WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) released the following statement on this evening’s rally in support of the 911th Airlift Wing hosted by the Allegheny County Veterans Affairs office, the Military Affairs Council of Southwest PA, and the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall:
“We stand with Allegheny County Veterans Affairs, the Military Affairs Coalition of Southwest PA, and Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in the effort to save the 911th Airlift Wing and the 171st Air Refueling Wing of the Pennsylvania National Guard. The Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station is one of the most cost-efficient in the country and has contributed greatly to the Air Force’s recruitment goals. The Air Force owes the thousands of Pennsylvanians who would be affected by the closure a detailed rationale for their proposal to shut it down, and we will continue to demand that the Air Force do everything in its power to ensure the long-term viability of this important installation. The 171st has won awards for its superior performance in air tanker refueling -- now is not the time to be cutting back resources at this important wing.”
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