By Bill Connors
Full Article - Idaho Statesman

When asked what companies are the largest employers and biggest economic drivers of the valley, we think of Micron, HP, St. Luke’s, Saint Al’s, Boise State, Albertsons, and a few others. Perhaps the Idaho National Guard Base at Gowen Field is overlooked.

But it shouldn’t be — it is in the same category.

The loss of military operations at Gowen Field would be a huge blow to this Valley. The Idaho National Guard is a major gear in the economic engine of our valley; hundreds are employed at Gowen and hundreds of local businesses serve and support the base.

In addition to the vital economic role Gowen plays in our regional economy, it is an important strategic asset in our nation’s defense. Blessed with great air space, weather, and topography, the men and women at Gowen have a 70+ year history of service to this nation’s defense around the globe.

Because of Gowen’s assets, the Pentagon has put them on a short list of potential guard bases for an F-35 Training Mission. The A-10 Thunderbolts currently based at Gowen will be phased out. Most military experts agree that a guard base without a manned flying mission is a target for a different kind of Pentagon list — a base closure list. While we advocate for any manned flying mission at Gowen, the F-35 brings maximum advantages.

The F-35 is our nation’s future aircraft of choice for decades to come. It is arguably the most technologically-sophisticated piece of equipment in our nation’s military portfolio. As such, it requires the most technologically-sophisticated maintenance and support teams. Nearby Ogden, Utah was selected to house a fleet of F-35s, and soon after, Lockheed Martin built a major technical support facility nearby. Dozens of other supporting civilian enterprises established high-tech shops in Ogden as well. The potential high-tech economic upside for Boise is undeniable. Such a mission would expand Boise’s portfolio of high-tech industries, adding additional high-paying technical career options in our valley.

The Boise Airport is one of our state’s most important economic hubs, and Gowen is a big part of that future. Around the globe, noise is a part of every airport’s daily operation and our Airport is no different as it continues to grow and expand. Unless we move the Airport 40 miles into the desert, as Denver did, there will always be neighbors inconvenienced by noise. Tolerating a few seconds of noise, a few times a day, seems like the least we can do for our neighbors in uniform.

The Boise Chamber has long-supported the men and women who serve our nation based at Gowen Field and Mountain Home, and we’d like to keep them here in our neighborhoods. Our community and our nation cannot afford to lose the military complex at Gowen Field. In the words of one local business leader, “this is the biggest economic development retention project of the decade.”

The best way to insure the long-term life of Gowen’s operations is to attract and land the F-35 Training Mission. Please join our Chamber in keeping Gowen Strong!
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Bill Connors is president and CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce.

The Idaho National Guard, along with Idaho’s Morale Welfare Recreation and Support our Troops programs held a special event Thursday evening announcing plans for an open house, Oct. 14 and 15, 2017.
 
The purpose of Thursday’s Gowen Thunder 2017 Premiere was to present the open house plan and to reveal the air demonstration teams scheduled to participate in October.
 
More than 100 members of Idaho’s leadership and business community, including Lt. Governor Brad Little and Boise Mayor David Bieter, along with many other civic leaders attended Thursday evening’s event.
 
“Gowen Field’s long service to our nation’s security and role in our community is worthy of celebration – Gowen Thunder is a great way to do that,” said Mayor Bieter. “I hope the whole community takes advantage of this unique opportunity to see an extraordinary show while showing our community’s great support for the men and women who serve our country.”
 
Gowen Thunder 2017 will feature two lead acts as well as many other ground shows, aerial acrobatics and static displays.
 
“I am extremely excited to announce that we will have two of the most prestigious jet demonstration teams, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and their Canadian counterpart, the Royal Canadian Snowbirds,” said Col. Tim Donnellan, 124th Fighter Wing Commander.  “This will be a great event for our community, to see an impressive air demonstration, to visit Gowen Field and speak with the Airmen and Soldiers of the Idaho National Guard and learn their role in our community.”
 
To learn more about Gowen Thunder 2017, please visit GowenThunder.org or the Gowen Thunder Facebook page.  

BY MEGAN RONK
Full Article - Idaho Statesman

As the inevitable retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog” aircraft mission at Gowen Field approaches, a celebrated legacy paves the way for Idaho’s next opportunity to contribute to our national defense while enhancing our own economy.

As one of five finalists for the job of hosting a contingent of F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters, the Idaho Air National Guard is ready for its next flying mission at Gowen Field.
 
Gowen Field has historically served as a training center for military aircraft, hosting nine manned aircraft missions during the past 70 years. The F-35 represents the next generation of fighter jets — armed with advanced technology that is critical to today’s armed forces — and the next great opportunity for Idaho to prove its military mettle.

Idaho’s temperate climate, ample airspace and similarity to combat environments make Boise and Gowen Field an ideal training atmosphere for the F-35 mission. What’s more, having a flying mission based at Gowen Field would have a tremendous impact on Idaho’s economy.

Gowen Field already supports more than 2,800 direct, indirect and related jobs, representing more than $136 million a year in income for the families involved and contributing more than $155 million in total economic impact. And Idaho stands to gain a significant number of additional civilian job opportunities with the new flying mission since many of the F-35 aircraft support systems are maintained by civilian contractors who would work on and around Gowen Field.

Idaho Air National Guard personnel also contribute immeasurably to the fabric of our Treasure Valley communities in ways that extend far beyond their military service. And as the population center of Idaho, the Treasure Valley provides unmatched career opportunities for our citizen soldiers and airmen — many of whom work as teachers, engineers and police officers. Not only are these men and women making an important contribution to our military, they are our neighbors, friends and family members.

Having a flying mission for the Idaho Air National Guard in Boise would provide a tremendous contribution to our national defense while helping to secure the future of an important fixture in Idaho’s economy and our way of life.

Idaho’s history of providing elite airspace and support for flying missions has helped to position Boise’s Gowen Field as a national leader for the kind of mission the F-35s would bring. Please join me in supporting this important project for our community, our state and our country.

Megan Ronk is the director of the Idaho Department of Commerce.