Senator/ Congressman

123 Address

Washington, D.C. 20510*

(*addresses below)

DATE

To the Honorable XX:

Your first paragraph should declare your support of the project.

Your second paragraph should introduce yourself, where you live (specifically state your address) and your relationship to the project. Share any prior relationship to the military, Gowen Field or your unique understanding of this mission. Make it personal and go into detail about why you care about the cause.

Your third paragraph can provide supplementary details highlighting your primary reasons for support. These reasons may include:

  • Boise, Idaho is the only city west of the Mississippi River being considered for this mission—an incredible honor and one that speak to the viability of Gowen Field
  • The Idaho Air National Guard is a major employer in the Treasure Valley.
  • 1,300 direct employees, over 600 full-time and 700 part-time employees.
  • $136 million annual total labor income impact (direct, indirect, induced)
  • $155 million annual total output impact (direct, indirect, induced)
  • Source: Idaho Economic Impact Study October 2015
  • If Gowen Field is selected for the F-35 mission, it will boost Idaho’s economy by bringing civilian jobs and opportunities since many of the aircraft support systems are maintained by civilian contractors who will live within our community for the foreseeable future.
  • Gowen Field is an ideal location for a new mission and the economic impact of such a mission – or the lack of one – is significant.
  • In addition to being military airmen, the Air National Guard are citizen-airmen with full-time jobs (school teachers, police officers, construction workers, etc.) and need to be close to both occupations—Boise represents a great opportunity for both.

Your final paragraph should reiterate your support. Indicate that you strongly support a long-term, manned flying mission at Gowen Field—whether F-35 fighter jets or another manned flying mission. Specifically ask for vocal support and leadership from your senator or congressman.

Sincerely,

Your name and address

Senator Mike Crapo

239 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Senator James E. Risch

483 Russell Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Congressman Mike Simpson

Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District

2312 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

Congressman Raúl Labrador

Idaho’s 1st Congressional District

1523 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515