A variety of officials are commenting following news Thursday of 615 troops cut at Fort Riley.
U-S Senator Jerry Moran of Manhattan (who will also be on Friday’s “In Focus”)
Governor’s Military Council Executive Director John Armbrust of Manhattan:
Manhattan City Manager Ron Fehr:
Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce President Lyle Butler
Riley County Commissioner Robert Boyd
U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), a former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the most senior Marine in the U.S. Congress, Thursday released the following statement on the U.S. Army’s announcement to reduce troop numbers and force positioning at Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth:
“The communities surrounding Ft. Riley and Ft. Leavenworth can be very proud. They helped convince the Army to retain such strong numbers when major cuts are being made across the country. Kansans have once again shown they provide our military with the best support anywhere in this nation. Compared overall, Kansas cuts amount to less than two percent of the overall national reduction, reflecting the valuable role both forts serve for the Army and national security. The grassroots efforts we have seen have in both communities were key to preventing more drastic cuts.”
“I am proud of the men and women who serve at all of our military installations, and I’m even prouder of how Kansas has embraced the armed forces and their place in our communities.”
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Congressman Tim Huelskamp released this statement:
“In February, I was proud to stand with the thousands of Kansans who also demonstrated the support of the community for Fort Riley. While I am disappointed the Fort had to see any personnel reductions, the limited reductions of today’s announcement proves what we already knew to be true — Fort Riley is a critical, unique and strategic asset to the Army.”