Small town donates $5 million for joint ed center Published Oct. 29, 2008 LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark (AFNS) -- The City of Jacksonville's 31,000 residents in Arkansas will soon donate $5 million to help construct a new education center for Little Rock Air Force Base and the local community. The citizens of Jacksonville raised $5 million through a 2003 sales tax to help the Air Force build a joint education center for local citizens and Airmen stationed at the base. Air Force officials will fund the remaining $9.8 million cost of the facility. Construction of the $14.8 million Joint Education Center is a unique venture, between the City of Jacksonville and the Air Force to provide higher educational opportunities for military members, their families, and local citizens alike. The facility, which will be located outside the base's gates for easy access, will contain classrooms and offices for several colleges offering classes in a wide variety of degree programs. Jacksonville Mayor Tommy Swaim, will present the city's $5 million donation to the Air Force Oct. 31 during the Little Rock AFB Community Council meeting. Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, the commander of Air Mobility Command, will accept the city's donation on behalf of the Air Force. "Jacksonville citizens have a long history of financial support to the base", Mayor Swaim said. The project serves to strengthen an already strong bond between the City of Jacksonville, its citizens, and Little Rock AFB. It's not the first time the city has given the Air Force a gift. In 1951, local citizens raised more than $1 million to purchase land to build Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville. "The citizens of Jacksonville helped start the base by raising $1 million to purchase the land, now they're handing us a $5 million check to build a joint education center. This level of community support is unprecedented," said Brig. Gen. Rowayne A. Schatz Jr., the 19th Airlift Wing commander. "The base is in need of a new educational facility for our Airmen and their families to further their education. Like always, our community partners are ready to support the men and women who defend our nation day in and day out." The center will offer a "world-class learning environment" while offering easier access for students and employees coming from off base, according to James McKinnie, the 19th Civil Engineering Squadron programs flight chief. "It's a win-win situation." Construction of the center is tentatively scheduled to finish in August or September of 2010. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page