Region Rallies Saturday to Save the 911th

Press Release

Tomorrow, Congressman Tim Murphy will be joining the hundreds of local Air Force reservists, community leaders and supporters at a Rally to Save the 911th Airlift Wing and the 171st Air National Guard.

The Air Force has proposed eliminating 5,100 Air Guard and 900 reservists positions. These cuts would result in the closure of the 911th and the transfer of four refueling tankers from the 171st Pennsylvania Air Guard. However, defense experts, former military officials, and state governors have said the Air Force's plan to cut spending comes disproportionately at the expense of the Guard and Reserve, which are six times more cost-effective than the active duty component. Cuts to the Guard fleet would also hobble emergency response efforts for individual states.

On Friday, Murphy joined a bipartisan coalition of congressmen in sending a letter to the House Armed Services Committee Chairman, urging him to take up legislation to block the Air Force restructuring plan.

The letter says the planned cuts would not produce the greatest return for the Air Force, and would in fact hamper the military's ability to quickly mobilize and respond to emerging international threats.

As stated in the letter, "the Air Force's most recent proposal is not the solution for the ANG and RC; it does not fully consider each bases proven success with their respective aircraft and personnel as a "lethal fighting force.'"

Murphy has worked to educate Air Force officials about how the 911th is one of the most cost-effective installations because of its low overhead and stellar recruitment numbers.

At the rally tomorrow, Murphy will discuss the National Defense Authorization Act, which is the nation's annual defense planning bill. The bill is expected to be released on Monday, and Murphy will be reviewing it to understand its potential impact on the region's military capabilities.

Also in attendance will be Sean Parnell, the bestselling author of "Outlaw Platoon," which chronicles the true story and heroism of the U.S. Army's legendary 10th Mountain Division during their stand in the mountains of Afghanistan.

Local families and veterans are invited to attend the 4:30PM rally, which will be held at 700 Airside Drive in Moon Township near the Pittsburgh International Airport.

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