Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and Congressmen Mike Simpson and Raúl Labrador have invited the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Mark A. Welsh, III, to visit Idaho to experience the dedication of local service members and Idaho’s world-class facilities by visiting the state’s military installations at Gowen Field and Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB). 

In the letter, Crapo, Risch, Simpson and Labrador write, “for almost 66 years, Air Force excellence has been possible because of those who have dedicated their lives to the success of U.S. air power and supremacy.  Air Force men and women and their families serve our nation with distinction, integrity and patriotism.  The service of our Airmen is supported and enhanced by the capabilities of the installations at which they serve.  Idaho’s military installations are a valued resource for the state and our nation.”  

The delegation expressed that in this time of budget cuts the installations in Idaho are uniquely capable of meeting the needs of the Air Force in a cost-effective manner. 

The letter invites General Welsh to visit Gowen Field and MHAFB later this fall.  Crapo, Risch, Simpson and Labrador noted that it has been more than 30 years since an active Chief of Staff of the Air Force visited MHAFB or Gowen Field.