AHEC Has Best Staff and Facility for Mission, Senator Writes
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today sent a letter to Secretary of the Army John McHugh urging him to take steps to ease concerns that the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (AHEC) in Carlisle will be closed or lose exhibits due to the decision to place the official Army Museum in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
In his letter, Senator Casey expressed concern that comments by Army officials at AHEC and the Chief of Military History in Washington have created worry and uncertainty in the Carlisle community and the thousands of private citizens nationwide who have financially supported AHEC’s development. “I ask that the Army take steps to allay these concerns,” Senator Casey wrote.
In May, Senator Casey joined other members of the region’s Congressional delegation in requesting clarification about the future of AHEC. AHEC preserves U.S. Army heritage and educates the Army and the Nation on the role of the Soldier in the development and protection of the Nation.
The full text of the letter is below.
Dear Secretary McHugh:
Thank you for your letter of June 30, 2011 which indicated that Army leadership has not made a final decision to close the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (AHEC). I understand your efforts to support the Secretary of Defense’s initiative to reduce costs, and I support the responsible reduction of defense spending.
Your letter mentioned that the Army’s final decision on the museum would be determined in part by the impact on the local community around Carlisle. However, comments by Army officials at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, and by the Chief of Military History in Washington have sent ripples of concern through the Carlisle community, and indeed nationwide to the thousands of private citizens that have financially supported the Center’s development. I ask that the Army take steps to allay these concerns.
As you noted in your letter, AHEC’s core mission is to maintain the Army’s historical archive and heritage. This mission deserves the best staff and facility, which I believe is found at the Army Heritage and Education Center. Thank you for addressing this serious matter, and I ask that you inform my office prior to the announcement of any final decision.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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