen by AETC as the best within the command, they were then matched against the top candidates Air Force-wide, winning the best overall among all major commands.

“The safety professional is in a constant learning state,” said Ben Bruce, 56th FW GS manager, “because there is so much to learn about all the different safety issues at a fighter wing. From the flightline to industrial shop, you learn every day.”

As operational safety professionals, specialized training is provided in areas to include industrial safety, safety training methods and safety program management along with communications skills emphasizing speaking and writing. Mr. Bruce said not only is language important when reporting to senior leadership, but you must also trust that the safety practices in effect are those that are being followed.

“This award first acknowledges the hard work of the dedicated people on my ground team for their focus and determination to provide the best safety products and programs to the wing and rewards the efforts of the leadership teams at all levels that execute the safety mission every day,” Mr. Bruce said. “This is a win for the 56th Fighter Wing, again showing the Air Force why they should ‘Beware the Thunderbolt!’”

by Airman 1st Class Myra Dougharty
56th Logistics Readiness Squadron

Tops In Blue to perform a free show at Jobing.com Arena on June 3, 2011

Fighter Country — Mon, 30 May 2011 18:31:48 +0000

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – Tops in Blue, the Air Force’s premier entertainment group, will be performing a free show at the Jobing.com Arena Friday, June 3. The show, which begins at 7 p.m., is open to the public and appropriate for all ages.

The 2011 Tops in Blue tour “Rhythm Nation” brings to life the music of America, from the early 1900s through today. It provides a glimpse of a century of popular music and how it grew through new rhythms and technology. Add the high energy precision choreography and dazzling visual impact Tops in Blue is known for and every member of the audience will be singing along and dancing in their seats.

All media are welcome to attend this event. Any media representatives interested in attending should contact Barbara Plante at (623) 856-5997 or Master Sgt. Cynthia Dorfner at (623) 856-7991 at the 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office.

To learn more about the Tops In Blue please visit their website at http://www.topsinblue.com/.

F-35 DEIS Update from Luke Forward

Fighter Country — Fri, 20 May 2011 21:12:29 +0000

Luke Forward | May 19, 2011 – The United States Air Force announced this week that the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the F-35 active duty training mission at Luke AFB has been delayed until the fall. While this is not welcome news, Luke AFB remains well positioned to achieve our desired objective of securing the F-35 mission.

It is important to note that Luke AFB remains the preferred site for the F-35 active duty training mission. The revised release date for the DEIS is September 2011, with the public comment period occurring in October. The Final EIS is scheduled for release in January 2012, and the Record of Decision will follow in the March-April 2012 timeframe.

For those registered to receive e-mail, we will be contacting you in advance of the release of the DEIS to inform you of the next round of public hearings that are tentatively planned for October as well as opportunities for you to participate and continue to show your support. In the meantime, please continue to encourage friends, family and colleagues to sign up at www.LukeForward.com. We are 22,000 strong and growing!