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.

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Blair Bunting - Blair Bunting Photography

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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Mr. David Haddad, President, Fumar Cigars Inc.

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

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

Actor Gary Sinise and Mr. David Haddad in Las Vegas

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Haddad with Blackhawk soldier in Iraq

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Mr. Bruce Larson, Senior Vice President and Arizona Regional Manager for RBF Consulting

This month, Fighter Country Partnership newsletter features Mr. Bruce Larson, Senior Vice President and Arizona Regional Manager for RBF Consulting, a company of Michael Baker Corporation (RBF). RBF is a nationwide engineering, planning, and surveying consulting firm. Mr. Larson was inducted into the Luke Air Force Base’s Honorary Commanders program in October 2008 assigned to the 56th Component Maintenance Squadron. Since his induction, Mr. Larson has strived to make a positive impact by staying active with the base and his squadron.

Background: Mr. Larson has over 24 years of engineering and design experience with numerous public and private sector projects throughout the Southwest. Under his current role of managing the RBF Phoenix and Tucson offices, Mr. Larson supervises and directs the development of engineering, planning and survey projects within Arizona. Mr. Larson’s professional experience provides him with a vast knowledge of the varying requirements of many municipalities, state agencies and governmental departments. In addition to being an Honorary Commander alumnus with Luke Air Force Base, Mr. Larson also currently serves on the City of Glendale Planning and Zoning Commission.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Larson has coordinated many complex and diverse development projects, from commercial and industrial projects to major transportation corridors and Master Plan developments. He specializes in the oversight and management of all facets of development by coordinating with varied disciplines within RBF along with sub consultants, clients, and public agencies to create the most cost effective and sustainable developments possible.

When asked what it is like being an Honorary Commander, he explained, “The experience was incredible!” “Being a native of Phoenix, I grew up in the west valley but never knew much about Luke AFB. The program helped me understand the mission better and get to know the 56th Component Maintenance Squadron I was assigned to.”

Bruce Larson operates the Explosive Ordnance Disposal robot demonstration during a field trip to the Barry M. Goldwater Range.

He explained that there were many highlights during his tenure as an Honorary Commander; however, the visit to the Barry Goldwater range, the tour of his adopted squadron and all the social events, award ceremonies and the Air Force Ball are among his most enjoyable, informative, interesting and inspiring events.

“I also have enjoyed introducing the two commanders I have served under in CMS to my firm and what we do,” Mr. Larson said. “The commanders have toured my company and learned more about what we do as civil engineers, planners, and surveyors.”

As far as the mission at Luke AFB goes, he explained, “I saw how the airmen are very creative in how they keep the jets up and running at the base,” he said. “Contrary to popular belief, the base runs on a very tight budget. Some of the flights have created their own tools and methods to save time and money.”

Mr. Bruce Larson and his wife Louisa at the Air Force Ball with Major (now Lt Col) Robert Brinker, former commander of the 56th Component Maintenance Squadron and his wife Major Kathleen Brinker of the 56th Medical Group.

Major James Blackman, commander of the 56th Component Maintenance Squadron said, “When I arrived to Luke in 2010, Mr. Larson had been a tremendous supporter of the airmen in CMS and across the base through the Honorary Commander program. Although his two-year commitment in the program ended later that year, he still makes himself available to attend events almost two years later. His sincere appreciation for the military, the mission at Luke, and the airmen stationed here is clear by his continued involvement and that has made him more than an Honorary Commander Alumni and professional contact; he has also become a personal friend.”

Mr. Larson supports the airmen at Luke in many ways. One of the ways he supports is to ensure they enjoy themselves in the Phoenix area during their assignment.

“My company has season tickets to some of the professional sports in the valley,” he said. “I have been able to share these with some of the airmen in the CMS squadron through the commander. I feel they also appreciate my participation and interest in their assignments and what they do.”

When asked what inspires him to keep participating in the HC program and Fighter Country Partnership he explained, “There are many reasons to keep participating at the base. Some of these are the excitement and energy felt when at the base, the important mission of the base, and the men and women and their service to our country.”

Bruce Larson with Major James Blackman, Commander, 56th Component Maintenance Squadron, on the flightline at Luke Air Force Base.

“I would also have to say what I treasure the most is the friendship with the 56th Component Maintenance Squadron commander, Major James Blackman and former CMS commanders; Brigadier General Jerry D. Harris, Commander of the 56th Fighter Wing and his lovely wife; base leadership including Mr. Rusty Mitchell, the Director of the Community Initiatives Team, and those involved with Fighter Country Partnership. More than anything, I’m inspired and enjoy the opportunity to give back to the airmen and their families for their service.”

“As a member of Fighter Country Partnership, I’m excited to be part of the Blue Blazer Squadron of honorary commander alumni. There are so many business and community leaders that have been through the honorary commander’s program. I’m compelled to stay engaged and help further the mission of Luke Air Force Base.”

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Gary Doolittle, Director of Fixed Operations, Midway Chevrolet

Mr. Gary Doolittle, Major James Blackman and Mrs. Margo Doolittle at the Honorary Commanders’ induction ceremony in November 2010.

Each month, Fighter Country Partnership features an Honorary Commander – both alumni and current members. This month’s feature is on Mr. Gary Doolittle, Director of Fixed Operations for Midway Chevrolet. He is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day business operations for the Fixed Operations division, including managing, leading and working with 175 fellow employees.

Mr. Gary Doolittle has worked in the automotive business for 33 years.  He started his management career at the age of 21, running the collision center for long-time Valley Chevy dealer, Ray Korte.  Gary stuck with the GM brand throughout his career and has weathered the ups and downs of three decades in the automotive business, winning numerous awards along the way.  For the past ten years, he has worked with the Van Tuyl Group at Midway Chevrolet in Phoenix.

His family history includes some prominent military ties.  Gary’s cousin, General Jimmy Doolittle, commanded the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders.  General Doolittle and his all-volunteer crews flew B-25 bombers off the deck of the U.S.S. Hornet for the epic raid on Japan in April of 1942 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  Gary considers it an honor and a privilege to be associated with such a legend.

“I have been blessed with a great family,” Gary said.  “I have a beautiful wife, six children and seven grandchildren.  My wife, Margo, is my biggest supporter and the major contributor to the successes we have shared.”

Mr. Gary Doolittle, Director of Fixed Operations, Midway Chevrolet, is inducted as an Honorary Commander assigned to the 56th Component Maintenance Squadron. Major James Blackman, Commander, 56 CMS, presents the squadron flag to Mr. Doolittle.

On August 4, 2010, Gary received a letter from the Commander of the 56th Fighter Wing, Brigadier General Kurt F. Neubauer, inviting him to become an Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base.  “My blood was running fast through my veins both from the sheer excitement and the wonder of what this all means,” Gary stated.  “I had no idea of the adventure I was about to embark on.”

Gary remembers his first visit to the base on December 6, 2010.

“I can vividly remember driving through the guard station at the south gate.  As I turned onto Fighter Country Avenue, I saw my first glimpse of the F-16s lined up in their hangers waiting their turn to hit the skies.  As I drove north, three jets started to taxi out to the runway.  I had to pull over and enjoy the moment.  One at a time they lined up on the runway, revved up to full throttle and then were off.  I watched them as they flew out of sight.  It still brings chills up and down my spine,” Gary said.

Gary has thoroughly enjoyed the time he has spent with his adopted squadron and host commander, Major James Blackman, Commander of the 56^th Component Maintenance Squadron.

F-16 Bomb Loading competition at Luke AFB

“The Midway team and I have had the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time with the 56th CMS through our company events and personal time.  We had a company-sponsored paint ball event in Glendale.  Major Blackman and his team came out and destroyed the competition.  It was awesome.  They also were at our company-sponsored day at Chase Field Ball Park to see the Diamondbacks play, our company Christmas party, and golf outings.  Major Blackman even made it to my 50th birthday party,” Gary said.

“One of the coolest things is how the 56 CMS has brought me in and treated me like one of their own,” Gary explained.  ”I think the poet Maya Angelou said it best: ‘”I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog demonstration during a Community Day/Support the Troops event at the Midway dealership.

“Major Blackman and his wife Jennifer invited us to their daughter’s ballet performance of the Nutcracker in November.  Their daughter, Julia, is a budding ballerina.  Julia put on a wonderful show.  My wife and I brought our granddaughter, Reagan, who thoroughly enjoyed the evening.”

“Margo, and I have enjoyed all the events at the base, including when Brigadier General Jerry Harris, current commander of the 56thFighter Wing, and his lovely wife, Heather, opened up their house for a holiday party,” Gary said.  “The Air Force is close knit family.  They have many events together that help build solid relationships and teamwork for the squadron.”

Gary explained that one of the highlights of the year was the bomb loading competition.  “As it was explained to me, when the planes land back at the base from their mission, they have to be reloaded with new bombs.  Accuracy and speed are key in making sure the planes are always war-ready.  The base trains relentlessly for this.  Just one more reason why we have the greatest Air Force in the world,” Gary said.

Major James Blackman, Commander of the 56th Component Squadron comments on his experience with his assigned Honorary Commander:

Congressman Trent Franks, Gary Doolittle and military members attended the Community Day/Support the Troops event at the Midway dealership

“Mr. Gary Doolittle, his wife Margo, and the team at Midway Chevrolet, are such outstanding supporters of the Airman in CMS, and at Luke AFB,” explained Major Blackman.  “Gary is a superb Honorary Commander. He and his wife’s eagerness to attend our many base functions have made it an absolute joy to get to know them more.  They have become part of the CMS family and welcomed me and my family into theirs.  Each opportunity I spend time with Gary, I get a chance to see the mission of Luke through the eyes of a great supporter and advocate, and I benefit greatly from these times as I am left reminded once again of the awesome trust and confidence our nation has in its military.”

