By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Area military installations and personnel will benefit from the Defense Bill approved by Congress and signed into law by the president.
Northern Missouri Congressman, Sam Graves, says $200 million has been authorized for two more C-130J cargo planes for the Air National Guard. Graves hopes they will be assigned to the 139th Airlift Wing at Rosecrans Memorial Airport, but admits to frustration that the 139th’s fleet hasn’t been upgraded already.
“Frustration, yes,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I’m frustrated because we didn’t make it in the last tranche that came out and so, working real hard to make sure it happens in this tranche that’s going to come out next. It’s a matter of time and it’s frustrating, because we really need those particularly with the training school that’s there.”
The 139th now operates with the outdated C-130H model cargo planes. Rosecrans Memorial Airport has undergone significant upgrades in an effort to land the new C-130J model planes.
Graves says money has been allocated for a C-130J simulator at Rosecrans.
“There are only two places in the country that can handle a J model simulator; Rosecrans being one of those,” Graves says. “I also highlighted the Advanced Airlift Tactics (Training) Center and on top of that there’s money in there too for training for advanced airlift tactics for domestic work, for responding to disasters and that sort of thing.”
The Defense Bill contains a provision that requires the Air Force to maintain the Air National Guard C-130 aircraft.
Nearly $700 million has been allocated for small arms ammunition production at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Liberty. Another $1 billion has been set aside for upgrades to the factory.
Money also has been allocated for Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster as well as Ft. Leonard Wood.
Kansas benefits as well.
Eastern Kansas Congressman, Derek Schmidt, says personnel stationed at Ft. Leavenworth will see benefits from the bill.
“But the people who are serving at (Ft.) Leavenworth now will benefit, for example, the 3.8% pay raise for military personnel that was included in the bill, will benefit from some additional support for child care for our military personnel,” Schmidt points out.
A provision in the bill allows the Irwin Army Community Hospital at Ft. Riley to treat veterans as well as active military personnel.
“Over time, we think it will allow veterans who are in the area who wish to, it would be their choice, but who wish to seek medical services on post at Irwin Army Community Hospital, would ultimately be able to do so,” Schmidt says. “That would enable Irwin to make sure that it stays strong and fully supportive within the health care system, maybe add some specialty services.”
The legislation includes a directive to keep the National Simulation Center at Ft. Leavenworth.
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