FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The 92nd Air Refueling Wing renamed its residential neighborhood, Ft. Wright Village, and street, Ft. Wright Oval, to Lilac Village and Willow Loop.
This change is the result of long consideration by Fairchild leadership, in accordance with an Air Force directive to evaluate historically divisive names on installations.
Considerations include the significant historical impact Col. George Wright, a 19th century Army officer, had within the local community. Wright’s actions have a lasting effect that are still felt today by our friends and neighbors, the tribes of Spokane and Eastern Washington.
The Willow Loop signs have already been changed, and the Lilac Village sign is slated to be installed between Aug. 22 and Sept. 5.
The changes to these areas have been coordinated with the Post Office, Emergency Control Center and online map and navigation sites. Residents of these areas can expect to receive information on changes from Balfour Beatty Communities.
Team Fairchild strives to be a good community partner, which means understanding and acknowledging the significant historical and cultural pain this name represents to local tribes and community partners.
For additional questions regarding the name change, please contact the 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office at 509-247-5705 or email at 92arw.pa@us.af.mil.