• Since 1964, Midway Chevrolet has been a supporter of Luke Air Force Base and its airmen.  Here are just a few things Midway and its employees have done to support the troops.
• In 2006, Midway Chevrolet and its employees donated a Chevy Suburban to the family of Major Troy Gilbert, an F-16 pilot assigned to Luke AFB who died in combat while  engaged in support of coalition ground combat operations north of Baghdad.  The loss of Major Gilbert was a true tragedy, Gary stated.  ”Midway Chevrolet and its employees saw that the family had a need and wanted to meet that need.”
• In 2009, Midway raised money to contribute to Fighter Country Partnership at its Community Day/Support the Troops Event, which was held at the dealership.  Luke’s Bomb Dogs, the National Guard and Congressman Trent Franks were just a few who attended the event and made it a great day.  More than 1,200 people attended.
• This will be the third year for the golf tournament that raises money for the Folds of Honor program. The GM Parts Departments in the Valley and Midway’s Parts Manager, Rod Martin, run this successful fundraising event. Rod’s son-in-law, Lt. Col. Michael Loforti, is an F-16 pilot who was stationed and flew out of Luke.

“It is a great feeling to be part of a company that is focused on helping, taking care of and working with Luke AFB and the community we live in,” Gary said.  “Being an Honorary Commander has given me a dose of optimism and a chance to pause and consider a brighter future.”

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James R. “Bubba” Moffett, Jr., President, Crescent Crown Distributing, L.L.C.

Each month, Fighter Country Partnership features an Honorary Commander – both alumni and current members. This month’s feature is on Mr. James Moffett, President of Crescent Crown Distributing, L.L.C., which is one of the top ten largest beer distributors in the country with operations in Arizona and Southern Louisiana selling over 25 million cases annually employing more than 600 people across the Valley. They have three warehouses in the valley located in central Phoenix, Surprise and Mesa.

James “Bubba” Moffett was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has a business degree with the University of Texas and was on their football team–three-year letterman– from 1988-1990. He is married to Blair Ann Moffett and they have a 4-month-old daughter, Elouise Loren. Bubba enjoys sports to include skiing, hunting, fishing, golf and anything outdoors. He is on the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission.

Where did the name “Bubba” come from? “It is a nickname that my mother gave me when I was an infant,” he explained. “She called her older brother Bubba who was 15 years older than her. He died of a heart attack right before I was born. Walter (Bubba) was a career mechanic in the air force and worked on B-25 Liberators…. so it was more in honor of him and calling me Bubba felt better than James…..but it’s just a nickname.”

James Moffett accepting the squadron flag from the Commander of the 309th Fighter Squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel “Ship” Lasica, during the Honorary Commander induction ceremony in November 2010.

Mr. Moffett was assigned as an Honorary Commander to the 309th Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base in 2010. This squadron is known as the “Wild Ducks” or as they prefer “The Mad Mallards from Hell.” The Ducks have given “Bubba” a new nickname… “HOPS.”

When asked what it’s like being an Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base, he stated, “My experience with the 309th Fighter Squadron has been absolutely stellar and one of the greatest things I’ve done in my life. Being an Honorary Commander has given me the unique “once in a lifetime” opportunity as a civilian to observe the inner workings of a 56th Fighter Wing Squadron at Luke. But more importantly, the life-long friendship I’ve developed with my squadron commander, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel “Ship” Lasica and his family along with the rest of the Squadron personnel has been the most positive aspect of my commandership.”

Lieutenant Colonel Daniel “Ship” Lasica, Commander, 309th Fighter Squadron and his Honorary Commander, James “Bubba” Moffett.

Mr. Moffett went on to explain that over the past two years, he gained a much better understanding of what it takes to become a “Viper” (F-16) pilot.

“I have a new found respect for the intelligence, skill, focus and bravery that all of these young men and women must have to become combat ready pilots in less than 11 months. I will never look at an F-16 the same way again when it flies over our Surprise warehouse. The discipline and confidence that these Airmen acquire through their months and years of training will prepare them for success in anything they do in the future, whether they remain within the U.S. military or outside in the civilian world. They are truly “America’s Finest” and I would be honored to work alongside any of them.”

As a business owner in the Valley that sells consumer goods, he learned that Luke AFB is a powerful economic engine that contributes over 18,000 jobs and $1.4 billion annually to the local economy, equivalent to the economic impact of four Super Bowls per year.
“As business owners, we must do everything in our power to ensure that Luke AFB remains the largest active base in the world for many years to come! We should all take pride that we have one of the largest and finest air bases in the world that trains over 80% of the world’s F-16 pilots and hopefully F-35 Lightning pilots in the not-too-distant future.”

When asked what his most memorable time as an Honorary Commander has been, he explained, “I’ve had a lot of memorable times with my fellow Ducks, but the most memorable was when I hosted a Duck “Roll” Call at our distribution facility on Dysart Road not far from the base. I had Jake Leinenkugel from Leinenkugel Brewery in Wisconsin, who is a great friend/supplier partner and supporter of the U.S. Military being an ex-Marine himself, as our honored guest.

The 309th fighter squadron inside Crescent Crown's keg room

After beer tasting with Jake and giving a tour of our facility to the Ducks, they surprised me with an impromptu naming ceremony, where I discovered that the IPs and students had decided that my new Duck squadron call sign would be “HOPS” which stands for “Hero of Pints.” Soon thereafter, I presented the official “Duck One” 32-foot delivery truck to Ship and the squadron honoring the Airmen of Luke AFB and the 309th Fighter Squadron with a life-size image of a Duck Viper on the side of the trailer. That was a night to remember and good times were had by all!! The Duck One truck is officially stationed on the Luke AFB/Glendale route, so be on the lookout for it making a beer delivery if you’re in the West Valley!

The Honorary Commanders program is designed to promote mutual partnerships with the local community and to promote a better understanding of the important Air Force mission. When asked if he thought this program is meeting that goal, he stated, “Absolutely!” “Not only do I have a better understanding of the economic importance of the base, but developing relationships with my fellow squadron members has been a highlight of the program for me!!”

“These airmen are true American heroes and most civilians have no clue what it takes to become an instructor pilot or combat ready F-16 Viper driver.”

“Our distribution business sells on average 65,000 cases of beer throughout the Valley each day and we depend on those 6,000 airmen and a total of 18,000 consumers working directly with Luke as responsible consumers of our products! Luke AFB is vital to the future of our business and is one of the big reasons why we strategically constructed a second distribution facility to handle future growth in the West Valley. We are counting on Luke AFB and its personnel to be around for a very long time!! Most importantly, our Nation’s security depends on it!”

“Hops” has worked hard to help the base and his squadron to learn more about the community in which they live outside the base. On top of hosting the squadron at several off-base events at their Surprise distribution warehouse educating them on how they run and manage their business, Lt. Colonel Lasica was invited to speak at their annual meeting to over 600 Crescent Crown employees where he gave a presentation on what it takes to be an F-16 pilot as well as the value and importance of team-work whether you’re in a fighter squadron or a beer distributor.

“My wife Blair and I have hosted Ship, his wife Kelli and their kids to various company events and they are as much a part of the Crescent Crown family as they have welcomed me into the 309th and their family. Ship and his family are the best this country has to offer and I look forward to watching him advance his career in the Air Force as he becomes Colonel and transitions off to Washington D.C. for War College. Not only is Ship one of the best fighter pilots in the world, but he has the qualities of a great leader as he has proven as the commander of the 309th. I’m certain he will be able to go as far as he wants to go in the Air Force. It’s been a true honor getting to know him along with the rest of the squadron.”

He and his wife have participated in many activities at Luke and the squadron.
“I attended two B-Course (student pilot) graduations. I’ve toured the Barry M. Goldwater bombing range with the students and their families to observe pilots dropping bombs making strafing runs. You haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen an F-16 going 500 knots 500 feet off of the deck on a strafing run. Words can’t describe the sound of that gun!”

Bubba “HOPS” Moffett has been truly phenomenal as a Duck Honorary Squadron Commander. He has hosted many events for the Ducks, contributed a great deal to the squadron, and has been a part of many social and official squadron events. He and his wife Blair have become fully integrated in our squadron and have truly become part of the Duck Family. I have learned many things from HOPS, but one of the most important is that generosity, sacrifice, and selflessness don’t only exist in the military. I am honored to call HOPS my friend!

-Lt. Col. “SHIP” Lasica

“The Wild Ducks are a unique group that work hard, play hard and really enjoy what they do each and every day! The camaraderie within the squadron is second to none. Their storied past goes back to the Third Air Force in 1942 and their Walt Disney designed logo symbolizes the fighter mission celestial navigation pioneered by this squadron, its around-the-clock mission readiness, and its striking power. I feel very fortunate as a “ground pounder” to be taken in as a member of the squadron and it’s an absolute honor to be a Wild Duck!! QQMF! “Quack Quack My Friend”

“I look forward to being a supporter of the Luke mission and its Airmen for many years to come!”

