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AFRC News

Secretary of the Air Force visits Grissom

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James met with 434th Air Refueling Wing Airmen and leadership during a visit to Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., Dec. 15-16.

During the visit, the Secretary learned about the base's history and gained a more in-depth understanding of Grissom's mission capabilities and the local communities that support the base.

"My first impression of Grissom was wow!" said James. "You've been involved with every major operation for the past two decades; it's unbelievable the importance of your mission."

"The visit went extremely well," added Col. Doug Schwartz, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. "This was a great opportunity for her to meet the men and women of the Hoosier Wing and see first-hand the outstanding facilities that we have here as well as learn more about our mission and capabilities."

James' visit began with a dinner in Wabash, Ind. at the historic Honeywell House where she met with Grissom's leadership and local civic leaders.

"This is an amazing community," said James. "You can really tell that the base has their support."

The following day, James was given a mission briefing and tour of the north-central Indiana base that included visits to a KC-135 simulator and Grissom's new boom operator weapon system trainer. James also had an opportunity to share the tour with Sen. Joe Donnelly and a couple of his staff members as well as U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski's military legislative assistant.

"This is very realistic," said James as she took the controls of the KC-135 simulator. "What a valuable asset to the pilots [who fly these aircraft]."

Donnelly echoed those words as he took over the controls of the simulator.

"These [simulators] are amazing," concurred Donnelly "I'm honored to have the opportunity to meet [Secretary James] and see first-hand the mission at Grissom."

The tour moved from simulator to the real thing as the wing showcased one of Grissom's 16 KC-135R Stratotankers. Crewmembers and maintainers showed her around the aircraft and answered questions.

"I am blown away by the condition of your aircraft!" explained James. "They truly are a testament to pride your maintainers take in their work."

As the visit progressed, James met with Hoosier Wing Airmen during a luncheon. She highlighted several key topics with the Airmen in attendance including resiliency, innovation and career development. 

"I couldn't have gotten where I am today without good mentors and a lot of resiliency," she said. "Be prepared to zig-zag in life; you will have your ups and downs, but when you are down you have to bounce back."

James also discussed the importance of every Airman and what they bring to the mission.

"There is no substitute to engaging with Airmen in person," said James. "Each of you brings valuable assets to the mission."

Airmen asked questions and listened to the advice she had to offer.

"Meeting the SecAF was a great opportunity for me and gave me an insight of how the Reserve and our mission fit into the big picture," said Senior Airman Courtney Dotson-Essett, 434th Maintenance Squadron hydraulics specialist.  "It really shows that what I do in the Air Force matters and makes a difference."

James concluded her visit by reassuring Airmen that reservists will continue to play a vital role in the defense of our country in the future.

"We continue to rely on reserve units more and more, and we are going to continue to build up their end strength," she said. "Continue to keep up the good work; everyone is proud of what you are doing with the KC-135 and its mission."

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

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