Residents of Burlington VT have spent several years doggedly battling the Air Force’s plans to bring F-35s to their airport.  The F-35s ultimately prevailed; still, we can learn much from the residents’ work. 

Steve Kozachik has arranged for a Zoom showing of a short documentary that depicts the residents’ struggle against the Air Force.  Following the 15-minute documentary, one of the dedicated Burlington residents will make some comments then will answer questions from us. 

The presentation will begin at 6:00 PM (Tucson time) on Thursday, May 27.   

Here’s a full description of the event, along with a link to the Zoom meeting, from Steve: 

Last week the DOD announced there are now more F35s in the U.S. fleet than any other type of aircraft, with the exception of the F16. Last year it was announced that Tucson – Davis Monthan – was not selected in the most recent round of discussions as to where to base a squadron of F35s. As more roll out, DM might return to the list.  

 This is the logo used by a group of residents in Burlington, Vermont when they heard their local Air Force base was targeted for a squadron of F35s. The planes were assigned, and what followed was litigation, demolition of a neighborhood near the base due to sound impacts, and ongoing issues for the residents.  

Some of the Burlington locals are involved with the independent film making industry. In an effort to gather public sentiment about the F35s, they put together an indie film in which they share scenery from the Burlington area, and overlay it with voice mail messages from residents. On Thursday, May 27th I’ll have the film makers and one of the steering committee members from Save Our Skies VT on a Zoom presentation. We’ll open with the film (about 15 minutes) followed by comments from the Vermont team. Then we’ll open it up to your questions.  

The event will begin at 6pm, and we’ll end at 7:30. That’s 10:30 back in Vermont, so we’re going to respect their time and keep to the schedule. I know the possible deployment of the F35 has been a controversial topic in Tucson, so I felt it’d be instructive to hear from people who are directly involved. I’ve previewed the film – you’ll hear ‘both sides’ in the calls.  

Here’s the Zoom link for the event. Please share it. I’m looking forward to hearing from our east coast neighbors.  

Topic: F35 Jet Line Event  

Time: May 27, 2021 06:00 PM Arizona  

Join Zoom Meeting  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88135156239?pwd=OUNWSmx1YVhITzhGR1Y0NkVXYVhvdz09