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Honorary Commander J. Bruce Lange, Managing Director, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Each month, Fighter Country Partnership features an Honorary Commander – both alumni and current members.  This month’s feature is on J. Bruce Lange, Managing Director, The Westin Kierland Resort, Spa & Villas, located at 6902 East Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ  85254

J. Bruce Lange is one of the senior operating executives for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s largest owner/operators of hotels and resorts worldwide.  As Managing Director of The Westin Kierland Resort, Spa & Villas, Scottsdale, Arizona, Mr. Lange is directly responsible for all aspects of what is Arizona’s second largest resort.  The Westin Kierland Resort, Spa & Villas is a “mixed use” destination featuring 27 holes of golf, a 15,000 sq. ft. spa and over 1,000 traditional hotel rooms and timeshare / villa accommodations.  Mr. Lange is directly responsible for revenues well in excess of $100 million and the nearly 1,000 associates with a payroll of $40 million.   Mr. Lange can also be proudly described as follows:

• A Midwesterner by birth
• A Michigan State University Hospitality Business School Graduate (1978)
• A Lifelong hospitality career member with coast to coast work experience in all types of properties (Downtown, Convention, Suburban, All Suite, Mixed Use Resort, etc.) with an emphasis on resort operations
• Married and the father of two college graduates (Arizona State University, University of Arizona), one pursuing a law degree and the other a PhD in Psychology.

His professional background information is as follows:

Senior Leadership Positions most recently held

• Starwood Hotels and Resorts – Area Managing Director – Colorado and Missouri
• Promus Hotels – Regional Manager – Michigan
• Doubletree Hotels and Resorts – City Manager – Metropolitan Detroit

Presently:  Managing Director, The Westin Kierland Resort, Spa & Villas (2002 – Present)

Professional Organizations (current)

• Chairman Elect – Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association / AzLTA
• Chairman (Ex-Officio) – Valley Hotel and Resort Association / VH&RA
• Resort Committee Member – American Hotel & Lodging Association / AH&LA
• Vice Chair – Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau / GPCVB (current)
• Board Member – Governor’s Tourism Advisory Council / TAC (current)
• Board Member and Honorary Faculty Member, Guest Lecturer – The School of Hospitality Business, Michigan State University (current)

Personal / Recent Awards

• Awarded as “Best Employer” in the hospitality segment by Phoenix Business Journal
• Awarded as one of Arizona’s “Most Admired Companies in 2010″, by CBIZ MHM, LLC
• Honorary Faculty Member – The School of Hospitality Business, Michigan State University (current)
• Honorary Commander – USAF (active alumni)
• 2009 – Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, Host Hotels & Resorts
• 2008 General Manager of the Year Award, Host Hotels & Resorts
• 2007 Arizona Hotelier of the Year
• 2007 Arizona Tourism Champion of the Year

Mr. Lange was inducted as a Luke Air Force Base Honorary Commander in 2004 assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron – the “Spikes.”  When asked what it’s like being an Honorary Commander he stated, “Being an Honorary Commander provides you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Air Force experience, to understand the contributions and sacrifices that our nations’ airmen make on a daily basis and share in their enormous pride in being a member of the United States Air Force.”

Photo of Mr. Bruce Lange getting ready for his F-16 orientation flight.

“I grew up in the Midwest and the closest encounter I had to the Air Force was a trip to Wright Patterson AFB after which I became a complete aircraft geek,” he said.  “It wasn’t again until I took an assignment in Albuquerque did I get the chance to rekindle that aircraft itch while watching the New Mexico Air National Guard routinely launch sorties from the airport there. When I learned of my Honorary Commander invitation and assignment to the 62nd Fighter Squadron, I read just about everything I could get my hands on about the F-16 and Spike tradition and history.  I could not be more proud to be a Spike, 357 and counting… (referring to a sign painted on the wall at the squadron proudly claiming 357 “enemy kills” in their squadron history.)

Mr. Lange explained that the Honorary Commanders program gave him opportunities to learn a great deal about the mission of the base and the Air Force in general.

“An Air Force Base is far more complex than just simply a place where aircraft are maintained between flights,” he said.  ”Luke is, instead, a large community and the livelihoods of thousands are inextricably connected to how well that community works.  Luke has both an extraordinary history and a significant economic impact within The Valley – something I take great pride in promoting.”

Mr. Lange talked about his most memorable event as an Honorary Commander.

“My most memorable and arguably my saddest moment as an Honorary Commander was when I got the call that one of our past squadron pilots was killed in Iraq (Major Troy Gilbert).  The news of his death crystallized why I was selected as an Honorary Commander – because I had both the means and ability to immediately organize and execute a fundraising memorial event for Troy’s surviving wife and family.  Despite the sadness of the occasion, bringing the community together for such an important cause was one of my proudest moments as an Honorary Commander and an American.

The Honorary Commanders program is designed to promote mutual partnerships with the community and to promote a better understanding of the important Air Force mission.  Its goal is to gain positive public opinion.  The program also is designed to help integrate the assigned squadron and base personnel to learn more about the community in which they live outside the base.  When asked if he felt this program is meeting that goal, Mr. Lange explained:

“I have and continue to hold tourism industry leadership positions in our community and soon, across the State.  Consistent with these assignments, I often promote Luke and the Air Force mission by bringing fellow community leaders to the base or speak to its importance and benefits.  In January, I will assume the leadership of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association and our first board meeting will be held at Luke. The meeting and tour at Luke will likely be the board members first Air Force experience – one I’m sure that will impact all concerned and provide that positive public opinion and influence that the Honorary Commander program was designed for.”

Mr. Lange said, “The integration of my Honorary Commander responsibilities and leading The Westin Kierland Resort, Spa and Villas has been a great match as I have had ample opportunity to get my squadron and others to hold their “off-site” gatherings at Kierland and give them and their families a tourist experience that is so centric to our Arizona economy and what so many from outside our State come to Arizona for.  We host two to three of these events annually along with warrior reunions and related gatherings.”

Among the activities Mr. Lange participates in are change of command ceremonies, the Luke Days open house air show, fighter squadron graduation ceremonies and base ceremonies such as the Troy Gilbert Bridge dedication.

“It is wonderful to participate in these Air Force traditions and, as a citizen, one can’t help but get caught up in the pride and emotion that is stirred in these events,” he said.

Mr. Lange is a great supporter of the base and its Airmen.  Over and above the Troy Gilbert Memorial Golf Tournament fundraiser, he tries to be a regular at any number of golf tournament fundraisers organized by both Luke and Fighter Country Partnership.

“FCP and I created a “Returning Warrior” offer for Luke Airmen returning from harm’s way to help them re-integrate into the community and give them family time within the confines of some very pleasant resort surroundings, Mr. Lange said.  “Additionally, we annually host a weekend contest on our golf course from which the proceeds all go to FCP to support the men and women of Luke Air Force Base.”

Mr. Ron Sites, President of Fighter Country Partnership, had this to say about Mr. Lange’s support to the military and to Fighter Country Partnership.

“I can’t say that there is one person who is more supportive than anybody else when it comes to Luke AFB and their families because everybody provides support in different ways. What I can say though is that anytime we have asked Mr. Lange for anything, there has never been a hesitation…it has always been a very quick yes. If every military installation in the country had an individual like Bruce ready and willing to support, the quality of life for our military personnel would improve that much more.”

Mr. Lange adds, “If I could say one thing to all our readers is that it has been an enormous privilege to be an Honorary Commander and to be associated with Luke and our nation’s finest airmen. With such privilege, however, comes the responsibility of giving back. Whether it is your time, your influence, your dollars or your ableness to make Luke a priority, please accept that responsibility with the same zeal and enthusiasm that our pilots, maintainers and airmen bring to their work and to their responsibilities of defending our nation and freedom every day.”

Mr. Lange reflects on his participation in the Honorary Commanders program and a member of Fighter Country Partnership by saying,

“In life, we’re all thrown together in different communities and groups for a variety of reasons. Our neighborhoods, our kids, their schools, our industry / associations, etc., are all catalysts to gather.  Unique to FCP is a collection of people dedicated to supporting and serving the needs of Luke and those who serve there.  That singular purpose brings an outstanding group of people together that defies zip codes, demographics, gender and skill sets.  Their enthusiasm and mission-focused engagement in the needs of Luke is contagious and inspiring to be around.”

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Congrats Mr. Bunting on your flight and well done with the video!!

Video courtesy of Mike Maez & http://www.BlairBunting.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 2013 Inaugural Blue Blazer Squadron of Fighter Country Partnership

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Darcie McCracken, Honorary Commander, Luke Air Force Base

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Karrin Kunasek Taylor
Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and Economic Development
DMB Associates, Inc.

Fighter Country Partnership is proud to feature Karrin Kunasek Taylor, an alumni member of the Honorary Commanders Program.  Karrin was assigned to the Commander of the 56th Fighter Wing from 2005-2007.

Karrin Kunasek Taylor is Executive Vice President for DMB Associates and is responsible for ongoing land use entitlement matters and other value enhancing efforts for DMB communities and businesses. Ms. Taylor also provides oversight for the Company’s government and political affairs efforts and economic development activities at the local, state and federal level.  Ms. Taylor has been a member of DMB’s entitlements team for more than 15 years.  Under her leadership, the entitlements team has worked on public-private partnership agreements, negotiated GPLET agreements, CFDs and other complex development plans for projects around Arizona.  Additionally, Ms. Taylor worked with DMB’s Pacific team to develop federal strategies to ensure compliance with governing agencies.   She has been responsible for the successful entitlement of many of the Company’s projects including Verrado, and Eastmark, 3,200 acres of the former General Motors Proving Grounds in Mesa, Arizona.

Prior to joining DMB, Ms. Taylor was a principal with the law firm of Biskind, Hunt & Taylor, P.L.C., where she practiced in the areas of land use, development and zoning law representing large landowners, including DMB, on significant and complex land use cases.

