Scott AFB, IL– Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) led a delegation of Spokane leaders to Scott Air Force Base today to meet with Gen. Raymond Johns, Commander of the Air Mobility Command, and other high-ranking military officials to discuss efforts to bolster Fairchild Air Force Base, the largest employer in Eastern Washington.

“I was delighted to organize and participate in this very important meeting which will directly affect the future of Fairchild Air Force Base and the Spokane community,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. “We had an excellent exchange of ideas and information that will bear positive results for the people of Eastern Washington.”

One of the key topics at today’s meetings was replacing the aging KC-135’s at Fairchild.  On Feb. 24, 2011, Boeing was awarded a $35 billion contract to build the next generation of tankers.  One of Rep. McMorris Rodgers’ top priorities is making sure those new tankers are based at Fairchild as quickly as possible.

Spokane leaders at today’s meeting included Mayor Mary Verner; County Commissioner Todd Mielke; Rich Hadley, CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated.; Scott Morris, CEO of AVISTA; Greg Bever, Chairman and Publisher of the Spokane Journal of Business; Bill Simer, CEO of McDirmid, Mikkelsen, & Secrest; Jeff Severs, Financial Rep., Northwestern Mutual; and Greg Buckley, former 141 Air Refueling Wing/CC. 

Every year, Rep. McMorris Rodgers leads a delegation of Spokane leaders to the Pentagon to meet with the Secretary of the Air Force and other high-ranking military officials to discuss the importance of Fairchild and the new tankers and possible new missions.  This year’s meeting took place on April 7, 2011.