2023 Board Schedule

In 2023, NIBCC Board meetings will be held on the "3rd Tuesday" of the month at 9:00 AM at 200 East Main Street, Fort Wayne, on the 9th floor (Regional Partnership). See schedule below.

Date	Location	Time
1/17/2023	9th Floor - Regional Partnership	9:00 AM
2/21/2023	9th Floor - Regional Partnership	9:00 AM
3/21/2023	9th Floor - Regional Partnership	9:00 AM
4/18/2023	9th Floor - Regional Partnership	9:00 AM
5/16/2023	9th Floor - Regional Partnership	9:00 AM
6/20/2023	9th Floor - Regional Partnership	9:00 AM
7/18/2023	9th Floor - Regional Partnership	9:00 AM
8/15/2023	9th Floor - Regional Partnership	9:00 AM
9/19/2023	9th Floor - Regional Partnership	9:00 AM
10/17/2023	9th Floor - Regional Partnership	9:00 AM
11/21/2023	9th Floor - Regional Partnership	9:00 AM
12/19/2023	9th Floor - Regional Partnership	9:00 AM

Membership Renewals Due in January

Membership in the NIBCC runs January thru December. That means renewals are due.

Your membership in the Northeast Indiana Base Community Council is much needed and greatly appreciated! Whether you are an individual member or you represent an organization, your contributions of time, talent and financial support drive each impact we have on local members of the armed forces and veterans, military families, and our community.

Membership dues are imperative to the NIBCC carrying out its mission. As a volunteer-led nonprofit organization, membership dues represent approximately 96% of the funding for our programs and activities.

Thank you for your support in 2022 and we look forward to your support in 2023!

To join or renew, click HERE

246th Marine Corps Birthday Ball

The NIBCC was proud to sponsor the Marine Corps Birthday Ball presented by Marine Corps League Detachment #1435 Pride and Purpose. The event took place at Ceruti's Event Center, and featured dinner, outreach program donation presentations, awards, dancing, and of course, the famous cutting of the birthday cake.

The next event for the MCL will be its monthly Pancake Breakfast on Jan. 15 for 8 to 11 a.m. VFW Post 857 located at the corner of West Main Street and Leesburg Road in Fort Wayne. 

Cost is $5 per person ($3 per child).  Select from 2 pancakes and 2 sausage links, 2 blueberry pancakes and 2 sausage links, biscuits and gravy, or build-your-own omelet with 2 sausage links.  Breakfast includes coffee and orange juice.

Groups of 6 or more are welcome, but organizers encourage large parties to come between 8 and 9:30 a.m. to ensure prompt service. 

The 247th Birthday Ball is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 12  at Ceruti's.

Run, Run Rudolf—Santa’s in the Race for the Warrior

Well, maybe not, but we do have a special offer for the holidays.

In other race news, Race for the Warrior co-chair Eric Flores presented Carmen Cumberland, executive director for Community Harvest Food Bank with a check for $516.20 which will provide more than 2,000 meals to veterans and military families in need through Community Harvest's Hope for Heroes program. Together, we can end hunger in Northeast Indiana. If you or anyone you know is a veteran or widowed spouse in need, please call the food bank at (260) 447-3696.

Military Family Adoption and Hardship Relief Programs

Last month, the Northeast Indiana Base Community Council presented Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County with a $5,000 donation for the Associated Churches Christmas Military Family Adoption program and the Associated Churches Military Hardship Relief program. 

Associated Churches works closely with the Family Readiness Unit at the 122nd and 293rd to adopt families requesting support at Christmas. The families range in size from 3 to 8 members.  The Family Readiness Units provide Associated Churches with names, ages, and gender of the children as well as a "wish list" of presents they would like to receive. Close to Christmas, Santa delivers a sleigh full of presents to the service members. In a typical year, approximately 25 families are adopted. As of today, we have received the names of 98 individuals who are being adopted and we expect to receive another 30 names this year.

