Economic Impact
Arizona is considered a strong military state and home to nine major military installations. Statewide, military installations contribute $11.46 billion dollars into the economy and provide more than 76,700 jobs. Among the unique strategic assets in our region are the Barry M. Goldwater Range and the restricted air space around Libby Field in Sierra Vista – unique strategic assets in our region.
Locally, the military and defense assets of Southern Arizona are a powerful economic engine. Southeastern Arizona ranks No. 7 in U.S. military spending in the nation, and Southern Arizona’s military installations provide thousands of jobs and billions of dollars into our economy every year.
According to Dennis L. Hoffman, Professor of Economics, W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, the Department of Defense is the lifeblood of Southern Arizona’s economic engine and declared the regions military assets as “the state’s largest and most important employer.”
Below is a breakdown of Southern Arizona’s contributions:
Take Action
These assets and with them the vitality of our economy are threatened by federal budget cuts, base closures and uncertain futures.
Your voice matters. The Southern Arizona Defense Alliance is looking for your help in reaching our representatives. Check here for updated letter campaigns that offer the opportunity to take action in the community.
SADA’s goal is to rally the community across our region to send a loud and clear message to Washington that this community is fully behind all its military assets and supports any future missions the Department of Defense deems best suited for all Southern Arizona military installations.
Updates
Honoring A True Hero
From Left: Shay D. Stautz, SADA Board, Robert Medler, President Air Guardians, Amber Smith, SADA President, US SASC Chairman Sen. John S. McCain, Linda Morales, DM50 Board, Ken Rosevear, Yuma 50 Board, Tom Finnegan, Huachuca 50 and co-chair, AZ Military Affairs Commission
It is with heavy hearts that members of the Southern Arizona Defense Alliance grieve the loss of Sen. John McCain, a great American, statesman and Arizonan. The Senator cared deeply about the value of the military to the defense of this country and to the home state he so loved. In fact, we have him to thank for the idea of creating SADA. Among his many other contributions, starting with his service in Viet Nam, was all he did as chairman of the Armed Services Committee. Southern Arizona owes him a great debt for his work to stop retirement of the A-10 Warthog based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and to increase production of the Tomahawk missile by Raytheon. We offer deep condolences to his family and many friends. And we salute him as a one-of-a-kind warrior and patriot.
Arizona lawmakers make another pitch to save National Guard Apaches
Source: Arizona Daily Star
Members of Arizona’s congressional delegation are making an eleventh-hour appeal to suspend a decision to cut the number of Apache attack helicopter battalions in the Army National Guard and disband a unit based in Marana.
Study Shows Mega Economic Impact of Military
Source: Tucson News Now
The military has a multi-billion dollar impact on the economy in southern Arizona, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is the third-largest employer in Tucson, just behind the University of Arizona and Raytheon.
YPG: Army shaped Yuma’s history
Source: Yuma Sun
Some reminisce fondly about the history courses they attended in school, remembering the tales of adventure, hard work and courage.