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History of the 162nd Fighter Wing Minuteman Committee
The 162nd Fighter Wing Minuteman Committee, Inc. was formed in 1993 by a group of local businessmen that were concerned about the future of the 162nd Fighter Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard. At that time, the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force made the statement that all F-16 flight training should be done by the United States Air Force and not the Air National Guard. This would have meant a tremendous loss of jobs for the 162nd Fighter Wing and would have had a major impact on the Southern Arizona economy.
This new committee extended an invitation to the then Secretary of the Air Force, Ms. Sheila Widnall, to visit the unit before any change in the unit's mission was finalized.
Secretary Widnall visited the 162nd March 24, 1994, and was welcomed by then committee president, Mr. Bruce Beach. She was given a unit briefing by Brig. Gen. Ron Kurth, the unit commander at the time. In addition to the briefing, the Secretary was given a tour of the facilities. At the conclusion of her visit, she indicated that upon her return to Washington DC, she would look into the training situation.
One of the major points in the briefing was the $150 million dollar local economic impact the international training programs. It was also pointed out that the 162nd Fighter Wing was one of three Arizona military units whose mission is funded by foreign governments.
After Secretary Widnall returned to Washington DC, the recommended change made by the Chief of Staff to assign all flight training to the USAF was not implemented. Instead, the unit expanded its pilot training to include 13 international customers.
Because of this training, many Chiefs of Staff and high ranking members of foreign air forces visit the 162nd Fighter Wing throughout the year. The unit commander does not have the funds available to entertain these visitors. The Minuteman Committee uses some of their annual membership dues to host social events for many of these dignitaries. These interactions have built many positive relationships between the United States and our friends and allies who train here.
The committee sponsors a Golf Tournament annually, and, through funds raised at the event, has donated more than $60,000 to "Wright Flight" to assist them in their work with school children in our area. Proceeds from tournaments also fund several non-profit organizations that work to better the community and assist servicemembers such as the Jimmy Jet Foundation, Project Challenge, the 162nd Fighter Wing Family Readiness Group, and Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve to name a few.
The 162nd Fighter Wing Minuteman Committee believes that the 162nd Fighter Wing is a valuable national asset and we are ready to take whatever action is necessary to ensure its survival.
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