BEAUFORT CO., SC (WTOC) -
The Military Enhancement Committee is heading to Washington, D.C. this week to rally support for the area's three bases and share just how important they are not only to Beaufort but to our national defense.
MEC will be meeting with members of South Carolina's Congressional delegation including Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Jim DeMint, as well as Georgia Representative Jack Kingston, to tell Beaufort's story. They'll also be meeting with the Marine Corps' Commandant's office and with the staff at the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.
They say this is a crucial time for our military and our bases with sequestration looming overhead, which they say is a result of the Super Committee failing to reach an agreement on budget reductions. If lawmakers don't take action by January and sequestration goes through, they say it would mean $600 billion in cuts from the Department of Defense over the next 10 years, on top of the $500 billion in cuts already scheduled.
MEC says Beaufort's bases are cost efficient, have military value and they want those facts shared.
"Our Air Station is probably the most efficient on the east coast because of the ranges they use that are close by," said retired Col. John Payne, MEC. They can fill up on a whole tank of fuel at this air station, put on practice ammunition, and go down to Townsend Range, run a mission and come back all on one tank of fuel."
Payne also says another big plus for Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is that they have a good relationship with the community and they don't have the encroachment issues that other bases have.
"We think we're one of the best in the Marine Corps and the country. If we get our story out now, reiterate that story, not only the MEC but the community, it will make a strong difference and it has in the past," said retired Col. Jack Snider, MEC.
MEC is encouraging everyone to write to their senators and representatives to urge them to stop sequestration. For a complete list of South Carolina congressional emails and ways to get involved, visit www.beaufortmec.com.
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