FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 26, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, (573) 751-0290
Statement from Gov. Matt Blunt on BRAC Recommendation to Close 131st
"It is incomprehensible to me that the recommendation to close the 131st Air National Guard Fighter Wing was adopted by the BRAC Commission. Compelling arguments were made regarding the fact that Missouri and the entire Midwest would be jeopardized from a Homeland Security perspective if the 131st were shut down.
"This action is unacceptable, and I have asked the Attorney General to file a lawsuit against the Secretary of Defense and BRAC Commission. It has become clear since the list was published that the Air Force abused the BRAC process by discriminating against Air National Guard Units and by making programmatic aircraft location changes not within the scope of the BRAC law. The recommended closure of a majority of Air National Guard facilities throughout the country demonstrates the strained relationship between the Air Force and the Air Guard. The underlying disagreements need to be addressed before the Air Force is allowed to unilaterally, without consultation, close most Air Guard facilities. Additionally, neither I nor my Adjutant General was consulted before the 131st was included on the BRAC list, which makes the realignment of the 131st illegal.
"Compelling arguments were made to the BRAC Commission at the June 20th regional hearing in St. Louis, and they have been reiterated in letters and personal phone calls to commissioners - unfortunately the commission has ignored our concerns.
"I am also urging Missouri's Congressional Delegation to vote against BRAC. I have sent each member of the delegation a letter stating my opinion that the closure or realignment of the 131st, HRC and DFAS all constitute substantial deviations from BRAC criteria and are cause for disapproval. I hope that they will join me in supporting these facilities and Missouri's military women and men.
"This is a difficult time for thousands of hard-working Missourians and I want them to know I will do everything in my power to assist them in as many ways as I can."
Click here to view Gov. Blunt’s letter to Attorney General Jay Nixon
Gov. Blunt’s letter to Sen. Kit Bond is attached as an example of the letter sent to all members of Missouri’s Congressional Delegation.
Click here to view Gov. Blunt's letter to Sen. Kit Bond
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