TOPEKA, KAN.— On Thursday, the Association of Defense Communities, in collaboration with the Kansas Governor’s Military Council, presented Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) with the 2014 Congressional Leadership Award. This award, which was given to only three Members in the House of Representatives,  recognizes her commitment to supporting defense communities in Kansas, and across the country. Congresswoman Jenkins issued the following statement in response:

“Over three years ago, I founded the Defense Communities Caucus with my colleague Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA) to ensure our nation’s defense communities have a bipartisan voice in Congress. Since its founding, I have worked hard to see that my colleagues and I stay well-informed on the needs of these vital communities, as they assist America’s troops and are home to their loved ones.  There is no question that the way military installations are managed is changing as we work towards more collaboration between the public and private sectors to find budget efficiencies.

“I am honored to receive this award today, and pleased that our efforts within the Defense Caucus and with the Kansas Governors Military Council have helped improve the level of support and the delivery of resources for soldiers and their families. As more of our soldiers return home, I look forward to continuing our outreach and advocacy on behalf of these communities.”

Items to note:

• Congresswoman Jenkins represents Fort Leavenworth, host to the Army Command and General Staff College, Forbes Field, and over 11,500 National Guard and Reserve members.

• Congresswoman Jenkins is a co-founder and co-chair of the Defense Communities Caucus in the House of Representatives.

•  Congresswoman Jenkins has worked extensively to transition the former Kansas Army Ammunition Plant in Parsons, Kansas, into a usable, industrial development that will benefit the Parsons community, the Southeast Kansas region, and the state of Kansas.

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