(taken from The Albuquerque Business Times, July 7-21, 1997)

1. Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) is a unique, one-of-a-kind federal installation which encompasses almost 52,000 acres.  A "normal" Air Force Base has a primary flying mission and a few organizations that support that single mission.   Kirtland, on the other hand, could be compared to a midsize community that has a variety of businesses and activities that are different but interrelated.

The Air Force, as the host military department, provides the support for Air Force unites, Department of Defense (DOD) agencies, Department of Energy (DOE) organizations including Sandia National Laboratories, and a host of contractors who support  Air Force and non-Air Force missions.  In total, there are over 200 on- and off-base tenant organizations supported by  the 377th  Air Base Wing, the host Air Force organization.

These tenant organizations represent  over 18,000 people that receive support from the Air Force.  The 377th Air Base Wing provides their support with 2,750 people, making the total work force at Kirtland almost 21,000.  KAFB is the largest employer in the State of New Mexico, with an annual economic impact of approximately $1.6 billion.

2. Formed out of the successful community effort to prevent the closure of KAFB during the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, the Kirtland Partnership Committee is a Not-for-Profit New Mexico Corporation with the following purposes:

Influencing events which will enhance current missions and /or new missions to Kirtland Air Force Base by working with and through elected political officials in New Mexico and in Washington, D.C.

Be acutely aware of events/actions which might adversely affect those missions and be prepared to oppose them, again asking for cooperation and help from officials as needed.

Increasing awareness within the citizenry of the importance of Kirtland to the economy of the city of Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico.

Being available to assist the local commanders with problems they might have.

Encouraging, and if necessary organizing, ways for individual citizens to become involved with Kirtland.

The members and affiliates of the KPC include leading and outstanding citizens in the Albuquerque community chosen from various professions and businesses, commanders of all of the major military establishments in the Albuquerque community, presidents of the various entities located within the gates of KAFB, heads of federal agencies located on the Base, and elected officials.

KPC works hand-in-hand, not only with the military, but with the many missions and operations from high-profile organizations such as Kirtland Area Office of the Department of Energy and Sandia National Laboratories to lesser-known but equally important missions.

3. Recently, Secretary of Defense Cohen made a recommendation concerning another BRAC round.  Although his comments have resulted in opposition by various members of Congress, The KPC has taken the position that its main mission continues to be working to enhance KAFB's current and long-term value to Albuquerque, The State of New Mexico and the country.  This includes assisting in keeping KAFB off another BRAC list.

The recent addition of a full-time KPC Executive Director substantiates the fact that the KPC is serious, committed and dedicated to its mission.