Showing Proud Support for the 130th Airlift Wing
Showing Proud Support for the 130th Airlift Wing
by Governor Joe Manchin
During a regional hearing with the BRAC commission this week, I joined West Virginia's congressional delegation and Adjutant General Tackett to plead our case to keep the 130th Airlift Wing at Charleston's Yeager Airport and all of its assets in tact. I am confident that we stated our case proudly, passionately and truthfully.
West Virginia's Senior Sen. Robert C. Byrd's testimony at this week's BRAC Commission regional hearing in Charlotte, N.C., touched the hearts and souls of all who were present. He explained how the 130th is much more than the men and women who work there, but rather the 130th is husbands, wives and children - it is the entire community, region and state. Toward the end of his remarks, West Virginians in the audience stood spontaneously to show their support for the preservation of the 130th. It was quite moving and I must say that at that particular moment, I was extremely proud to be representing the Great State of West Virginia as its Governor.
If there was one thing that anyone in that hearing can take away from that evening, it was that our state was well represented. And, it is easy to state the facts when the facts speak for themselves.
As Governor and the state's Commander in Chief, it is my duty and authority to ensure the safety of all West Virginians. From a governor's perspective, the fact is that the Mountain State is prone to natural disasters; the 130th Airlift Wing is one of our most vital assets. Whether it is a blazing forest fire, devastating flood or a hazardous chemical leak, the citizens of West Virginia rely on the 130th Airlift Wing for their protection and for their rescue.
From an economic standpoint, according to the Center for Business and Economic Research at Marshall University, the realignment of the 130th Airlift Wing will remove 814 total jobs and $22 million in annual spending from our state's economy. While West Virginia has made significant strides in diversifying our economy and getting our financial house in order, this is still a loss we cannot afford to take.
Most importantly, from a national defense perspective, we now have more worries living in a post 9/11 world. With what is now a constant threat of terrorist attacks, West Virginia's industrial environment and location puts her residents and her neighbors at grave risk. In fact, Chief, National Guard Bureau, Lt. Gen. Stephen Blum has included West Virginia in all National Guard homeland defense planning, naming the Mountain State as the east coast site for a national homeland defense training center - due specifically to its proximity and support for the Washington, D.C. region.
While these facts are critical to preserving the 130th, above all else, we must remember West Virginia's consistent contributions to upholding our nation's military and our principles of democracy. As one of the most patriotic states, we have always answered our nation's call. Not once have we ever said no. I am confident that the facts are on the side of the 130th Airlift Wing, and it should be allowed to continue its mission. More importantly, I truly believe that not only are the facts on the side of the 130th, but the heart and soul of the American people are as well.
http://www.wvgov.org/FullColumn.cfm?id=251