U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) issued the following statement today, concerning the relocation of the Beckley Battalion Headquarters to Richmond, Virginia:

"It has come to my attention that ongoing discussions surrounding the relocation of the Beckley USARB continue. As I said back in August, when I first called on the Secretary of the Army to keep the recruiting center in Raleigh County, I strongly oppose any plans to relocate the Beckley Battalion Headquarters. While I was assured in September that there were no plans underway to move the battalion, I have again contacted the Department of the Army headquarters in Washington expressing my position on behalf of the many that will be adversely affected by such a move. I look forward to their timely response.

"This center, which employs 21 civilians and 10 military personnel, has been a part of the Beckley community for 37 years and continues to recruit, with integrity, qualified soldiers to serve in the Army and Army Reserve. As the saying goes, if it ain't broke don't fix it. This center should stay where it is and I am going to do everything I can to ensure that it stays here."