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(Washington, D.C.) The Arkansas Delegation today met with BRAC
Commission Chairman Anthony Principi to discuss Pentagon recommendations
to close the Red River and Lone Star Army Depots and realign the 188th
Air National Guard Unit in Fort Smith. Delegation members stressed the
critical missions each installation conducts.
Principi told Delegation members that BRAC decisions would be made
on the military value of each base and pledged that his commission would
thoroughly consider and review all testimony and documentation Delegation
members presented on behalf of Arkansas military bases.
“I thank Chairman Principi for taking the time to meet with us today.
It was a good first meeting and we intend to follow up with other BRAC
Commissioners. Chairman Principi said something today that was very important.
He wants these BRAC recommendations to be made on the military value of
each base and I think we have a strong case when it comes to Fort Smith
and Texarkana. As we speak, F-16’s from the 188th are proving their military
worth by being deployed to Middle East. The Red River and Lone Star Army
Depots provide support and maintenance for some of our most critical weapons
systems and vehicles including the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and Multiple
Launch Rocket System, both of which have been key to our efforts in Afghanistan
and Iraq,” Pryor said. “We will continue to scrutinize the DOD’s recommendation
and work to make sure the BRAC Commission understands the important role
Arkansas’s military installations play in our overall defense strategy.”
"Holding a meeting with the Chairman of BRAC immediately following
the publication of his commission’s report is indicative of our Delegation’s
commitment to fighting for our facilities," Lincoln said. "While today
was merely the first step in the process, we have conveyed our unified
voice and have indicated to the BRAC Commission that their recommendations
would have severe impacts in Arkansas. Over the next several weeks, I look
forward to providing evidence and documentation to the BRAC Commission
of the invaluable contributions Red River, Lone Star and the 188th Fighter
Wing are currently making to our national defense."
"I am very grateful for Chairman Principi's time and attention.
The meeting was positive and gave us the opportunity to promote the value
of the 188th's current mission to the top official on the BRAC Commission.
We outlined the investments that have been made in the 188th and explained
how they have always scored well on their tests, have an excellent relationship
with the community and how the airmen of the 188th are currently playing
an instrumental role in the mission in Iraq. The Senators and I will
continue to promote these qualities to Chairman Principi and hope to bring
him to Fort Smith to see this firsthand in the very near future," said
Boozman.
"Today's Arkansas Congressional Delegation Meeting with Base Realignment
and Closure (BRAC) Commission Chairman Principi was one of many steps and
actions I will be involved with in the BRAC process. I appreciate Chairman
Principi agreeing to meet with us on such short notice. Red River
Army Depot and the Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant are important military
facilities in keeping our soldiers safe during wartime and providing them
with the equipment they need to do their job. The value of the work
done at the Red River Army Depot and the Lone Star Army Ammunition plant
is clear as the work involves making and repairing items that keep our
troops safe, such as armor-plated doors for Humvees. I will not let
these bases be closed without a fight and will continue to work with local
community leaders in Texarkana, the Arkansas and Texas Congressional Delegations,
and BRAC Commissioners as the process continues to unfold." Ross said. |
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