The Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) at Fairchild AFB is a dynamic forum fostering partnership and open exchange of information among the base, the community, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and state environmental bodies. As an integral part of the environmental restoration process, the RAB ensures comprehensive community involvement, enabling local voices to contribute meaningfully to our Environmental Restoration Program.

Our board, comprising engaged citizens, community group members, educational institution representatives, and officials from Spokane City/County, Washington State Department of Ecology, and USEPA. These meetings are public, and we warmly invite community members to attend, listen, and engage. Post-meeting, attendees have the opportunity to submit questions regarding the presentations, which will be promptly addressed by an Air Force representative via email or phone. For more details about the RAB or upcoming meetings, please reach out to Fairchild AFB Public Affairs at (509)-247-5705.

Fairchild RAB Charter Link to PDF

Fairchild RAB Standard Operating Procedures(SOP) Link to PDF

Fairchild AFB Off Base PFAS Sampling Summary PDF

Link to August 2024 Meeting Minutes

Link to March 2023 Meeting Minutes

Link to November 2022 Meeting Minutes

Link to March 2022 Meeting Minutes

Link to June 2021 Meeting Minutes

Link to January 2020 Meeting Minutes

Link to June 2019 Meeting Minutes

Link to November 2018 Meeting Minutes

*All other RAB minutes can be found on the AR*

The next RAB is scheduled for 4 December 2024 at the Shriners Event Center (7217 West Westbow Blvd, Spokane, WA 99224 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. 

Topics for the 4 December RAB include:

1. Agency Updates

2. RAB Standard Operating Procedures

3. Drinking Water Well Prioritization 

4. FT004 PFAS Investigation

5. PFAS Remedial Investigation - No Name Ditch and Monitoring Wells

6. Upcoming Public Comment Periods.

We are currently looking for Airway Heights and surrounding area community members to serve on the RAB. If you are interested in serving on the RAB, please reach out to AFCEC at 92ces.afcec.rab@us.af.mil.

Jonathan Welge (Community Co-Chair)

• Community Co-Chair
• 30 years of environmental assessment and remediation
• Eastern Washington University graduate with a BA in Physical Geography and BAE in Earth Science

Col. Robert LaMore (Air Force Co-Chair)

Hank Bynaker (City of Airway Heights Representative)

Sonny Weathers (City of Medical Lake Representative)

Spokane Tribe, Honorable Richard “Tiger” Peone (Tribal Representative)

Kasey Wilberding (Spokane Regional Health District)

Jaclyn Satira (USEPA Region 10)

Nick Acklam (Washington Department of Ecology)

Dr. Hugh Lefcort (Community Representative)

Doug Greenlund (City of Spokane Representative)

Chuck Gruenenfelder (Community Representative)

Cecil Smith (Community Member)

Cris Carver (Community Member)

Mo Noder (Community Member)

John Hancock (Community Member)

Laura Laumatia (Coeur d'Alene Tribe Representative)

Dr. Chad Pritchard (Community Member)

Jerry Goertz (Community Member)

FAFB Open House

In alignment with each RAB meeting, Fairchild AFB and our partners host a community poster session/open house. This event extends the dialogue from the RAB meetings, showcasing detailed presentations on crucial topics such as FAFB’s off-site PFAS contamination. It's an opportunity for direct interaction between the community and Air Force representatives, encouraging discussions on a range of subjects, from the nuances of the RAB presentations to broader environmental concerns like PFAS and its impact on personal property.

For those unable to converse with a representative at the event but with questions needing attention, we offer question forms for submission. An Air Force representative will ensure a timely response to these inquiries, maintaining our commitment to open communication and community engagement.

Fairchild Air Force Base will be hosting an Open House/Poster Session on 3 December 2024 at the Shriners Event Center (7217 W Westbow Blvd, Spokane, Washington 99224) from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. 

March 2023 Posters Link

February 2024 Posters Link

December 2024 Posters Link