Sometimes the adopted families have a parent missing at Christmas because the mother or father is deployed overseas in defense of our nation. This makes your adoption even more important for the children who are here in Fort Wayne while their dad or mom are away from home.

Dooley Retires with Generous Donation from GFW, Inc.

NIBCC Past-president Patrick Dooley retired from his position as director of airport development for Greater Fort Wayne, Inc., and his teammates threw him a nice party Nov. 30, which included a check for $1,000 to be donated to NIBCC. 

“I am so proud of NIBCC and the amazing work this board and our supporters have done to serve our military community,” Dooley said.  “I appreciate the support Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. and the airport continue to give our organization.”

Dooley has now retired to his home in Indianapolis, but he will continue to serve on the boards of the Northeast Indiana Base Community Council and the Greater Fort Wayne Aviation Museum, as well as serve on the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne’s Military Scholarship Advisory Committee.  

122nd’s Children’s Christmas Party

The 122nd Fighter Wing held its Children’s Christmas Party with the help of volunteers from the USO and supplemental funding from the NIBCC. Organizers say about 90 children signed up to attend the party.

Operation Holiday Program

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs' Military Family Relief Fund Operation Holiday Program is designed to assist veterans and their families that are experiencing financial hardship. This special program can assist with essential holiday expenses for the children that reside in their homes and a holiday meal for qualified veterans. The assistance amount would be $200.00 per child residing in the veteran's household and $150.00 for the holiday meal.

This program began on Nov. 1 and will end on Dec. 30.

For more information, visit in.gov/dva

Scholarship Opportunities

NIBCC board members Patrick Dooley and Garry Pook worked with the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne to create two new scholarship plans for local service members, veterans, and their families.

Scholarship No. 1: Nicho Becerra Memorial Scholarship

The Nicho Becerra Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 to honor a son, brother, and best friend, Nichodemous Ramon Becerra, who graced this earth for 29 years. Nicho graduated from Bellmont High School in 2008 and went on to proudly serve in the United States Air Force. After his military career, his curiosity of medicine and love of helping people brought him into the healthcare industry as a medical technician at Parkview Hospital. He always surrounded himself by his family and a great group of friends that he held as close as family and who continue to remember him by his humor, eclectic taste in music, and love of craft beers. Through this scholarship, Nicho's love of education, knowledge, and helping those in need will continue in Northeast Indiana.

Scholarship No. 2: Tony Beam Memorial Scholarship

The Tony Beam Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 to provide scholarships for veterans or the family members of veterans in Allen County. This scholarship was created in memory of Tony Beam who served in the United States Army Reserves and as a Human Intelligence Collector/Specialist in the War in Afghanistan. Tony loved spontaneous travel and being outdoors. He was a talented mechanic who enjoyed working on his boat and cars. He was a caring and compassionate friend, son, and brother who knew how to make those around him feel loved.

Qualifications for both scholarships:

• Must be an active duty service member, veteran, spouse of a veteran or active duty service member, or legal dependent of a veteran or active service member, honorably discharged or medically discharged.
• Must be based in Northeast Indiana, from Northeast Indiana, or residing in Northeast Indiana and attending an accredited college, university, or trade/vocational/technical school.
• New scholarship opportunities will become live on Jan. 1 and close April 15. Visit the scholarship portal at cfgfw.org to apply.

For more information, contact Lisa Pickerman at lpickerman@cfgfw.org or (260) 969-3304.

Veterans History Project

Rep. Jim Banks is seeking veterans from Northeast Indiana who are willing to share their stories so that future generations can learn and better appreciate their sacrifice for the protection of our country. The Veterans History Project provides an opportunity for veterans to have their stories preserved for future generations through the Library of Congress.

Banks’ team will work with the veteran to prepare for the interview and make sure they have all the material they need before setting up to record their story. The story of their service to our country will be recorded and accessible through the Library of Congress for posterity. To sign up for or learn more about the Veterans History Project, visit www.loc.gov/vets

NIBCC sponsors PBS Series

This NIBCC recently sponsored the PBS series “American Veteran, ” a four-part documentary series tracing the veteran experience across the arc of American history and exploring the present-day divide between civilian and veteran communities. From the citizen-soldiers returning from the Revolution to today’s warrior class, it is a deeply moving story, illuminating the veteran experience and drawing civilian viewers into an unfamiliar culture. Episodes aired Oct. 26 thru Nov. 16.

