NIMAC: 30 years since Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station faced closure

Guest Editorial by John A. Cooper Sr.

Niagara Military Affairs Council Chairman

This April marks 30 years since the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station first faced the threat of closure. In April 1995, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission placed the base under review, launching a months-long process that would determine its future.

That moment served as a wake-up call for Western New York. The community quickly realized that protecting the base was not just a military concern, but a shared responsibility. Rallying together, local leaders, businesses and residents successfully fought to keep it open.

From that experience, Niagara Military Affairs Council (NIMAC) was formed with a clear mission: to support the growth and prosperity of the base and its personnel, ensuring a positive economic impact on the region.

For three decades, NIMAC volunteers – experts in business, military and government – have worked to promote and protect the base, collaborating closely with leadership from the 914th Air Refueling Wing (Air Force Reserve) and the 107th Attack Wing (New York Air National Guard).

Today, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station remains the only federal Air Force base in New York state. Defending its future requires continued advocacy at the highest levels of government, strategic planning, and strong local partnerships.

Special thanks to our financial supporters, including the towns of Wheatfield, Niagara, Lewiston, Lockport and Cambria; the City of North Tonawanda; and Niagara and Erie counties. With ongoing support, we will ensure the base remains a vital part of our community for generations to come.

NIMAC is a nonprofit organization that works to support the growth and prosperity of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (NFARS) and its personnel, creating a positive economic impact on the Western New York community. Founded in 1996, NIMAC continues to support and promote capital investment by the federal government in the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station by increasing the NFARS visibility and calling attention to its attributes among key Department of Defense, congressional and military leaders.

BRAC headlines from 2005 editions of this newspaper.

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NIMAC is an apolitical and Hatch Act-compliant organization allowing free communication between NIMAC and military leadership. For more information, visit www.NIMAC.org.