Her professional affiliations include the Foundation for Environmental and Economic Progress (FEEP), President of the Board of the Directors (Representing major landowners and stakeholders across the country, FEEP works to advance balanced federal environmental law and policy on endangered species acts and wetlands issues.)

State Bar of Arizona – U.S. District Court for Arizona
Maricopa County Bar Association
Maricopa Association of Governments, Transportation Policy Committee,
Arizona State Land Department’s Conservation Advisory Committee
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Corporate Leadership Advisory Council
Dodie Londen Excellence in Public Service Series, Advisory Board
Honorary Wing Commander, Luke Air Force Base
USAF Air Education Training Command Commander’s Group
USAF Chief of Staff’s Civic Leaders Group
Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Board of Directors
Valley Partnership, Board of Directors
Great Hearts Academies, Board of Directors
Arizona Aerospace Institute, Advisory Board
Maricopa County Parks and Trails Foundation
Joe Foss Institute, Board of Directors
Xavier College Preparatory Academy, Board of Trustees

Education

ASU’s College of Law, Juris Doctorate
Arizona State University, Bachelors of Arts in History
Arizona State University, Bachelors of Arts in Political Science

When asked what it was like to be the Honorary Commander for General Robin Rand, the Commander of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Karrin explained,

“To be an honorary commander is both an honor and a privilege. The work that the men and women of the U.S. Air Force do for the rest of us day in and day out is humbling. The Honorary Commander program does a fantastic job of exposing the civilian world to the great things the Air Force does for us.”

In 2005, Karrin was selected to be a member of the prestigious Air Force’s Chief of Staff’s Civic Leader program.  The Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program’s membership is composed of respected community leaders nominated by the Air Force major commands, the National Guard Bureau and Headquarters Air Force.  These unpaid advisors provide unfiltered feedback from their communities and invaluable insight on local public opinion on Air Force issues.

“Being selected to serve on the Chief’s Civic Leaders Group was a tremendous honor.  It’s been a privilege to serve these past eight years and the wealth of information I have gained has helped me to better advocate for issues of importance to the Air Force, Karrin stated.”

Mr. Ron Sites, Executive Director, Fighter Country Partnership, stated, “I have worked with Karrin while planning key events for senior military leaders from the Air Force when visiting the Valley.  At these events, I heard first hand from leaders like General Teed Michael Moseley, U.S. Air Force, retired, who served as the 20th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, how significant Karrin’s participation has been in supporting Luke AFB…and for that, FCP says thank you”

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

“The Honorary Commanders program is a big reason why Luke Forward was successful in its goal of landing the F-35 mission at Luke,” Karrin said.

Karrin Kunasek Taylor receives an F-16 orientation flight at Luke AFB.

Luke Forward is a campaign launched by the West Valley Partners and Fighter Country Partnership to generate awareness and support of the positive impacts the F-35 will bring to Arizona.  The goal was to show decision makers in Washington, D.C., that Arizona strongly supports Luke Air Force Base continuing to serve as the nation’s premier fighter-pilot training facility.

Karrin explained, “The reach of the Honorary Commander’s group is region-wide which is imperative to sustain the community support of the Base.  A healthy, vibrant and robust mission at Luke is critical for the economic well-being of the Valley and the State of Arizona.”

“As the Honorary Commander to General Robin Rand, the Commander at Luke AFB, I spent a great deal of time introducing him to the community generally, and business and elected officials specifically.  These commanders are only here for two years and we do everything we can to integrate them into the community during that time.”

Rusty Mitchell, the director of the Community Initiatives Team at Luke AFB, praises Karrin Kunasek Taylor for her significant contributions by saying …

“Karrin has given a significant amount of personal time in support of the base and the U.S. Air Force.”  Luke AFB could not have a better community representative of Luke AFB issues than Karrin.  She has tirelessly spent her time and fortune in providing senior Air Force leadership critical insight to the local environment that surrounds Luke AFB.  Her close and trusted association with three different Air Force Chiefs of Staff has put Luke AFB and its mission in the best possible position for long-term mission sustainability.  Her actions have convinced the Air Force leadership of the unwavering public, private and political support for the continued mission of Luke AFB.  The Air Force will be forever in her debt.”

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The “Behind the Scene Look at Luke” was held on June 5, 2013 at Luke AFB for the current Honorary Commanders. It was truly a fun, fast-paced and educational day for the Honoraries. The tour consisted of the following: demonstrations by the Civil Engineering Squadron such as the fire department and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD); the Force Support Squadron presented a military working dog demonstration; the Maintenance Group arranged a bomb loading demonstration as well as a tour and briefing of the “Hush House” (engine test cell) and munitions; the Operations Group conducted a tour of the air traffic control tower and arranged an F-16 static display; the Range Management Office presented the group with an Advanced Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation briefing (ACMI); and the Medical Group organized a medical lab demonstration. The day included lunch in a hanger and ended with a social at Club 56, both sponsored by FCP.

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Robert William MacGregor, CPA, Credit Union West, President & CEO

Fighter Country Partnership is proud to feature Robert MacGregor, President and Chief Executive Officer of Credit Union West.  He is an alumni member of the Honorary Commanders Program and board member of Fighter Country Partnership.  Mr. MacGregor was assigned to the 56th Comptroller Squadron at Luke Air Force Base from 2008-2010.

Bob started at the credit union as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer in 1998.  He was promoted to the position of Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer in 2004, and Senior Executive Vice President in 2008. Bob was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer on October 1, 2009.

In 1988, Bob began working for a CPA firm in Miami, Florida that specialized in credit union audits. Bob moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1996 to manage an office for another CPA firm that specialized in credit union audits. Bob has led or participated in over 400 credit union audits throughout the U.S.  Bob worked as a credit union examiner for the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions for 1-1/2 years before accepting his position with Credit Union West.

Bob brings to the credit union sophistication, expertise and innovation in all areas of credit union management, including:

• Lead the way to a new State Charter in 2000
• Lead the teams for three mergers.
• Manages all branch expansion and mergers for Credit Union West
  • Branches now number 11 in Maricopa and Yavapai Counties.
  • Approximately 51,000 members
  • $510 million in assets
• Served on board of the Valley of Sun Chapter of ACUL
• Honorary Commander, Luke A.F.B. – 2008 to 2010
• Serves on the Board of Credit Union Financial Network
• Serves on the Board of Fighter Country Partnership – 2009 to Present

Education:

Florida International University, B.A., Accounting, May 1993

Licensed CPA in two states

Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE)

University of Pennsylvania, The WhartonSchool, Strategic Planning, 2006

CornellUniversity, JohnsonGraduateSchool of Management, Organizational Effectiveness, 2007

University of Virginia, The DardenGraduateSchool of Business Administration, Strategic Leadership Development, 2008

Certified Chief Executive (CCE), May 2008

Attending a Luke AFB quarterly awards ceremony are Mr. Robert MacGregor, President and Chief Executive Officer of Credit Union West, (far right, second row) along with then Brigadier General (now Major General) Kurt Neubauer, former Commander of the 56th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB (far right, front row) and former Command Chief, Randy Raper (far left and front row) alongside the quarterly award winners.

 “I learned what a great treasure Luke AFB truly is.  The Air Force is a proud and impressive branch of our military and Luke is a shining example.  I learned that Luke’s importance to the Air Force is tremendous.  Luke is where the vast majority of our F-16 pilots and maintainers learn their craft and emerge the “Best in the World”.

Bob stated it was a great experience being an Honorary Commander at Luke.

“Being included in the 56th Comptroller Squadron activities, they made me feel like family.  I was invited to many squadron events including the fiscal year closing party, several holiday luncheons and Christmas parties that were just amazing.”

“I was able to get insight into what military life is all about and at the same time some of the lifelong friends I made at Luke got to learn more about civilian life.  We mutually supported each other.”

The Honorary Commander program is designed to promote mutual partnerships with the local community and to promote a better understanding of the important Air Force mission.  Bob stated that he feels the program is meeting that goal.

 “I feel the Honorary Commanders program has helped me realize how important it is for our credit union to help support the mission of Luke AFB.  It also helped me realize just how important Luke is to our local economy.  Approximately 40 percent of our credit union members have a direct connection to Luke AFB; therefore, we feel a responsibility to help support the base.  We help by providing sponsorships, training programs, and financial help with awards, scholarships, etc., to the tune of about $30,000 per year.”

When asked how he helped integrate his assigned squadron commanders to learn more about the community in which they live outside the base, he mentioned that he had arranged them to tour the credit union to learn about what they do as a credit union.  He also had a great social relationship with the two host commanders he was assigned to.   He personally joined the American Society of Military Controllers (ASMC) and attended several of their functions.  The credit union helped sponsor the squadron’s attendance to the annual ASMC event.

Bob MacGregor participating in the annual Fighter Country Partnership Golf Tournament—it’s largest fund-raising event of the year.

Some of the most memorable experiences he had while Honorary Commander was the tour of the  Barry M. Goldwater Range;  “Red Carpet” tours of the base; flying the F-16 simulator; attending quarterly and annual awards ceremonies and many change of command ceremonies as well as the Luke Days Open House air show festivities.

Bob feels being a Fighter Country Partnership board member is very rewarding.  “Just knowing that FCP plays a big role in supporting the mission of Luke is rewarding,” he said.  “It has been a dynamic couple of years for FCP and I am proud to have had a small part in guiding the organization into what it is today.  I feel the organization is doing very well and is now in a sustainable mode that will assure FCP will be around long into the future.”