To learn more, visit www.pbs.org/wgbh/american-veteran/ DVDs are available for purchase, or the show can be streamed via Apple TV or Amazon.

ATTN: Veteran Business Owners

The Small Business Entrepreneurship Outreach Program at Digital.com has recently published a guide specifically for U.S. Veterans who are in the process of starting or currently own a small business.

Recent data points to 1 out of 20 business owners being veterans, which speaks to the fact that their unique experience and perspective  gives them the ideal skill set needed to successfully take on the challenges of entrepreneurship. Veterans are often able to demonstrate an inspiring style of leadership that is characterized by selflessness, balanced with the discipline to strive for continued growth and progress, and perfectly equipped to remain effective when facing the greatest of setbacks. Most of all, though every entrepreneur will have a different journey, sacrifice will undoubtedly be a part of the success story.

“How to Start a Small Business: A Veteran’s SMB Guide” lists tools and resources such as grants, loans and training materials for veteran entrepreneurs in 2021. To learn more, go to https://digital.com/veterans-business.

R4TW raises over $70,000 for Military Support Fund

More than 400 people, some with their canine companions and children, completed the 7th Annual Race For The Warrior on July 24, 2021 at the Fort Wayne International Airport.

Aaron Hendryx of Huntington took first place in the 5k race with a time of 16:12.9. The first woman to cross the finish line in the 5k was Hidi Gaff of Fort Wayne at a time of 18:55.4. In the adaptive division, Calahan Young of Tucson, Arizona came in at 59:07.1. The first woman in the adaptive division was Amanda Dennis, also of Tucson, coming in at 1:00:52.8. A total of 340 people completed the 5k race.

In the 10k race, winners were Fg Garcia of Goshen with 36:25.0, and the first woman was close behind at 40:55.4. Eighty runners finished the 10K race.

Thanks to our friends at To The Finish LLC for providing the chip timing.

Virtual runners have until Aug. 1, to turn in their times.

R4TW special events chair Nicole Keesling officiated as master of ceremonies for the 2021 event. Her mother, Fort Wayne City Clerk Lana Keesling and New Haven Mayor Steve McMichael served as grand marshals. Amanda Ramone sang the national anthem, and NIBCC president Carl Huber led the crowd in the pledge of allegiance. The presentation and retiring of colors were done by the Fort Wayne Police Department Color Guard and Pipe and Drum Brigade. Rev. Anthony Payton of Come as You Are Community Church offered an opening prayer, and Freedom Riders of Indiana Chapter 1 served as the pace setters.

Race for the Warrior is the main fundraiser of the year for the Northeast Indiana Base Community Council. Proceeds benefit the group’s Military Support Fund, which awards microgrants to local military service members in crisis. Funds go toward basic living expenses, medical/dental expenses, essential home/auto repair expenses, employment income gaps and other essential needs.

The race takes place every year on the runway of the Fort Wayne International Airport, which was originally a World War II military base named Baer Field. During the war, more than 100,000 military personnel served at the airport.

Known as a “party with the race in the middle,” participants can enjoy free food, DJ music, pre- and post-race stretching, a bounce house for the kids, military static displays (including a new virtual reality military experience) and other fun activities. The race is also a dog-friendly and family-friendly event. Runners aged 21 and over also receive one free beer as part of their registration

This year, we were honored to have in the audience World War II veteran Mark Weber, wearing bib number 291.

Race for the Warrior is an official Fort Wayne Running Club Point Series Race.

Please be sure to use the hashtag #r4tw2021 when posting to social media.

Thanks to everyone who made the race such a success, more than $70,000 was raised during the event.

More information is available at raceforthewarrior.org.

