OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Durbin Statement Regarding Peoria Air National Guard Base

Date: May 13, 2005
Location: Peoria, IL
Issues: Military Personnel


DURBIN STATEMENT REGARDING PEORIA AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement regarding the Department of Defense's decision not to target the Air National Guard Base in Peoria for closure:

"Today's announcement is great news for Peoria. Not only did we retain this important facility but Peoria will gain four modern C-130 aircraft and 34 new jobs."

"For nearly half a century, Air National Guard aircraft have been flying out of Peoria. The men and women of the 182nd Airlift Wing are an essential part of America's military strength. They have delivered troops and material all over the world and participated in critical humanitarian relief efforts. Our C-130 aircraft out of Peoria were among the first to land in Baghdad in the early days of the war in Iraq, delivering needed supplies to our soldiers on the ground."

"Closing the base in Peoria would have been disruptive to the mission of the unit and a blow to the community and our state. I am pleased that the Defense Department did not include Peoria on its list of proposed base closures, and will continue to support the men and women who serve here."

http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=237597&&

arrow_upward