FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2001
CONTACT: Lisette McSoud Mondello
SENATOR KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON GIVES
REMARKS AT KELLY CLOSING
SAN ANTONIO, TX -- On a day when thousands of Kelly workers past and present reflected on the closing of Kelly Air Force Base, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison recalled her own feelings when she heard the news six years ago that the Base Realignment and Closure had put Kelly on its fold list.
"The day of the BRAC decision was probably the worst day of my Senate career," she told the audience gathered for the closing ceremony. "My first action was to put together a call to Mayor Bill Thornton, Paul Roberson and others. I said, ‘We've been handed a lemon – let's make lemonade.' We all rolled up our sleeves and the Texas can-do spirit kicked in."
Senator Hutchison said when Kelly first opened its doors, it was the start of our nation's goal to have a full-time military aviation program – which became today's modern Air Force. As its new doors open, Kelly USA becomes the foundation of San Antonio's dream for maintaining a vibrant and diverse economy.
Senator Hutchison praised the military and the leaders of San Antonio for making the dream to convert Kelly to a thriving commercial aviation center a reality.
"Kelly does not die today, it renews its place in San Antonio. We salute the spirit of Kelly – Kelly Forever," she said.
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