To join the Northeast Indiana Base Community Council, visit nibcc.org and follow us on social media.

Race for the Warrior News June 9, 2021

We are 45 days away from the 7th Annual Race for the Warrior, and we still have plenty of openings for racers, volunteers and sponsors, so please join us! Or even just come for lunch and hang out with us! R4TW is a party with a race in the middle of it.

The Race Itself

Race for the Warrior is a 5K/10K walk/run/roll that takes place on the runway of the Fort Wayne International Airport every year. The 7th Annual Race For The Warrior will be held Saturday, July 24. Registration begins at 7:30 am, with the race starting at 9 am.

Race For The Warrior (10k) is a Fort Wayne Running Club Point Series Race.

Can't join us on July 24? You can still support our service members by signing up for the virtual 5K or 10K race. A virtual run is done on your own time and pace with the ability to submit your results online after completion. This event will have its own award category, M/F overall and 1st place for each age group will be awarded. Sign up by July 17 and the race day t-shirt will be mailed to you. Please submit your time no later than July 26.

Proceeds benefit the Military Support Fund, a microgrant program benefiting local military service members in crisis.

PLACE

Fort Wayne International Airport

6255 International Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46809

Race and events area are on the southwest side of the airport. Enter the EVENTS area off International Boulevard just off Coverdale Road.

For Racers

All races include Lunch with the Warriors. There is no need to sign up for that event separately.

We also have Competitive Spirt Teams and Military Challenge Teams! Get your group together and make this a fun, healthy, team-building opportunity for your workplace, friends or unit.

Your registration packet also includes:

• R4TW T-Shirt
• Water
• 1 Beer (for registrants +21 years. Additional beer can be purchased)

Racers can pick up their packets 4-7pm, Friday July 23 at Fleet Feet, 5661 Coventry Lane, Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Same Day registration begins at 7:30 am on Saturday, July 24 on the site.

The After Party

After your event, stay on site to enjoy the festivities:

• Amazing food & beer (race registration includes lunch and 1 beer). Additional beverages can be purchased
• Take a selfie by the A-10 courtesy of the 122nd Fighter Wing
• Get inside an Army Tactical Vehicle and learn about weapons systems courtesy of the 1-293rd IN Battalion
• Dance with Dancing Brent
• Enjoy pre and post-race stretching and physical therapy tips courtesy of Pro Tailored Physical Therapy, LLC

To sign up for the race, go to raceforthewarrior.org.

Become A 2021 Sponsor

We are immensely grateful to the sponsors of this year’s Race For The Warrior. If you’d like to join this list of amazing supporters, contact Jim Garigen at raceforthewarrior@gmail.com or (260) 440-1779.

And many others at the Sustaining, Military, Patriot, In-kind, and Patron levels!

Volunteers Are Still Needed

We need help with setup, teardown, swag bag creation, packet pickup, runner registration, volunteer registration, parking attendant, hospitality, race course attendants, time runners, water table attendants, social media promoter, greeters, and runner registration finance.

To volunteer, click HERE.

Other Ways To Support Us

• Like and Share our social media pages and posts.
• Use the hashtag #R4TW2021
• Donate to the NIBCC’s Military Support Fund
• Follow NIBCC on Facebook and LinkedIn

Thank You!

The board of directors of the Northeast Indiana Base Community Council as well as the planning committee for the Race for the Warrior would like to offer our thanks to everyone who has participated in, volunteered for, and/or sponsored Race for the Warrior over the past seven years. With your help, we have been able to raise several hundreds of thousands of dollars that go toward basic living expenses, solitary disasters, medical/dental expenses, essential home/auto repair expenses, employment income gaps or issues, and other essential needs of our local active-duty service members, reservists, and guardsmen living in or serving in Northeast Indiana.

The MSF is funded by donations and the NIBCC’s annual volunteer-led Race for the Warrior held in Fort Wayne. The intent is to support ready and resilient military members and military families. With your help, we can make it happen. 

