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A strong Fort Knox requires active, engaged representation in Congress

By RON LEACH
Democratic Candidate  for Congress

Ron-Leach-Portrait

RON LEACH

Editor’s note: This is a response toiIncumbent Congressman Guthrie’s column, “A strong Fort Knox equals a stronger Army”published last week.

Monday, Aug. 25, 2014 – “The recent developments worldwide are a reminder why our nation needs a strong national defense” was the opening line to Congressman Guthrie’s article in last week’s papers. On this point we agree. All that followed requires a serious reality check, and Congressman Guthrie and his fellows in the current US House majority need to accept a level of responsibility.

Fort Knox is key to our military’s future, as Congressman Guthrie noted, and a key component to our 2nd US Congressional District’s economy, as Congressman Guthrie failed to note. Unfortunately Congress’ mandated Sequestration cuts (note I said CONGRESS’ Cuts – Congressman Guthrie and his US House majority need to accept responsibility) have already had severe impacts on investments to refit, maintain readiness, and maintain force levels worldwide, and here at Fort Knox. These Sequestration Cuts are the result of a failed US Congress, the result of Congress’ failure to pass responsible budgets under regular order (i.e. DO THEIR JOB)! The consequence of a divisive and politicized congress that places ideology ahead of governing, and scoring cheap political points ahead of people and our long-term national security. Just this April the Department of Defense warned of further cuts and manpower reductions which will be necessary if congress’ mandated sequestration cuts continue beyond 2015 – http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=122065

In response to the mandatory cuts thrust upon us by sequestration and congress’ failure to do their job, along with force realignment consideration, the Army is considering potential reductions that could devastate Fort Knox and surrounding communities. Congressman Guthrie’s response has been –per his editorial last week – to write a letter to the Pentagon. A fairly weak response, but consistent with his lack of leadership and engagement since elected in 2008. After all, where was Congressman Guthrie when the decision was made to disband Fort Knox’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team (BCT)? This was a significant military decision, right in his own district, with a major impact on the surrounding community – the loss of 10,000 jobs. Yet Brett Guthrie’s only response, in 2013, was that it was “extremely disappointing news” and that he was “hopeful the military will find a replacement”.

I am extremely disappointed by his lack of action; hope is not a plan. Where is his plan to restore Fort Knox, and thereby the thousands of jobs that have been lost in his district? Taxpayers invested greater than a half billion dollars in infrastructure directly for the 3rd BCT. Many millions more were invested to increase Fort Knox’s overall capacity to host the 3rd BCT, and hundreds of millions were spent in the surrounding communities for infrastructure, housing and expanded local businesses. These investments are now at risk.

Where was Brett Guthrie while many were facing forced furlough at Fort Knox, and elsewhere across Kentucky, secondary to congress’ “sequester”, the same sequester cuts that the DoD warns will mandate further cuts in 2015 unless congress acts –i.e. does their job.

We require a US Representative that understands “writing a letter” is not sufficient engagement. A Representative that will meet with the relevant officials at the Pentagon and throughout the DoD, and that will fight for Fort Knox and surrounding communities. And a Representative that will fight for the investments and decisions necessary to strengthen Fort Knox to ensure future missions and future force realignments favor Fort Knox and our surrounding communities.

Investments and a plan for Fort Knox’s future needs to include:

1. Continued consolidation of DoD, and Army-wide functions at Fort Knox.

2. Ensure Ireland Army Community Hospital –currently the Army’s oldest Community Hospital – is maintained, or replaced with preservation of surgical and inpatient capabilities (currently not funded or planned),

3. Upgrade and expand Godman Army Airfield to accommodate heavy lift aircraft, such as C17 and C5, so that Fort Knox can be in consideration as the home of future Brigade Combat Teams.

These critical components have never been addressed by Congressman Guthrie, or by our current US Senators. We are not, currently, being represented. They have no plan and only appear interested in Fort Knox as elections approach.

We need an energetic and engaged spokesman for Fort Knox’s many strengths and advantages – Fort Knox’s unprecedented investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy (investments under attack by Congressman Guthrie’s congressional majority), Fort Knox’s ideal location and competitive cost of living, Fort Knox’s state of the art training facilities and ranges. And probably most importantly, the pride and support from the communities surrounding Fort Knox.

We need a Representative who will be a liaison for our local and state leaders to ensure they are heard in Washington and the Pentagon.

Fort Knox also holds a special place in my heart. I served at Fort Knox first in 2002 to 2005 deploying twice to Iraq from Fort Knox. I again was assigned to Fort Knox in 2010 as the Senior Physician Assistant for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team and as 1-26 Infantry Battalion’s senior Medical Officer and Physician Assistant. I had the Honor of serving with the Fort Knox’s 3rd BCT in Afghanistan in 2011. I retired out of Fort Knox in 2012. I was present for the casing of the colors of the 3rd BCT, representing the Brigades official disbandment. My wife, Kelly, continues to serve as an Active Duty Lieutenant Colonel at Fort Knox.

The future of Fort Knox will require an active and energetic advocate fighting for us in Washington, while partnering with our local and state communities and leaders, rather than the disengaged and disinterested federal delegation we currently have.

I encourage all to share your concerns about the future of Fort Knox by going to www.OneKnox.com and submitting your letters. We need a Representative who will be truly engaged and show leadership in support of Fort Knox and our surrounding communities.

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