Mayor Walkup speaks at MAC luncheon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jamie L. Coggan
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Honorable Robert Walkup, mayor of Tucson was the guest speaker at the Military Affairs Committee luncheon at the Officer's Club here Feb. 14.

"Mayor Walkup has been greatly involved with Davis-Monthan," said Petrana Larzarova, the MAC program coordinator. "He has always supported the growing relationship between the Tucson community and the base."

Prior to coming to Tucson, Mayor Walkup earned his degree from Iowa State University, served in the US Army and worked for many years as an engineer in the National Defense Industry. He is also a part of the Pima Association of Governments' Regional Council, the Regional Transportation Authority Governing Board and the Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities.

Mayor Walkup has been the leader of Tucson since 1999, and used to run a factory where he built A-10s. Many of the airplanes he built are still here at Davis-Monthan.

"I love Davis-Monthan and what its people are doing to defend our country," said Mayor Walkup. "The base is the most important asset in this city."

During his speech, Mayor Walkup stressed his desire for economic and environmental sustainability, saying that he wants a robust economy and to protect the economy. He then thanked D-M for accepting projects from the community that are environmentally friendly.

Mayor Walkup then went on to talk more about D-M and its relationship with the city and the people in the community.

He talked about how bases are always under the constant threat of being shut down, and why he is not willing to let that happen. He assured everyone that they are strong enough to handle it.

The mayor still remembers building A-10s and how painful it was just thinking they might be used for observation. He wanted to see them at work.

"Sometimes I stop what I am doing and listen for which airplane is flying over," he said. "I love the sound of the airplanes flying over Tucson."

"I want the strongest city in the country, and to ensure nothing happens to D-M," he added.

In closing, Mayor Walkup gave thanks to Col. Kent Laughbaum, 355th Fighter Wing commander, and the D-M team for implementing the community's inputs to make a safer more secure base.

Mrs. Larzarova then presented the mayor with a MAC coin in appreciation for his speech.