Immediately upon entering Fairchild Air Force Base, this phrase appeared in big bold letters, and it stayed with me as I spent the morning meeting airmen and women, learning about equipment and understanding the mission of the base.

Having global reach is something Fairchild Air Force Base and the United Soccer League have in common. We bridge cultures, communities, people, and places. Our bridges span divides and connect communities, one to achieve global peace, the other to grow the love of the global game.

I was invited recently, along with 23 other community members, for an introductory orientation flight on a KC-135 Stratotanker. We were a diverse group of business owners and community leaders from across the Inland Northwest, all eager to learn more about the impact our local base has in our region.

Flying nearly 25,000 feet in the air at about 370 miles per hour, it comes within 30 feet of the receiving aircraft. It was unbelievable thinking how much control, calm, and confidence it takes to grasp that handle and successfully accomplish the mission.

The refuelers are tasked with refueling not just our aircraft, but the aircraft of other countries, as well as missions with global impact. The aircraft and service members that support these multiple missions are called upon from around the world. My observation was not only are they passionate about having that opportunity, they are expertly trained and prepared. The impact the team at Fairchild has on the world is empowering. They bring these experiences back to and enrich our community through stories and a focus on the importance of diversity and inclusion.

So many are here without extended family, but family is created on base and in the community. We learned that with over 10,000 people entering Fairchild each day. Most of the airmen and women live off base among the rest of us in the Greater Spokane region. 

As they work to protect us, it is our duty to provide whatever support we can to help them be successful. Their goal is to be ready to meet any challenge. Our goal should be to find ways to develop and care for our airmen and women and their families. The Commander of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Col. Cassius Bentley, is steadfast in his commitment to his troops, and he shared how senior leaders at Fairchild are unwavering in building and enhancing programs for airmen and women and their families.

I look forward to supporting this mission and sharing with our community how we can be a part of the efforts. I, in partnership with USL, am working to bring the world’s game to Spokane and to share Spokane with the world. The team at Fairchild is not only serving a mission for our U.S. Military, but they are also a part of a global mission, and as they learn about the people and places around the globe, our community is better because of it.

It’s exciting to think how soccer and the base can help each other, and it’s even more exciting to think how our Spokane community can better help the amazingly talented Fame’s Favored Few at Fairchild Air Force Base.

Cindy Wendle is president of United Soccer League Spokane.

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