For Release: Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Contact: Mary Shalapin: 618-233-8026
BELLEVILLE – U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today participated in a groundbreaking ceremony at the 375th Air Mobility Wing’s new $7.4 million Aeromedical Evacuation Building at Scott Air Force Base. Costello worked to secure the funding for this new facility in the FY 2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill.
The aeromedical squadron is responsible for transporting sick and injured troops – primarily from Germany, Iraq and Afghanistan – often in an emergency. The new building will include spaces for new offices, training, and equipment storage. It is estimated that this facility will reduce mission preparation time by 5,000 hours per year. Scott Air Force Base is a critical part of the U.S. aeromedical evacuation system, in which Scott serves as a hub to transport patients to Andrews and Travis Air Force Bases.
“The hard-working men and women of Scott provide critical services to our troops, and their efforts deserve the support of first-class facilities such as the new Aeromedical Evacuation Building,” said Costello. “I will continue to do everything I can to assist the base, as its future is crucial to both our nation’s defense and our regional economy.”
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