Representative visits Ellsworth

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  U.S. Representative Kristi Noem paid a visit to the Airmen of the 28th Bomb Wing, to gain an increased understanding of the vital mission being accomplished by the base, during part of her trip across South Dakota, Feb. 1.

This was Representative Noem's first visit to the base since taking office, Jan. 5, 2011.

"Touring the base has been a tremendous experience," she said. "Interacting with the Airmen, seeing their dedication to duty, and hearing their stories has been truly amazing."

Rep. Noem met with leadership at the wing headquarters, 28th Operations Group and 28th Maintenance Group before touring base housing. She said she plans to take her experiences at Ellsworth back to Washington D.C.

"The decisions in Washington need to be made with the understanding that they impact real people," she said. "I plan on taking back the stories I've heard here and putting a face to Ellsworth."

Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28th BW commander, said the visit gave the wing a great opportunity to show Rep. Noem "all that our Airmen are doing".

"We know how hard it was for the Congresswoman to find time so early in her term to be with our Airmen," he said. "We couldn't do our important work without the powerful support of our Congressional leaders."

Rep. Noem concluded her visit to Ellsworth at a luncheon with base leadership, where she praised the Airmen on base.

"Every part of this visit has been great," she said. "It has been very rewarding touring the base and seeing the dedication these Airmen have toward protecting our country."