Congressman speaks to Airmen, tours new facility

by Senior Airman Danielle Wolf
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/10/2010 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Congressman Ike Skelton visited the 303rd Fighter Squadron July 25 to speak to Airmen, tour the new facility and present a flag to the command.

Originally from Lexington, Mo., the congressman, who is also the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, was unable to attend last fall's ribbon-cutting ceremony at the squadron.

During his visit, Mr. Skelton expressed to Airmen his appreciation for their dedication and commitment to military service, then presented an American flag that was flown over the nation's capitol to the squadron.

"Congressman Skelton took valuable time off to fly here and ensure we know he cares (about the 442nd Fighter Wing,)" said Col. Mark Clemons, wing commander. "The flag he left is a symbol of a new building dedication and a symbol of Congressman Skelton's interest in our mission."

The congressman also discussed the wing's role in overseas missions. Colonel Clemons, Lt. col. Brian Borgen, 303rd FS commander; and Chief Master Sgt. Allan Sutrges, 442nd FW command chief gave Mr. Skelton a tour of the new building to include the new, state-of-the-art, 360-degree A-10 simulator.

"Congressman Skelton spent an hour with us looking over the facilities and asking questions about the mission," Colonel Borgen said. "We could tell how tuned in on our mission he was from the first minute of the tour."



Congressman Ike Skelton tour the A-10 Thunderbolt II simulator at the 303rd Fighter Squadron building with Lt. Col. Brian Borgen. The 303rd FS is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Danielle Wolf) Hi-res

Source