Community Initiatives Team keeps Luke on map

  • Published
  • By Radean Brown
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Another steel-grey F-16 jet climbs high into the air. Another pilot is in training. The accompanying jet noise makes a loud, thundering sound. For many people, this is the sound of freedom.

It is also a condition that Luke officials address every day. The jet sounds, coupled with increasing pressures of urban development, are issues that rank high on Luke leaders' list of concerns. It is so important Luke is one of the few Air Force installations that has a dedicated office and staff to foster direct communication channels and build positive relationships with local authorities, community members and elected officials.
The Community Initiatives Team, formed in June 2003, is housed in the 56th Fighter Wing headquarters, Building 452.  The staff consists of five people who work to create and maintain these positive communication channels and relationships.

"Maricopa County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation today," said Rusty Mitchell, CIT director. "As development increases in the West Valley, our mission could be impacted. What we ask is that we're able to communicate with community leaders and developers so whatever is planned in our vicinity is compatible, for the sake of both safety and noise, with our surrounding neighbors' needs, and to Luke's mission. Then everyone wins."

Mr. Mitchell's multidisciplinary team includes Michael Hanson, deputy director; Robert Dubsky, planner; Nola Billups,  legislative liaison; and Eric Binkley, paralegal.

The team's proactive engagement with the community has been recognized by the people they work with. Office awards include: best practice, Air Education Training Command Operational Readiness Inspection 2003; Air Force Best Practice, 2004 Air Force Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award; WESTMARC Best of the West for service to communities, 2005; Arizona Business Magazine Economic Engines of 2006; and the Maricopa Association of Governments 2006 Desert Peaks Award for public partnership.

Most recently, AETC nominated Mr. Mitchell to receive the prestigious Arthur S. Fleming Award. This award recognizes outstanding leadership excellence in the federal government.

"The success of this office is not because of me," Mr. Mitchell is quick to point out. "Our successes are because of the quality of our staff and the job they do. We've been recognized at the Air Force level for best work practices, and this award is further verification that the CIT is a worthwhile project for the Air Force."