BASF announced that Chip Foose, renowned automotive designer and partner with BASF for automotive finishes, visited United States military and their families at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa Bay, Fla. On the March 23 visit, Foose also spent time with several military men and women currently at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital recovering from injuries and wounds sustained during combat operations.
“Our troops’ actions allow Americans to have the freedoms and the lives that we have. I think it’s important for our men and women who serve and have served in uniform to know that the nation supports them, and that’s why I’m here,” said Foose, hot rod shop owner and former star of the reality TV series Overhaulin’ on TLC.
Key members of BASF Automotive Refinish Solutions team also joined Foose on the tour. The time was well-spent lifting spirits, bringing encouragement and thanking the men and women for their sacrifices.
MacDill Air Force Base (AFB) in Florida is home to the 6th Air Mobility Wing, and as an Air Mobility Command (AMC) base is capable of rapidly projecting air-refueling power anywhere in the world. MacDill is also home to the United States Central Command and United States Special Operations Command, along with 51 other tenant units. The presence of these two unified commands and other Mission Partners creates a unique multi-service community at MacDill, with all branches of service represented. Although MacDill is an Air Force Base, it is also home to many soldiers, sailors and Marines. MacDill AFB represents a major economic influence within the Tampa Bay community, with an economic impact of approximately $1.5 billion annually. MacDill serves populations in the hundreds of thousands, including: 12,000 joint service active duty, 7000 joint service civilians, 2,150 joint service reserves, 12,400 families and 133,032 retirees.