Rep. Boozman, AR Senators Testify About the Importance of the 188th at BRAC Hearing

Rep. Boozman, AR Senators Testify About the Importance of the 188th at BRAC Hearing

Washington, Jul 11 - U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Mark Pryor (D-AR) agreed today's hearing before the BRAC Commission in San Antonio helped stress the critical role the 188th plays in our national security efforts.

The Members of the congressional delegation who testified on behalf of the Fort Smith Air National Guard said losing multiple F-16 fighter jets and hundreds of military and civilian personnel in Fort Smith would hamper military efforts, and they urged the Commission members to consider the installation's exceptional training functions and facilities as they pertains to meeting future operations. They also asked the Commission to reconsider its assessments about the unique and vital responsibilities carried out by the Red River Army Depot.

On Sunday, Pryor joined BRAC Chairman Principi on a tour of the Red River Army Depot. Following today's hearing, Pryor and Boozman hosted Principi at the Fort Smith Air National Guard to continue making their case.

"I was pleased with the reception we received in San Antonio and grateful for the time of the commissioners, especially that of Chairman Principi who made the trip to Fort Smith to tour the 188th's facilities. I think we made a strong case in San Antonio and I am sure the visit to Fort Smith left an impression on Chairman Principi. However, the fight is far from over and I will continue to work with our senators, the community of Fort Smith and the 188th to save the unit from relocation," said Boozman.

"I thought the Commissioners were attentive and receptive to our case, but our work in reversing the BRAC recommendations doesn't end today. I will continue to drive home the critical roles both the 188th and Texarkana facilities are playing in Iraq and Afghanistan and in our future missions."

"I believe the BRAC Commissioners heard us loud and clear this morning, but we're not going to let up," Lincoln said. "While this was only one step in the overall process, it was the first opportunity we had to reach out to the majority of the BRAC Commissioners and deliver a unified message that the military instillations in Texarkana and Fort Smith currently play a critical role in our nation's defense."

http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=30433