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WSU head football coach visits Fairchild

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mackenzie Richardson
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Washington State University head football coach, Mike Leach, got an inside look at Fairchild’s rapid global mobility mission Aug. 15.

Leach was given the opportunity to meet and spend time with Fairchild leaders, local fans and a few of the Airmen who help put tankers in the air.

“When you see something as grand and as big as Fairchild, it’s always a bit overwhelming,” Leach said. “I’m honored to get the opportunity to be here and see all the people who serve this country with such efficiency and commitment.”

Leach was joined by some of his fans for a mission briefing from Col. Ryan Samuelson, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, a short tour of Fairchild and an inside look at a KC-135 Stratotanker.

“Building bonds with our community gives our Airmen the opportunity to showcase America's Air Power,” said Tech. Sgt. Derek Washburn, 92nd Security Forces Squadron security forces operations NCO in charge. “People like Coach Leach can have a profound impact on college men and women. By providing him an insight into our world, he can now press the importance of military service to those who may have never been exposed to military life.”

Leach’s father, Frank, served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed at Deep Creek, one of four storage facilities near present-day Fairchild used for Nike missiles during the 1950s and 1960s.
“I’m very patriotic and a big fan of the country and the military,” Leach said. “Witnessing the professional and knowledgeable Airmen who really know and understand the business, it’s incredible.”