This time is always tough for FCF...and we are not talking about the ATOMIC HEAT!!! We are referring to "Change of Command Season" at Luke AFB. Dozens will move on which is always bitter sweet. It creates the challenge/opportunity to generate and establish new relationships and future Military Ambassadors for who and what FCF stands for and accomplishes consistently. Of all the leaders who are moving on, we will definitely miss our current Leadership Team at Luke with General Kreuder and Chief Weimer. Getting engaged and to know these two individuals was tougher than most times due to the pandemic. General Kreuder came into leadership during probably the most challenging time ever to be a commander at the World's Largest Fighter Wing. Luke never, and I mean NEVER stopped flying and training the World's Greatest Fighter Pilots. During the early days of his term, gatherings and community engagement was paused, so it was very difficult for FCF to truly get to know the Leadership. But the slow start made the end that much more rewarding. General Kreuder and Chief Weimer embraced the FCF efforts and supported the efforts of expanded programming too. From 1st Sergeant Appreciation, Dorm Dweller Holiday Party & Summer Bash to the Luke Supporter Appreciation Event you can easily see how their involvement with FCF and supporting their Airmen and Families creates smiles that last on their faces...and that is all we want to see. When Leadership is involved, engaged and joining together with FCF & BBS in every way it becomes so humbling that we have to pinch ourselves daily...how do we get to do this!!! You know why, because it is genuine, from the heart and an amazing honor to which we all feel obligated to support and follow!!! We will miss you General Kreuder and Chief Weimer and welcome you back when the time's come.
~Ron
Fighter Country has invited a handful of Squadrons to participate in a competition to decorate our picnic tables at Building 911. We will announce the winners at the end of Sept/beginning of October at an event hosted at building 911. Invite to follow once event details are confirmed. *Please note - we only have 18 tables so not all squadrons are participating*
Our next Happy Hour Hit Squad is coming in September hosted by Bravo Class. Don't miss out. Here is a recap of the last HHHS.
BLUE BLAZER HAPPY HOUR HIT SQUAD HOSTED BY ALPHA CLASS
HITS THE TARGET HARD TWICE
The Alpha Class of the Blue Blazers was called upon for two very specific missions on May 13.
When you need the best, you call upon the best!
In platinum style with speed and precision the Alpha Class scrambled and hosted a 2pm Happy Hour Hit Squad at the 9/11 Office to intake raffle prizes for the Annual Fighter Country Foundation, Honorary Commander, Blue Blazer Squadron Golf extravaganza. This mission critical assignment guarantees success in the purchase of raffle tickets. Food and beverages were provided to the other Blue Blazer class members as they arrived bearing gifts. In hopeful a post Pandemic time it was great to unite again with fellow Blue Blazers to share in our support for Luke Air Force Base
With the comradery and excitement of the Alpha Class Hit Squad, we then handed off the Hit Squad members to attend General Kreuder’s Community Appreciation Celebration for invited community members. General Kreuder extended his appreciation to the Fighter Country Foundation, Honorary Commanders and Blue Blazer Squadron for support of the men, women, families and mission of Luke Air Force Base.
Following the General’s Community Appreciation evening event, the Alpha Class again was called upon to host an unprecedented second of the day Happy Hour Hit Squad in the Patio Center of the 9/11 Building that continued well into the evening with music, laughs, stories, more food and beverages.
Never in the history of the Blue Blazer Squadron has a class been called upon to host not only once but twice two Happy Hour Hit Squads in one day! This history may never repeat itself again but if it does, the Alpha Class will stand ready with dedication, experience and know how to carry out such mission. Special thanks to the always capable Brooke Christianson for providing mission critical support for these events. Alpha class members Mark Carpenter and Darcie McCracken also stepped up to provide major support assistance with the Alpha events; Command Chief Weimer, Melissa and Shawn Holdaway for extra ordinary clean up support and to our own Michael Jordan for photography. As we all know, to successfully complete any mission the Alpha Class would like to thank the other classes who also provided support of its class members in teaming for the success of the day!
Thank you all for joining us and your contributions in supporting the Fighter Country Foundation and the Blue Blazer Squadron.
~PATRICK MCDERMOTT & BILL PUPO
What projects & programs is Fighter Country working?
PROJECTS
Chapel Kitchen Renovation
Luke CE Heritage Room
Medical Group Resiliency Room
Luke Dorms: Basketball resurfacing & Oasis Room
PROGRAMS
Back to School Backpacks
Squadron Heritage Picnic Tables
Security Forces Appreciation Event
Single Parents Retreats
Marriage Retreats
JE Dunn and Kirk McClure have selected Fighter Country Foundation as the beneficiary of their tournament again this year. We will need Blue Blazer volunteers to help out that morning. The date is September 8th and more details to come as we get closer.
Please make sure your your contact information is up-to-date with your class chairs or with Brooke as we are beginning to work on our BBS directory. Also, please make sure you have a current BBS photo. If you would like to be on the team that helps put our directory together, please let Brooke know.
Thank you to all members who have paid their BBS dues for 2022. If you have not, please click the link above to complete payment. Any questions or concerns, please contact Brooke.
If you have not signed your Blue Blazer Code of Conduct. please click the link above and sign. Any questions or concerns, please contact Brooke.
Upcoming Events
July 29 56 FW Change of Command August 26 Chief Weimer Retirement
September 8 JE Dunn Charity Golf Tournament September 24 Air Force Ball September TBD Happy Hour Hit Squad
hosted by Bravo Class
