Continuing to Serve

Len Fuchs has served as Williams RAB community co-chair since 1994.
 
Len Fuchs 
Gilbert resident Len Fuchs, the Community Co-Chair for the Restoration Advisory Board at the former Williams Air Force Base, stands in front of an environmental cleanup site at the former base.
[Story and Photo by Scott Johnston, AFCEC Public Affairs]
Even after 26 years in the Marine Corps, Gilbert resident Len Fuchs still felt the urge to serve.

In 1993, months after retiring to Gilbert, Fuchs jumped into service at a local level by joining the Williams Restoration Advisory Board. The board was formed shortly after Williams closed that year. Its intent was to provide a way for the Air Force and regulators to educate the community about the environmental cleanup work at Williams.

Fuchs, who was involved with the environmental cleanup program while serving at the El Toro Marine Base in southern California, attended the very first Williams RAB meeting and was intrigued from the start.

"Before I retired and came to Gilbert, I was involved in the same type of thing at El Toro," said Fuchs, who retired as a colonel with over 3,000 hours of flight time in tactical fighters. "So I knew what was coming for Williams and I felt like with my experience, I could help. I feel everyone needs to do something for his or her community and this is my community service."

A few months after attending the first meeting, Fuchs was elected as the RAB Community Co-Chair, a post he has manned unfailingly for the past two decades.

"My role is to represent the civilians who live in the communities like Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek," said Fuchs. "I get calls from them asking how the cleanup is going and it's important to explain to them that it is going great and no matter how long it takes, the Air Force will be there to see the job through."

Following his "retirement," Fuchs became Senior Vice President of the Government Division of Franklin Covey Company, providing time management, and executive leadership training. He also became an author and public speaker on these topics.

"In the 20 years that I've lived in Gilbert and been a part of the RAB, I've seen a lot of changes" he said. "I think the cleanup program taking place here is probably one of the best in America. This is a vibrant situation here and it has revitalized the whole area and really contributes to the economy."

Much like Fuchs himself.

Contact Info

AFCEC Public Affairs
Western Region Execution Center
3411 Olson Street
McClellan, CA
95652
Phone: (916) 643-1250 Ext. 257

Local Redevelopment Authority
Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport

5835 S. Sossaman Road
Mesa, AZ 85212
Phone: (480) 988-7600
PhxMesa Gateway Airport

Redevelopment

Local Redevelopment Authority

Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport Authority
5835 S. Sossaman Road
Mesa, AZ 85212
Phone: (480) 988-7600
PhxMesa Gateway Airport