Saving 136th Airlift Wing Vital to Texas and Entire Gulf Coast

March 7, 2012

Wednesday, March 07, 2012 • Austin, Texas • Noteworthy

" When Hurricane Katrina slammed into New Orleans in 2005, among the first

arriving in the aftermath were the C-130s of the 136th Airlift Wing, based

in Fort Worth, carrying National Guard and much-needed emergency supplies.

In subsequent gulf hurricanes, the 136th also helped evacuate hospital and

nursing room patients ahead of the storms.

Under a proposal currently being considered, this proven and capable unit

may no longer be available to respond to disasters in Texas and all along

the Gulf Coast.

The 136th might be moved to Montana as part of the USAF Force Structure

Changes plan, currently under review.

If the planes leave Texas, they won't be available for activation in the

face of hurricane, flood or wildfire, here in Texas or in any state

throughout the region.

Gov. has initiated efforts with fellow Gulf Coast governors to

protest the idea of shifting these much-needed assets. These governors know

the value of the 136th. Since 2005, the Texas Air Guard C-130s have flown

423 missions responding to storms in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

They've carried 3,143 passengers and delivered 939 tons of emergency

supplies. Gov. and the Gulf Coast governors have written President

Obama to urge him to reconsider this move and leave the C-130s in the Texas

Air National Guard so they can continue to provide outstanding support to

our states and the nation.

If the 136th is in Montana, such help could take days to arrive, if at all.

In addition, the move is a money-waster during a time of tight budgets and

skyrocketing deficits. The move would require extensive additional

training, not to mention added construction and operational requirements.

We will continue to work with other governors and our Congressional

delegation in Washington to ensure President Obama does not make this

critical mistake. "

*Mark Sastre, EMS Director, FF/P

Port Arthur Fire Dept, Texas

*

*msastre@...*

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