March ARB Supports City of Perris at State of the City Event

  • Published
  • By Ms. Ashley Van Dien
  • 452 AMW Public Affairs
March Air Reserve Base, Calif. --  

The City of Perris hosted a State of the City address at Bob Glass Gymnasium in Perris, Calif., Oct. 4, 2018. Col. Matthew Burger, Commander 452nd Air Mobility Wing, March Air Reserve Base, delivered the keynote speech. The State of the City gathering was the first of its kind for the town, and city officials plan to make it an annual event. Attendees included March ARB representatives, City of Perris officials, honored guests and local citizens. 

The event highlighted several recent city accomplishments and projected the positive impacts of future plans already in the works. Perris City Councilmembers acknowledged that “we couldn’t accomplish this without the support of our community partners,” which includes March Air Reserve Base and its Airmen.   

The city of Perris borders March ARB, but the relationship extends beyond geographical proximity. Many Citizen Airmen serving at March also call the city of Perris home. “We’re a piece of you,” said Col. Burger. “We’re your daughters, brothers and sisters - your firefighters, school teachers and residents. Many of your residents are also our aircraft pilots, medical personnel and security forces. With an annual economic impact of nearly $600 million per year, March Air Reserve Base also provides a good jolt to the local economy.”

These unique professional and personal ties enable interoperability for the Air Force Reserve Command and the Inland Empire region. This cooperation has been active for many decades. March ARB celebrated its centennial anniversary this year, and the base is proud to continue operations alongside the city of Perris. “It’s a history that is steeped in a grand tradition of military excellence and service,” said Col. Burger. “It is also a history that is intimately intertwined with our local communities. We exist to serve you, and our 100-year relationship with our local communities holds a very special place in our collective hearts.”

March ARB recognizes the incredible importance of positive city partnership. “As we move forward we are always looking for ways to strengthen our bond with the local communities. Much of our workforce comes from the surrounding area and we hope to continue that trend,” said Col. Burger. “We spend as much time as we can connecting with our civic leaders so our interaction and relationships remain positive and beneficial for everyone for the next 100 years to come.”