Mr. Ron Sites, President and Executive Director of Fighter Country Partnership stated,

“Mr. MacGregor’s consistent involvement on the FCP board as finance chair and overall ambassador to Luke has been influential in bringing FCP to where it is today.  Besides the fact that FCP calls Credit Union West its home office, the support we receive from Mr. MacGregor and Credit Union West in multiple areas is the “lead by example” support we like to model.”

Bob says one of the best reasons being a part of Fighter Country Partnership, besides the obvious patriotic reasons, is that “We do good things for great people!”

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Steve L. Bruflat, P.E.
Civil Engineer

Fighter Country Partnership is proud to feature Steve Bruflat, P.E., an alumni member of the Honorary Commanders Program and a Blue Blazer, formerly assigned to the 308th Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base from 2004-2006.

Steve is a registered civil engineer in the State of Arizona and practicing businessman with five companies offering professional engineering services around the States of Arizona, Utah, Nevada and in the country of Qatar.

After spending his earlier life growing up in an Air Force family at bases around the U.S., Steve moved to Arizona in 1970 and has lived here ever since. Five of those earlier years and during his college years were spent on a working cattle ranch in Montana. Steve acquired his civil engineering education from the University of Hawaii and Arizona State University.

Mr. Steve Bruflat’s career includes:

• 12 years with the City of Phoenix Engineering Department as a Traffic Engineer and Project Engineer working on major streets, storm drains, water and waste water systems, and moving traffic around the valley.
• 5 years with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) as a Roadway Technical Engineer designing highways and freeways all over the State of Arizona.
• 1 year with a local construction contractor building the Country Club road improvements in Mesa.
• 21 years in private consulting practice as a civil engineer and businessman.

The last 17 years have been spent creating five successful civil engineering companies with his partner, John Patterson. These companies employ more than 200 technical professionals in the valley and around the various western states. They provide professional engineering services in construction inspection and management, surveying, construction material testing, and all phases of highway and freeway design to the local agencies and state governments. Mr. Bruflat is the Executive Vice President and Business Operations Manager and one of the co-founders for all of these companies.

A brief description of the Companies follows:

Consultant Engineering, Inc. (CEI) which specializes in construction inspection and management for ADOT, Maricopa County, and the Cities of Phoenix Peoria, Glendale, Yuma, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Tucson, Pima County, Nevada and Utah. CEI is the largest locally owned Construction Management in the State of Arizona.

Transportation Consultant Engineers, LLC, (TCE) which specializes in the design of highways and freeways for the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Quality Testing, LLC, (QT) which specializes in the Quality control and Quality assurance testing of construction materials for roadway construction.

TRISTAR Engineering and Management, Inc. (TEAM) which specializes in construction inspection and management for the Local Municipalities and County Governments outside the valley. Tristar also performs engineering design services for transportation type projects.

CEI Qatar, WLL, which specializes in construction management and inspection services for the country of Qatar.

Mr. Bruflat has been involved in the design of the Loop 101 Freeway, The Squaw Peak Freeway – SR51, the divided highway improvements to Highway US 93 and the Payson Highway, SR 87. Steve was the Project Manager for the design on the West Valley’s Cricket Pavilion outdoor amphitheater.

Steve and his partner John are very proud of their creations and feel fortunate to be able to contribute to the welfare of the valley and the state of Arizona in such an influential way through the creation and improvement of the state’s transportation systems.

He knows the value of hard work, partnering with local communities, and working together to build strong relationships, for these qualities have lead to a successful career. He is an active member in the Institute on Transportation Engineers, The American Society of Civil Engineers and The American Consulting Engineers Council.

What is it like to be an Honorary Commander:

Judy Larson, (CEI-AZ), Steve Bruflat and General Breedlove

“It was an honor to be selected by General Phil Breedlove, former 56th Fighter Wing Commander, to participate in Luke’s honorary commander program. After being inducted as an honorary commander into the 308th Emerald Knights fighter squadron and attending my first F-16 pilot graduation, I understood the importance of being educated on the whole process that a pilot trainee goes through to get their his F-16 certification. It truly has been an honor to be part of Luke and help support the base mission. I get goose bumps every time I come out to the base and feel the power of the mission; to train the best F-16 fighter pilots in the world.”

When asked what it was like being assigned to the 308th Fighter Squadron, he explained, “Strength and Honor.” “It gave me a new sense of being young and strong; a new sense of confidence in our military; a new sense of feeling good from helping our service men and women out and especially being there to show the service personnel acceptance and approval for what mission they are on. It felt important to me to help them.”

Mr. Bruflat went on to say, “I went through three squadron commanders and got to see each one’s different style of leadership giving me take “aways” for my civilian job. These fine men were Lieutenant Colonels John “Old Man” Sieverling, Doc Ellis and Ken Lacy. The personnel of the 308th always made me feel accepted and welcome to participate in their many activities. They even gave me the call sign “Hef.”

Steve got to experience first-hand what an F-16 strafing run on a target at the Barry M. Goldwater Range is like watching from an observation tower at the range getting a great perspective observing from the ground the power and precision the pilots flying these aircraft have.

Steve Bruflat pre-flight

“Flying the F-16 simulator as well as receiving a once-in-a-life-time orientation flight in the F-16 were definitely highlights of my term. The single most memorable and by far the most exciting thing I have ever done to date was fly the F-16. Up to that time it had been to drive NASCAR’s, but the F-16 experience topped the 150mph NASCAR experience. When I watch my flight video even today my body tenses up before each high G-turn like I was really experiencing the forces again. I use this experience to help educate the community on Luke’s mission and how important it is to our nation.”

Mutual Support:

The Honorary Commanders program is designed to promote mutual partnerships with the local community and to promote a better understanding of the important Air Force mission. According to Mr. Bruflat, this program is achieving that goal.

Steve Bruflat gives a thumbs up before take-off

“Look at the last two major public support programs for eliminating Luke from the Base Realignment and Closure list and the overwhelming support for the new F-35 mission to be accepted at base. These two major events showed what great support the base has with the community because citizens like me and others were educated on Luke’s value.”

“My association with the base has been a rewarding feel-good experience because it afforded me a way to help out the men and women of Luke socially and financially in ways they need; not taking away from the Air Force caring for their own concept.”

“My connection with the base has always given me a good warm feeling. The men and women of Luke are helping to maintain and defend the basic freedoms and our American way of life. I appreciate them for this role. Just our Air Force being there has an impact of keeping the bad guys off our soil and under control.”

Mr. Bruflat has contributed greatly to the base as well as to Fighter Country Partnership. He hosted several catered squadron holiday parties at his home with over 90 squadron members and their families attending—giving these airmen the feeling of being a part of the community. Steve coordinated and led efforts for the honorary commanders to host a farewell dinner honoring then 56th Fighter Wing Commander, General Breedlove. He helped with donations to “Operation Warmheart”, “Operation Thunderbox”, the Airmen’s Attic and many more programs. As a Blue Blazer, he helped with the Fighter Country Partnership’s annual golf event which raises money for Luke’s Airmen and their families—the largest fund-raising event for FCP.

“I have learned so much about the importance the base plays in our lives and the importance and impact Luke has on our community. The base is much more than just the annual $2 billion economic impact it has the local economy. It’s about our nation’s security. The community has a duty to support Luke and its mission.”

A Story of Thanks and Appreciation from the Middle East:

“I traveled to the Middle East back in 2008 prior to the most recent uprising and political changes and experienced a most wonderful thing in Egypt that I would like to say about being “an American.” My travels took me to Dubai and Qatar for business purposes along with an opportunity to visit Egypt and attend a wedding for a member of an employee’s family. I choose to go since I would have local people showing me around Egypt; the Pyramids, the Sphnyx, the Cairo museum of history. While I was in Cairo we stayed at the downtown Cairo Hilton Hotel on the Nile River. One night I got on the elevator on the first floor to go to my room on the 23rd floor. The elevator was empty when I got on, but on the way it stopped on the 2nd floor and let on two Arab men dressed in the traditional white thobe and shumagg/ogal. One of the Arab men looked at me and asked, in good English, if I was an American. I said yes I am an American. He put his hand out to shake mine and said “I want to thank you very much for what your country did for mine. I am Kuwaiti and you saved our lives. I am personally grateful.” Wow! This should have been on CNN. Kuwait’s war was over 17 years ago and they are still grateful. And as you may remember, that was primarily an air war fought by F-16 and A-10 pilots. Many of those pilots were trained at Luke Air Force base. Makes your heart feel good.”

Fighter Country Partnership:

Steve Bruflat and Karin Harris, President eGreenITsolutions, LLC

When asked about Fighter Country Partnership and being a member of the Blue Blazer Squadron of FCP, Steve explained that the major enjoyable and rewarding factor being an active member is being part of an elite group of dedicated committed people who support our air force and base.

“They support the American way of life and we are all on the same page about this. These are great people to be around and are very capable to bringing good things to the table for the men and women of Luke.”

Blue Blazer Squadron:

“I get a good feeling knowing that the Blue Blazer Squadron was some of the first people to be part of the honorary commander program at Luke and we all made it happen. I feel an honor being part of this group who continue to support, beyond ordinary efforts, the mission of the base and the folks at Luke. We can help make a difference and help the service people feel good about their service to our great country. FCP is great group of people doing an awesome job to support the Luke men and women and their families unselfishly. Their efforts are all donated time and money. Again this is an honor for me to be associated with such a great group of dedicated people in support of our military.”

One last tip from Mr. Bruflat is to always go out of your way to personally thank our service personnel in uniform whenever the opportunity presents itself. The personal acknowledgment goes a long ways to encouraging the morale of our service members.

