The Why’s of Essential Community Support

Thanks to you Middle Georgia, the preparation and execution of the 21st Century Partnership’s BRAC plan was made possible - but our work is far from over. Sure, BRAC 2005 has come and gone and as a result Middle Georgia and Robins Air Force Base will both grow with our continued support. Our growth is very dependent upon the continued success in our endeavors to work the issues that need to be worked and constantly be prepared for future threats to Robins. That was a key to our success in the last BRAC.

This success can be attributed to one single factor… the strength of Robins and the Middle Georgia community when we entered into BRAC. Middle Georgia’s reaction to the factors that could possibly negatively impact Robins was tremendous. You made it possible through your financial support to keep the Partnership going and going strong. You never allowed us to walk away from a challenge, or threat, because we “couldn’t afford to do something”. Many may say,

Well…not exactly. The last series of BRAC’s are gone but you could, and should, expect future rounds of BRAC. Our plan while we are not in a BRAC is to grow Robins AFB so strong that our chances of future threats will surely be lessened, or hopefully be non existent.

In case you don’t know this, being a defense community is a full time job. The 21st Century Partnership works a myriad of issues on a daily basis…issues that affect Robins AFB and the entire Middle Georgia Community. Past examples include developing the strategy and tactics for: a “three world-class depot” Air Force strategy which stopped the late 1990’s privatization obsession; thwarting the intended move of program managers from the ALCs; a C-17 public-private partnership with work being done at Robins vs. solely at a contractor’s plant; privatized military housing; record setting TRICARE medical participation; a blended JSTARS wing concept following the departure of the B-1s; etc. Failure to be successful in any of these endeavors would have left Robins in a precarious posture. Lesson validated--being a defense community is a full time job.

The post BRAC era brings both challenges and opportunities. Challenges include: incompatible land use in Bibb and Houston Counties; the absolute necessity of Air Quality Compliance; continued quality of life improvements in health care, education, and crime rates; and maintaining capacity for community growth to support new missions. Additionally, there are opportunities like the F-22 avionics and electronic warfare work as well as a new facility for software work. During a recent Washington visit, the Chief of Staff told us the new Joint Cargo Aircraft depot work will be done in military depots vs. by a contractor (as planned by the Army), plus he would review Robin’s candidacy for a new flying mission. The projected growth of Robins’ depot workload will require facilities and capabilities. We will work any budget requirements with our Congressional delegation plus spearhead the envisioned maintenance complex on the East side of the Base--a project that could potentially bring 1000 new jobs.

The only way to shape our future is to continue our relationships with the Air Force and our Congressional delegation, ensure the retention of current missions, and attract additional missions. That takes daily, consistent, focused, and proactive attention and the 21st Century Partnership is committed to continue to lead that vital effort for Middle Georgia. But it takes money---money that will enable a more proactive capability than in the period of 1995-2002, but less than the immediate three years prior to BRAC.

Experience and known required future actions dictate that it takes $300,000 a year to effectively operate the Partnership. So we have kicked off a capital campaign with a goal of pledged financial support for the next five years. This gives all Middle Georgia organizations, businesses and citizens an opportunity to participate in the advancement of Robins. Goals have been established for business and organization segments.