Fort Wayne Chamber engages members in campaign to keep A-10’s at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base

The Chamber has been active in demonstrating the business community’s support in keeping the Air National Guard Base in Fort Wayne after they learned the base may be affected by Department of Defense budget cuts to take place over the next 10 years. 

“We’re asking Chamber members and the entire business community to join us by taking an active roll in keeping the A-10s in Fort Wayne,” Mike Landram, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce said. “The business community recognizes the economic importance of the 122nd Fighter Wing in our community. We are asking for their immediate help.”

“The letters need to be sent right away,” Landram noted.  “Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta is expected to present his budget to President Obama on Monday, February 13 leaving a small window of opportunity for the community to let Washington know how we feel about this situation.”

The Chamber supplied each of its members with a sample letter and talking points on Wednesday.  The letters are to be addressed to: Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta, and Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Donley. Copies of the letters may be obtained by emailing Michelle Merritt, VP of Member Relations and Communications at mmerritt@fwchamber.org

The Chamber is asking that letters be emailed to Dan Harman in Congressman Stutzman’s office at daniel.harman@mail.house.gov Congressman Stutzman’s office will then forward them to the proper parties.

The Chamber will remain actively engaged in this issue, acting as an advocate for the Fort Wayne community. The Chamber’s goal is to ensure Indiana’s only reserve fighter wing isn’t negatively impacted by the Defense Department’s decision to trim its budget.