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Jason E. Isaak
Principal, Policy Development Group

Fighter Country Partnership is proud to feature Jason Isaak, Principal, Policy Development Group and the Vice Chairman of the Blue Blazer Squadron.

Jason has worked for Policy Development Group since 1998 and represents clients at all levels of government – local, state, and federal. Prior to joining PDG, Jason served as legislative director for Congressman Jim Kolbe. During his nearly eight year tenure on Capitol Hill in Congressman Kolbe’s office, Jason rose through the ranks to ultimately staff the Appropriations Subcommittee on Treasury and Postal Service which Kolbe chaired. During his time on Capitol Hill, Jason was responsible for advising Congressman Kolbe on a range of issues including defense, education, currency reform, law enforcement, judicial matters, and immigration.

A Tucson native, Jason graduated from Baylor University and holds a diploma for the completion of the US Naval War College’s College of Naval Command and Staff program.

He has served as an Honorary Commander for Luke Air Force Base and remains a member of Fighter Country Partnership serving as the Vice Chairman of the Blue Blazer Squadron. In 2010, Jason was appointed by Arizona Governor Janice K. Brewer to serve on the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments Nominating Committee and continues to serve in that capacity. Additionally, Governor Brewer appointed Jason to serve on the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council in 2012.

Jason Isaak, Vice Chairman of the Blue Blazer Squadron, addresses the members during the 2014 annual meeting at the Westin Kierland Resort.

While a former Honorary Commander assigned to the 56th Maintenance Group from 2008 to 2010, he learned that the 56th Maintenance Group provides aircraft maintenance on more than 138 F-16s for the Air Force’s only active duty F-16 training wing. The 56th Maintenance Group generates more than 25,000 sorties compiling 32,000 flight hours per year, which plays a pivotal role in conducting the safe and efficient training for more than 350 pilots every year. As the largest maintenance group in the Air Force, the 56th Maintenance Group consists of 2,200 members operating on an annual budget of $161 million to maintain the F-16s and engines-assets, which are valued at more than $5 billion. The 56th Maintenance Group also directly contributes to Luke’s second mission: training more than 3,000 maintenance technicians and 1,000 Mission Ready F-16 crew chiefs each year.

Air Force Senior Airman John Gause conducts his preflight checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during routine flight operations at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Angela Clemens, U.S. Air Force.

“My most memorable experience with the 56th Maintenance Group was attending their annual “Maintainer of the Year” award dinner,”

Jason said.

“It was an incredible honor to participate. Without maintainers, planes don’t fly; and the pride those men and women had in what they do every day was evident as the various squadrons supported their nominees with their individual squadron chants. Being in a hangar completely full of loud and energetic maintainers was something I’ll never forget.”

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

Jason Isaak at the BBS annual charge in Tucson with General Robin Rand, currently the Commander, Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, formerly the Commander, 12th Air Force, Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, Ariz.

Jason explained,

“When I handled military affairs for then-Congressman Jim Kolbe, I had the opportunity to learn a lot about the Air Force in Arizona (although most of the focus was on Davis-Monthan AFB), especially during both the 1993 and 1995 base closure rounds. But when I speak with other Honorary Commander alumni, I know the participants learn about the Air Force and Luke AFB. More importantly, they get to interact with some of the most remarkable individuals they will ever meet – from airmen to generals – so the Air Force ceases to be simply a branch of our military, but now has faces, names, and personal relationships tied to it. The Honorary Commander program should personalize the Air Force for us and should give our Luke AFB commanders the opportunity to learn about our community – it seems to be working well.”

When asked what it means to be a member of the Blue Blazer Squadron of FCP – especially vice-chair, Jason explained,

“Usually, the “vice” is relegated attending funerals of foreign dignitaries and attend ribbon cutting ceremonies. Instead I get to work closely with some of the most influential and committed men and women in the Valley who were inspired by their honorary commander experiences to find ways to give back to our Airmen and their families.”

Jason Isaak participates in the annual Fighter Country Partnership Golf Tournament in May 2013 –the largest fundraising event of the year.

Jason has participated in many BBS and FCP activities in support of the Airmen at Luke.

BBS members supported the Luke Airman of the Year Dinner by providing the First Shirts (First Sergeants) with resources to help plan and organize the event.

“Best of all, we were able to attend and participate in another great example of Air Force culture and tradition. Every Blue Blazer there took great pride in hearing Lt. Gen. Tod Wolters (Commander, 12th AF) recognize Blue Blazers and FCP for our contribution.”

While visiting another Air Force base recently, someone inquired about how the BBS was formed and if it could be replicated on other installations and he explained that

“clearly, the work FCP does on behalf of Luke AFB does not go unnoticed, and the fact others want what we have speaks volumes.”

Jason Isaak as well as Ron Sites, President and Executive Director for Fighter Country Partnership, met with members of the D-M 50 in Tucson during the BBS annual charge in March 2013

In December, 2013 Jason, along with several other Blue Blazers, attended the Dorm Dwellers Holiday Party. The Base Chaplain puts on this event for those airmen who will not be able to spend Christmas with their families.

“It was great to interact with these predominantly junior enlisted airmen, watch them have a relaxed evening, play video games, and win some great “gifts” in a raffle,” he said. “They even let my 9-year-old compete with them in the video game contest.”

One of the highlights of being a Blue Blazer is getting to march in the Fiesta Bowl Parade and this past year, this effort was led by Danny Ortega for the BBS.

Members of the Blue Blazer Squadron and their families as well as Fighter Country Partnership Board Members participated in handling the American Flag balloon for the 2013 Fiesta Bowl Parade honoring the Airmen at Luke AFB.

“We had a great turnout and a great time,” Jason said. “Handling the American Flag balloon and leading the way for about 100 Luke AFB airmen is awesome. Having parade watchers stand, take their hats off, and show respect for our flag and our troops is something everyone should get to experience. As you would suspect, after a few hours the helium in the balloon starts to leak and it doesn’t float quite as well. But we have a great group of kids (children and grandchildren of BBS members) who do a great job of making sure the flag doesn’t touch the ground.”

Jason explained that standing up an organization like the BBS comes with challenges.

“I hope we have exceeded expectations and keep moving the bar higher,” he said. “Ron Sites and the FCP Board have empowered the BBS to give back to the men and women at Luke AFB in a positive, meaningful way. I know the best is yet to come!”

Ron Sites, President and Executive Director of FCP, said of Jason,

“We are fortunate to have Jason’s passion, knowledge and connection to resources in a leadership position within the unique Blue Blazer Squadron.  The efforts needed to stand up FCP’s Squadron required precision and a lot of attention to detail to ensure it was done right “the first time, and Jason played a key role then, now and will continue to going forward!”

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Ricky Lyons, Conductor and Enthusiast, Champion

Fighter Country Partnership is proud to feature Ricky Lyons, Conductor and Enthusiast, Champion. He is an alumni member of the Honorary Commander Program, and a Blue Blazer of Fighter Country Partnership’s Blue Blazer Squadron.

In 1999, Ricky commenced operations of Champion as a real estate development firm located and operating from Scottsdale, Arizona. He capitalized this new entity with a group of partners and a team who brought differing experiences to Champion, enhancing all of its experiences.

Ricky started his career practicing law with Witten Law Firm in Edmonton, Alberta from 1969 to 1983. As a senior partner, he represented Canada’s premier real estate developers, initiating and completing significant real estate transactions throughout western Canada. Projects included acquisition, entitlement, major tenant leasing, financing and (in some cases) sale of the projects. In 1983, Ricky and his family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. Prior to the formation of Champion, he developed several other projects in the Phoenix market.

Within Champion, Ricky has created The Champion Advocacy Experiences™, umbrella’d by The Champion Experience™ resulting in Remarkable Delivery™. These “Experiences” are the driving force that in turn empowers Team Champion™ members.

Current projects are located in Gilbert, Chandler and Surprise. This year Champion plans to continue developing pads at Marley Park Square in Surprise, continue its work to act as Owner Representative and Asset Manager for third party owner projects (retail and office and charter and private schools) and QSR, restaurant and single user transactions. More information on their active commercial real estate developments can be found here.
Ricky Lyons was invited by the 56th Fighter Wing Commander to become an Honorary Commander for the 2008-2010 (2-year) term. He was assigned to the 756th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

His daughter, Alisa Lyons, was already an Honorary Commander assigned to the 56th Training Squadron for the previous term. She had invited Ricky to attend various base events. Ricky became so interested in everything going on at the base that when he was nominated for the Honorary Commander program he jumped at the opportunity. “I did not know anything about Luke AFB prior to Alisa’s appointment as an Honorary Commander,” Ricky said.
“Living in the East Valley, I did not know the significance the base’s mission had on the West Valley, the Valley as a whole, the state of Arizona and National Security.”

Ricky Lyons next to a 309th FS Viper at Luke AFB

“As a developer, we have a significant investment in a commercial development within Marley Park. Alisa was asked to be an Honorary Commander,” Ricky explained. “I was just about to sign a deal to build a daycare center at that location. Then, at Alisa’s induction, I came to understand the critically important mission of Luke and how development on our property with a day care center could have a negative impact on Luke’s ability to perform its mission. The daycare center was located within the noise contours—the Air Installation Compatibility Use Zone. I immediately went to the daycare operator and explained, “We can’t go there.” I got religion!”

“When I received my letter of invitation from the wing commander and found out I was assigned to the 756th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (756 AMXS), I had no idea what 756 AMXS was. I thought I might be assigned to a fighter squadron. I am glad I wasn’t because I was so privileged to be a member of a maintenance squadron with hundreds of young airmen assigned to keep the F-16’s flying, while training the world’s best crew chiefs. These airmen inspire me. I became friends with many officers in the squadron as well as the airmen and noncommissioned officers (NCOs). It was the largest squadron on base. I am so proud to be their Honorary Commander.”