The Northeast Indiana Base Community Council - Fort Wayne, Indiana is pleased to announce the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) has presented our Military Support Fund with a targeted award of $5,000 to support our effort in combatting food insecurity for Hoosier service members. This award is to serve the veterans, service members, their families, and their caregivers in our area with a maximum benefit of $200 to individual households. These funds may be used only for direct costs related to hunger and food insecurity. This BWF funding is made possible by Craig Newmark Philanthropies (CNP).

The NIBCC is proud to be a BWF local partner. Our thanks to the Bob Woodruff Foundation and Craig Newmark Philanthropies for this funding to help us combat food insecurity among service members, veterans, their families, and their caregivers.

For more information, visit bobwoodrufffoundation.org

A deep dive into veteran suicide

America's Warrior Partnership has started Operation Deep Dive, a program that interviews surviving family members, friends and coworkers of veterans who died by suicide or other non-natural causes (overdose, asphyxiation, accidental gunshot, drowning, suicide by law enforcement, or high-speed, single-driver accident) within the last 24 months. The goal is to examine how the deceased service member was engaged within the community and how the community can better support its service members in the future.

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be 18​ or older and a relative, loved one, friend, or co-worker to a deceased former service member who has died by suicide or from non-natural causes within the last 24 months
• Located within one of the states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas. ​​
• Participant and former service member must have lived in the same community (metropolitan statistical area) prior to the service member's death.
• Participant and former service member must have lived in the same community (metropolitan statistical area) prior to the service member's death.

To learn more, visit www.americaswarriorpartnership.org/deep-dive/interview-participants

7TH ANNUAL RACE FOR THE WARRIOR

Registration Now Open!

Looking to participate in your first 5k or 10K race? Love to walk with your furry friends? Are you a seasoned runner looking for a new challenge? Or, are you looking for a great cause to support? The Northeast Indiana Base Community Council has the event for you!

Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 9 a.m., the Northeast Indiana Base Community Council will host its 7th Annual Race for the Warrior 5k/10k runway race at the Fort Wayne International Airport. Here you can celebrate in patriotic style by running, walking, rucking down the same airstrips that used to service more than 100,000 military personnel during World War II.

Each participant will receive an official Race for the Warrior t-shirt, and a swag bag provided by our sponsors and community partners. Afterward, stick around for a great post-race party that includes music, food, bounce house, military static displays (including a new virtual reality military experience) and activities for all ages! Runners aged 21 and over will also receive one free beer as part of their registration.

Avid runners will be excited to know that our race is an official Fort Wayne Running Club Point Series Race!

Race packet pickup will be held Friday, July 23 from 4-7 p.m. at Fleet Feet and the day of the race at the registration area starting at 7:30 a.m.

The Race for the Warrior is a fundraiser that supports the Northeast Indiana Base Community Council’s Military Support Fund and other year-round programs for members of all branches of the U.S. armed forces, veterans and military families.

Interested participants can sign up and find additional race information at www.raceforthewarrior.org. 

Video race highlights from our 2020 race can be viewed by clicking here.

Thank you, Thom Tran!

Thanks so much to Thom Tran for speaking at our virtual luncheon yesterday. We had a great time learning about his experience in the military and the struggles he endured when he returned to civilian society. Thanks also to Carl Huber, NIBCC president, Tammy Kelly from our Military Service Fund committee, and Nicole Keesling, our event chair.

Secretary Needed!

Are you looking for an opportunity to serve the local military community? The Northeast Indiana Base Community Council is looking for a secretary to serve on its executive committee. The secretary’s duties include providing meeting minutes in a timely manner, as well as input and insight into NIBCC direction and goals. They also support other committees as needed. This is a volunteer position (we are a 100% volunteer organization), but it is an excellent opportunity to be part of America’s Most Engaged Military Community. Board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m. We also have other events throughout the year. Interested candidates can contact Jim Garigen at invisiblevetslimited@gmail.com. To learn more about the NIBCC, visit nibcc.org. Find us on Facebook and LinkedIn too.