Spokane community members visit base, experience mission first-hand

Published April 5, 2012
By Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- A group of seven members of the Spokane community visited here March 28 to experience the 92nd Air Refueling Wing's mission first-hand.

"The purpose of flights like what [these community members] experienced is educational," said Col. Paul Guemmer, 92nd ARW commander. "In doing so, we share with our community partners what our mission is by letting them witness it in-person."

During a pre-mission brief, the colonel explained to the group what they would see and why what Team Fairchild does is so important to not only Spokane, but the Air Force and U.S. as a whole.

"Your flight today will be a culmination of the hard work and dedication of more than 7,000 personnel," he said. "You'll see our mission closer. What we do is not common and not routine. Our pilots and boom operators are professionals delivering fuel to the war fighter."

Guemmer went on to explain what makes the U.S. military so unique.

"One thing that separates us from all other militaries in the world is our air refueling capabilities," Guemmer said. "We are the only refueling wing supporting operations in the Northwest and Canadian border for not only aircraft in our region, but also those coming over the poles."

Following the briefing, the crew and community members stepped to the aircraft to begin their familiarization with Fairchild's aircraft and mission.

"We all felt like kids in a candy store," said Teddie Gibbon, KXLY 4 TV general manager. "My father was a broadcaster in the Air Force during WWII. So I've always had a real appreciation for our armed forces, but flights like these I know helps the community connect with Fairchild AFB in a very positive way."

"What we've seen today helps us gain a greater appreciation for what happens in our own backyard," she added.

Right in line with Gibbon, the manager of ticket operations of Washington State University Athletics, Adam Ganders, said flights like his are very important.

"We hear about Fairchild AFB all the time, but to actually experience the mission first hand is unbelievable," he said.

From the local media, to the universities and to even law enforcement and local business owners, the group consisted of community members from all walks of life.

"Seeing what you all do really helps to understand your mission and the dedication of the servicemembers stationed here," said Craig Thayer, the U.S. Marshall for Washington's Eastern District.

As a U.S. Marshall, Thayer understands the meaning of selfless service - a core competency instilled into the hearts and minds of all serving the U.S. across the globe.

"When it comes down to protection, we all provide a service - we're the tip of the spear - we protect and serve," he said.

Additionally, according the 92nd ARW's vice commander, Col. Marc Van Wert, Fairchild AFB couldn't complete their mission without the support of their surround communities.

"This is a real treat for us to show you what we do," he said. "Thanks for your support - we couldn't do it without you."

View the slideshow, here.