When asked what one of his most memorable squadron events was as an Honorary Commander he explained, “There was a Large Force Exercise (LFE) taking place at the base and Lt. Col. Timothy Trimmell, my Squadron Commander, invited me watch the launch. I could not attend that launch by the 310th Aircraft Maintenance Unit (part of the 756th Maintenance Squadron) who that day launched 22 of their 26 F-16’s. Amazing! Two months later the 308th AMU volunteered to launch all 26 of their F-16’s in support of another LFE. They did just that, all 26, all within an hour and a half—a very difficult task.

Ricky Lyons (right) and his pilot “Ozone” (pilot in command) after the F-16 flight

Trim took me to the flight line to watch the F-16s leave one after another and as they did, the he marked down every jet as they departed. Once the last plane had left for the end of the runway the Commander had all of his the Airmen of the AMU take notice. “None of your aircraft are on the ground right now,” he said. “That is a very rare event and you should be very proud.” All 26 F-16’s launched. Amazing and Awesome!

“A great credit to the expertise and excellence that is a hallmark of Luke,” Ricky said.

Ricky is passionate about being an Honorary Commander and is inspired by the camaraderie and formalities of the military.

“There are two things everyone in this country should do,” Ricky said. “See a naturalization ceremony and attend a monthly promotion ceremony. Why? America would be a much better nation if we all understood why people want to move here (as my family did) and what it means to serve this great nation” (Luke AFB has a monthly military promotion ceremony of all Air Force ranks—airmen, NCOs and officers.) “It’s a great thing to watch these military members get promoted. The entire squadrons come out to applaud their people. Every squadron has their own “warrior cry” when their people are announced. It’s a fun and inspiring event.”

“Whenever I go to the base for an event, I am always shaking Airmen’s hands and thanking them for their service,” Ricky said. “I also thank all military, active and veterans I see in the community every chance I get. If I see an Airman at a Starbucks I try to pay for coffee. While it makes me feel good to show my appreciation to the military, it is clear that Airmen appreciate when we speak to them and tell them how important they are to us, especially when it happens in casual places like a coffee shop or stopping them in an airport concourse, just to say thanks”.

Ricky Lyons visits the Chapel at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., during a civic leader tour.

Honorary Commander highlights for Ricky include tours of the Barry M. Goldwater Range, a civic leader tour to the U.S. Air Force Academy, flying on a KC-135 mid-air refueler while watching F-16’s get their gas in mid-air, a trip to the Lockheed plant in Dallas to view the F-35 production and, of course, a flight in an F-16 aircraft our of Luke AFB (an honor I will cherish and never forget).

“I would be amiss not to mention two names of key people who worked tirelessly to get the F-35 to Luke AFB and they are Rusty Mitchell and Charley Freericks,” Ricky said. “They deserve a so much credit for their all they did.”

Ricky Lyons before his flight in an F-16 with the 308th Fighter Squadron – The Emerald Knights.

Ricky also tries to integrate his squadron to the community so that they are able to learn more about the area they live.

“I asked my squadron commander to bring several airmen to Champion’s office to meet the entire team,” he explained. “We talked about leadership and team building and learned about the leadership differences and similarities between the military and civilian experiences. After lunch we all went to the Scottsdale Gun Club for an afternoon of shooting. A great time was had by all. It was great to talk and meet with these terrific people outside the fence.”

There are many events and activities they Ricky Lyons either chaired or participated in that make the Blue Blazer Squadron of the Fighter Country Partnership such a success.

These events include:
Chairing the Annual Awards Banquet and Ceremony at the Renaissance Hotel and Resort in Glendale in January 2014; marching in the Fiesta Bowl Parade, attending the Maintenance Professional of the Year Award Banquet, attending more than 10 promotion ceremonies, attending several Air Force Balls, assisting in every FCP golf tournament, attending the Luke Days Open House, and many more events.

Ricky Lyons at the 2010 Fiesta Bowl Parade carrying the U.S. Flag with his fellow Fighter Country Partnership Blue Blazers

“There isn’t a measuring device long enough to provide the length at which Ricky will go to support Luke and its Airmen,” said Ron Sites, President, Fighter Country Partnership. “Ricky’s commitment to supporting Luke AFB through FCP has grown substantially in the past years, which has led to many more added benefits and resources to the Airmen. It is pretty clear to see the effectiveness of Ricky’s role on committees when the Senior Leadership at Luke “wishes” for this type of involvement to continue!”

Ricky concluded by saying, “The best thing about FCP is that this organization will do anything they can to support the men, women and families at Luke AFB and will educate the public about the importance of the mission of training fighter pilots, crew chiefs and mission ready airmen.” The economic impact, the impact on the security of our country and our lives because of the presence and operation of Luke cannot be understated.”

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R. Glenn Williamson

Mr. Williamson has more than 30 years of entrepreneurial and executive level experience, primarily in the financial and operational aspects of companies.

Specializing in accessing the Canadian capital markets for global investments, Mr. Williamson is Chairman of EPCOR Water USA, the largest private water utility in Arizona, a subsidiary of EPCOR Utilities, headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, with operations in Canada and the U.S.  Mr. Williamson is also CEO of Nest Ventures L.L.C. with offices in Montreal and Phoenix.

Mr. Williamson is the founder and CEO of the Canada Arizona Business Council, a private sector group sanctioned by the Canadian Government and the State of Arizona to work on increasing bilateral trade and foreign direct investment between Canada and Arizona. On February 10, 2014, Mr. Williamson was appointed Honorary Consul for Canada for Arizona.

He is also a “Visiting Speaker” at Thunderbird: The American Graduate School of International Management in Phoenix, Arizona. He was a founding board member of Arizona State University’s North American Center for Trans Border Studies, a member of the Deans Advisory Council in the School of Global Management & Leadership at Arizona State University, and a Board Member of the International Committee of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

Mr. Williamson has also been an Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, home to the 56th Fighter Wing of the U.S. Air Force, which is comprised of some 144 F-16 and F-35 fighter aircraft. He is also currently a member of the Blue Blazer Squadron, a group of 56 Honorary Commanders operating under the Fighter Country Partnership.  Additionally, he sits on the Arizona District Export Counsel Board, a position appointed by the U.S Secretary of Commerce.

Mr. Williamson has received six coveted gold and silver National Telly Awards for executive production of non-broadcast video and film productions, and is an avid skier, scuba diver and video gamer. Mr. Williamson, who was born in Montreal and is fluent in French, is a graduate of Rothsey Collegiate Military Academy in New Brunswick, Canada.

He currently resides in Phoenix with his wife and three children and is a dual citizen of both the United States and Canada.

As a former Honorary Commander at Luke assigned to the 56th Medical Group, he explained what a great experience it was to meet and see the inner workings of an Air Force base.  “The best part was meeting all the great people in uniform and to be able to thank them all for what they do,” Glenn said.  “All the really cool toys are fun, but the bottom line is it is the people that make the Air Force work and I have never met a finer group of people in every respect.”

The Honorary Commander program is designed to promote mutual partnerships with the local community and to promote a better understanding of the important Air Force mission.

Glenn stated, “I believe the program meets its goal by informing me of the positive activities behind the fence. You now have a person that spreads the good word our men and women in the Air Force do.”

Helping to integrate your assigned squadron or group commander to the community in which they live outside the base is another goal of the program.

“When I was an Honorary Commander, I used to invite my medical group commander to functions in the greater Phoenix area specifically around his counterparts in the medical field,” Glenn said.  “This interaction helped create professional relationships between the civilian and military leaders as well as helped develop mutual assistance programs in the medical field.”

Glenn Williamson on the flight line at Luke AFB

Glenn participated in many base tours, mission briefings, simulator flights, air shows, etc. “I would participate in everything they would let me do but one of my favorite things to do was to play “Crud,” he said.

Note: (Crud is a game played on a billiards table without the cue sticks and using only the cue ball and a striped ball. Created by the snow-crazed Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilots, Crud became an immensely popular game throughout the U.S. Air Force and most flying bases conduct Crud tournaments annually. The objective of Crud is to win a beer from your opposite number on the opposing team. A team wins its beers by killing all the members of the other team three times each. Usually there are at least six people on each team. In a process of elimination, the last person standing is the winning team.

“I loved the time I spent in the Honorary Commander program and the people I met,” Glenn said. “I would try to give back by supporting various base programs and events financially, morally and I also helped some military members with jobs after they left the Air Force.”
Active with Fighter Country Partnership—the only community support organization for the base—Glenn stated that he loves that he gets to stay attached to the program and continue to help the men and women at Luke.

Glenn Williamson, (left), member of the Fighter Country Partnership Blue Blazers, assists with the “Luke Wingman Day” picnic working alongside members of the “Luke Top Three” photographed with MSgt James Castillo, Superintendent of Manpower with the 56th Force Support Squadron.

Ron Sites, Executive Director of Fighter Country Partnership explained, “As Fighter Country Partnership continues it programs supporting Health & Human Services, Culture & Tradition and Mission Sustainability; we are also beginning massive new programs geared toward capital improvement and construction on Luke AFB. An undertaking like this requires individuals like Glenn at the table providing valuable resources. It is almost unfair to Glenn…he has so much passion and support for Luke AFB, he never says no to a FCP request.”

Glenn was recently recognized as one of the Most Admired Business Leaders in 2014. When asked what does true leadership mean to you? “Stepping up when something needs to be accomplished or jump-started, making the hard and unpopular decisions, and supporting and encouraging those who dare to color outside the lines,” Glenn explained.

