YUMA PROVING GROUND, Ariz. - It is estimated that about 1 percent of Americans serve in uniform at any one time, making their protective services to the nation of inestimable value. Many communities throughout the country formed military support organizations in past decades to honor those who serve and defend individual bases from encroachment and other issues with potential negative impacts.
As officials at both Yuma military installations have publically stated many times, Yuma is outstanding when it comes to supporting military activities. The partnership that exists between community officials and the military is strong, proactive and warm.
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A local organization being formed is specifically geared toward supporting and advocating for the two local military installations on a permanent basis. Called the "Yuma 50," the organization will be a positive, permanent Yuma community voice to support local military interests. Written by-laws are being prepared now, as is appropriate registration with government agencies.
Yuma 50 chairperson Ken Rosevear, who recently retired from the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce after 16 years, says when threats arise to local bases, the organization will go into action. "We will be able to muster a total communication package showing the community's position," he said. "Email messages, phone calls and letters will result."
Rosevear feels strongly about the military. "The mission of Yuma's two bases is absolutely necessary to the defense of our nation," he said. "We can't let any organization or person encroach on that mission. Yuma is a premier military testing and training location."
Though the Yuma 50 will focus its attention on protecting the two Yuma bases, their interests will extend throughout southern Arizona. The Southern Arizona Defense Alliance is helping the Yuma 50 to form and will act as an umbrella organization to advocate for all the military installations in that area, such as Fort Huachuca, and Davis-Monthan and Luke Air Force Bases.
Bruce Dusenberry, current president of the alliance, has visited Yuma several times with others to help with the formation of the Yuma 50. Recently, a group of alliance officials came to Yuma to visit both local installations, as well as meet with board members of the Yuma 50.
"Our intention is to encourage support for the Yuma 50 and become partners," said Dusenberry. "We know that 90 percent of Yuma County residents strongly support the military and there is a long history of that support." He intends for the alliance to support Yuma any way it is able, from public affairs efforts to advocacy in Washington, D.C.
He points out that southern Arizona offers numerous advantages to the military and, actually, is unique in the world. "The land, airspace, weather, and vast ranges offer tremendous opportunities," he said. "All the attributes come together into a whole that can be found nowhere else." He also says Arizona ranks in the top 10 among all states for Department of Defense spending.
Rosevear says Yuma community-members can look forward to a major kick-off celebration in coming months for the Yuma 50, and membership will be encouraged for individuals, businesses and other organizations. A website and other contact tools are also in the works.
"Everyone on the Yuma 50 board today is a volunteer, and forming an organization takes time," he said. "But things are going well, and I know our efforts will be positive for the military and the community."
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