Fort Polk Is Important to America's National Defense

Fort Polk Is Important To America's National Defense

On Saturday I was proud to attend the "Louisiana Home Front Celebration" in Leesville, a parade honoring America's servicemembers and their families living here in Louisiana. The event reminded everyone about the importance of fully supporting our troops who risk their lives to protect ours.

Leesville is my wife Payton's hometown and I've spent a great deal of time there. That's why I understand the economic benefits that Fort Polk brings to this area of the state.

Fort Polk is home to one of the U.S. Army's premier training sites and the high-tech Joint Readiness Training Center. The brave men and women there are serving with skill in the war on terror. Since our nation was attacked on September 11th, 2001, this post has trained and deployed more than 10,000 troops to fight the terrorist enemy.

The Fort Polk community, which includes Leesville and DeRidder, is also home to thousands of veterans and retired military. Our veterans defended our nation and served the cause of freedom with their faithful service to America - and I believe we should treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve.

As Congressman from the 7th District, I fought for the military construction bill which was approved last month by the House of Representatives-which has significant dollars earmarked for projects at Fort Polk.

There's no question of Louisiana's unique history in defending America, our military communities like DeRidder and Leesville need a U.S. Senator who will defend Fort Polk's future when the next Base Realignment and Closure round occurs in 2005 and beyond.

A strong America depends first and foremost on having a top-notch national defense - and that means a strong military comprised of the world's best soldiers. I am excited about the future of Fort Polk, and will continue to fight to ensure this post remains vital to the defense of America.