Testimony of U.S. Representative Allyson Y. Schwartz Before the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission in Support of the Willow Grove ....
Testimony of U.S. Representative Allyson Y. Schwartz Before the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission in Support of the Willow Grove Joint Reserve Base
Thursday July 07, 2005
Washington, D.C. - Earlier this morning, U.S. Representative Allyson Y. Schwartz joined Governor Rendell, Senators Specter and Santorum, and fellow members of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation to testify before the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission in support of the Willow Grove Joint Reserve Base.
A copy of Representative Schwartz's testimony before the commission follows.
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, and I represent Willow Grove Joint Reserve Base. Let me say first: I appreciate the scope and importance of the task before the Commission."
"I strongly support the goal of streamlining and modernizing our military as a part of the larger mission of ensuring our nation's defense. I believe this goal will best be met if Willow Grove is part of the future force."
"Before turning to the panel, I want to emphasize one particular point: the closing of Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove will directly impact our nation's ability to retain some of the most experienced, men and women in uniform."
"Those who serve at Willow Grove are accustomed to joint service cooperation, training and warfighting. They work together on a daily basis. They are thoroughly prepared and committed to enhancing and expanding their joint operations - a key aspect of the DOD's modernization strategy."
"Reservists are dedicated to the task of protecting our nation. The Reserve Components make up, on average, 50% of our troops currently serving overseas."
"75% of the personnel of the 111th Fighter Wing have been deployed in combat since September 11, 2001. The 111th has 32 combat ready pilots. It costs $2 million and 2 ½ years to train each of these combat ready pilots."
"The closure of Willow Grove will require DOD to expend a great deal of time, money, and effort to recruit and train replacements for these experienced and dedicated men and women."
"I urge the Commission to consider the consequences of closing a base that has such a dynamic Reserve and Guard community, and in a region that would otherwise be without an installation to support these volunteers, and ensure their availability in a time of war or homeland emergency."
"As we modernize our force structure to best protect and defend our nation against both old and new threats, the Commission should consider the contribution that this joint reserve base has already made - and the leadership it can provide for the future."
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