To say that one man saved Luke Air Force Base may be an exaggeration.
But that’s exactly what some say Rusty Mitchell was able to do.
Over 17 years, through land disputes, noise complaints and hard economic times, Mitchell, the director of Luke’s Community Initiatives Team, helped keep community support for the base strong in the West Valley and across Arizona.
He retired on Friday, bringing an end to his 40-year career in the U.S. Air Force.
Christopher Toale, the team’s deputy director, will take Mitchell’s place on Aug. 1.
Luke’s Community Initiatives Team sees transition
Mitchell led the Community Initiatives Team since its inception in 2003.
Air Force and local leaders say he was instrumental in preventing development ...
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