Community Partners

Brig. Gen. William B. Binger, commander, 10th Air Force, was welcomed to Arizona's West Valley by the mayor of Surprise, Ariz., the honorable Sharon Wolcott and Col. Jose Monteagudo, commander, 944th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., March 19 at Surprise Stadium in Surprise. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Denis Willhite)

10th Air Force Commander throws first pitch in Surprise

Published March 21, 2012
By Tech. Sgt. Meredith Mingledorff
944th Fighter WIng Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Brig. Gen. William B. Binger, commander, 10th Air Force, threw out the first pitch during a Spring Training game Monday at Surprise Stadium in Arizona. The commander, visiting from Headquarters in Ft. Worth, Texas, donned a Texas Rangers cap for the special event hosted by the City of Surprise.

"It is an honor to have our Air Force partners here with us," said Surprise Mayor Sharon Wolcott. "We are so proud of our military members stationed right here at Luke Air Force Base, and it is wonderful to be able to get out and share the great American past-time of baseball with our men and women in uniform."

General Binger admits he is fond of the West Valley and enjoys getting back to Arizona for flight training.

"I got to fly this morning and enjoy this game this afternoon, this is a good day," he said. "I owe a huge thanks to the City of Surprise for their kindness and hospitality. The 944th Fighter Wing is lucky to have such outstanding community support."

The 10th Air Force is Headquarters to more than 15 Wings and Groups for the U.S. Air Force Reserve, including the 944th Fighter Wing stationed at Luke AFB, Ariz. where they proudly provide combat ready Citizen Airmen.