To read more about Mr. Williamson, please see the write-up below by Colleen Westberg of Blacktie Arizona:

Name: Glenn Williamson

Hometown: Montreal, Quebec

Resident: Phoenix

Profession: CEO Nest Ventures, L.L.C.

Status: Married

Family: 3 children

Title: Investment Banker; Founder and CEO of the Canadian Arizona Business Council

Story by: Colleen Westberg 

Glenn Williamson could be described with many titles: entrepreneur, CEO, investor, and philanthropist. But he is most proud to declare himself a family man. This dynamic but congenial businessman stepped down from vice chairman of a public company six years ago when his wife gave birth to their twins. As he says “…for the last 6 years of my life there has been nothing more important in my life than my children and my loving wife; it is this inner circle that allows me the strength to do whatever I undertake…”

His present undertakings involve investment banking all over the world, and assisting the two regions of Canada and Arizona understand each other better through the Canada Arizona Business Council, a private sector group sanctioned by the Canadian Government and the State of Arizona. As founder and CEO of the CABC, Glenn works on increasing bilateral trade between the two, enlarging trade to over 2.5 billion dollars this last year. Not one to think on a small scale, his next goal is to bring that amount to $5 billion!

But it was his dedication to children and family that led Glenn to be a founding member of Social Venture Partners, a non-profit organization benefiting children and education. This group used the venture capital model to support its goals, as Glenn explained “It’s not just about writing a check- it’s investing your own personal time and talents.”

His other non-profit contributions have included sitting on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors as well as chairing the nominating committee for American Rivers, a Washington, D.C.- based river advocacy group. He was also a trustee of the Todd Thomas Foundation, an organization that focuses on suicide prevention, and has been an active advisor to the Arizona Attorney General Janet Napolitano, as well as worked on her campaign to become the next Governor of Arizona. In addition, Glenn has served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Phoenix Zoo.

This entrepreneur has a renowned record in a unique niche: taking companies public. He has a discerning eye for identifying small and medium cap firms with the ‘sizzle’ needed to be successful in the financial markets: NASDAQ, AMEX, NYSE. “For every 100 deals that cross my computer screen there will be one standout. One that sparks my imagination.” says Williamson. Then the fun and hard work begins. Like a symphonic conductor, Williamson directs every area of the ‘company’ into a story that will translate into a strong IPO.

“Everything, and I mean everything, comes under scrutiny: senior management, intellectual property, licensing, profits, accounting, public relations, revenue forecasts. Heads sometimes have to roll but by the time I am finished the stage has been set for a whiz bang road show to tell the story and sell stock. Then the day of the IPO arrives. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is more exciting to me than that first week of trading when a company is on the road to really financing its potential.” And “everyone wins: the founder’s vision is realized, the management team gets the resources it needs to build the vision, and the market is happy,” enthuses Williamson.

During the last four years, Glenn has been involved in over a dozen engagements ranging from designing a world-class fractional yacht ownership program in the Cayman Islands, to working with a world-class film animation production company based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. From 2000 to present he has been CEO of Nest Ventures L.L.C. a private equity firm with offices in Montreal, Canada, and Phoenix, Arizona.

Glenn Williamson has been the recipient of some well-deserved awards. Recently he was made an Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, home to the 56th Fighter Wing of the U.S. Air Force, which is comprised of some 144 F-16 and F-35 fighter aircraft. He has also received six gold and silver National Telly awards for executive production of non-broadcast video and film productions.

On a personal level, Glenn is an avid skier, scuba diver and video gamer. Born in Montreal and fluent in French, Glenn is a graduate of Rothsey Collegiate Military Academy in New Brunswick, Canada. He currently resides in Phoenix with his wife and three children. During a recent conversation, Glenn proudly noted that his six-year-old twins are studying Mandarin Chinese, and was able to practice their language skills on a spring trip to Hong Kong.

Revealing something of his personal philosophy, Glenn remarked that he has “Made it and lost it four times; that’s what is fun about life- the only constant is change.” And Glenn Williamson clearly approaches life with enthusiasm, with the love and support of his family.

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Mr. Danny Ortega

Daniel Ortega has been a Phoenix resident since 1981. He attended elementary through high school eventually finishing at Arizona State University. Along with his wife Chelley, he is raising two sons and resides in central Phoenix. In Daniel’s professional career, he is a commercial real estate broker with Colliers International specializing in retail properties. Mr. Ortega serves on the board of Northrise University Initiative which is a non-profit organization that raises funds and institutional partnerships for Northrise University, the first private Christian university in Zambia. Mr. Ortega served as an Honorary Commander at Luke AFB from 2010-2012 and currently is a member of Fighter Country Partnership’s Blue Blazer Squadron.

Mr. Ortega explains what it was like being an Honorary Commander at Luke AFB.

“Having the opportunity to be an Honorary Commander attached to the 56th Maintenance Operations Squadron (MOS) was overwhelming, inspiring, humbling and downright cool. I was blessed to have two very active and inclusive commanders during my 2010-2012 Honorary Commander class. I was fortunate to be invited to many graduations seated alongside the most professional young people that make a complex training wing like Luke happen.”

“I learned so much about honor, tradition, dedication and excellence that all are the necessary components the airmen embody to create the world’s best fighter pilots and mission ready war fighters. Being attached to a maintenance squadron, I was able to see the precision necessary to keep aircraft in the air. Experiences like launching F-16s at the EOR (End Of Runway), observing engine testing in the “Hush House” and weapons loading competitions were all highlights in my memory.”

Mr. Daniel Ortega (left) with Brigadier General Mike Rothstein, Commander, 56th Fighter Wing, on the B-17 Sentimental Journey as it was ferried to Luke for the Open House this year.

“My most fond memory was when my time came to an end as an Honorary Commander and I was presented with a beautiful plaque carved with the squadron mascot, the Roadrunner, and kind words from the squadron commander and others. The men and women of the 56th MOS made me feel like one of their own. Over the two years I asked questions that were probably elementary to them, but they were genuinely excited to tell me what their part in the day-to-day operations were. Leadership at the base really pushes teamwork and excellence.”

The Honorary Commanders program is designed to promote mutual partnerships with the local community and to promote a better understanding of the important Air Force mission. Mr. Ortega explained that the Honorary Commanders Program is continuing the mission of immersing civilians in the community and the program gets better and better each year.

“The quality people that the base selects to join the program are a wide demographic of public and private leaders throughout the valley,” he said. “The community awareness of Luke AFB and now the F-35 program is evidence that Honorary Commanders and Fighter Country Partnership are getting the word out about why the base is so important locally as well as globally.”

When asked how he helped integrate his assigned commander to learn more about the local community, Mr. Ortega explained,

“During my time as an Honorary Commander, I was able to participate with the Logistics Officers’ Association and help coordinate off-site visits for the association. We would see how large companies operate their logistics and supply chain. It was mutually beneficial for the airmen and private companies to understand that there are many opportunities for airmen in the civilian market when their career in the Air Force is complete. As well, these companies are educated that there is a resource available to them in the form of a highly skilled and dependable workforce that is training in our community.”

Mr. Daniel Ortega (left) with Colonel John “Face” Hanna (Ret.), Commander 56th Operations Group, (middle) during his “Fini Flight” (last F-16 flight at Luke AFB before his retirement) and Bob Bambauer (right) of Sunbelt Holdings and an Honorary Commander and FCP Blue Blazer.

Mr. Ortega participated in many base activities from launching jets at the EOR, promotion ceremonies, the squadron holiday party, commander calls, weapons loading competition, flight simulators and BBQs.

“I was fully immersed in our squadron,” he said. “Whenever the commander would call, I’d make my best effort to be there. The 56th Maintenance Operations Squadron was a great squadron to be part of. They had wide-ranged responsibilities at the base; therefore, I was able to see many of the fighter wing’s operations others weren’t able to see.”

When it was time to give back, Mr. Ortega supported the base in many ways.

“Most of my support for the base has been through Fighter Country Partnership (FCP) and their mission to support the men, women and families of Luke. After my time as an Honorary Commander, I jumped in with two feet to do what I could to support the people I spent 2 years being surrounded by. I was honored to help in Christmas Angel projects, Wingman Day barbeques, filming and editing some of the officer’s fini flights (the final flight that a pilot makes before separating from the Air Force) and much more.”

Mr. Daniel Ortega sits in a Russian Mig-23 at Nellis AFB, Nev., participating in the Blue Blazer Squadron Annual Charge.

“Being part of the first Blue Blazers Squadron has been the most rewarding part of my activity with FCP. Being able to be the hands and feet for FCP to raise money, awareness and physically serve the men and women of Luke. I am currently organizing FCP’s participation in the Fiesta Bowl Parade to help bring that awareness.”

“Fighter Country Partnership is a well-executed partnership with base leadership. Time after time for the past five years, I’ve heard from base leadership as well as directly from the airmen, that there is no other organization like FCP in the country that directly fills in to help with whatever the leadership needs.”

Ron Sites, President & Executive Director of Fighter Country Partnership said of Mr. Ortega:

“When we refer to honorary commanders being “home runs” and when it comes to support and involvement for Luke and FCP…that doesn’t say enough for Danny. Danny is a Grand Slam!!!!”

Mr. Ortega concludes by saying:

“The men and women at Luke are the pride of the entire valley. They volunteer their lives so that we can continue to live safe here in the United States. When people in the military talk about Luke AFB, I want part of that conversation to say “wow, the community support around Luke is like none other.”

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