Posted on 07/28/2014 12:49:39 PM PDT by SandRat
I am writing to urge continued support for our Fort Huachuca base. Southern Arizona, with its particular climate and geography, is uniquely fit to house certain critical military operations. And the thousands of highly qualified, talented personnel, both civilian and military, who have made Cochise County their home, stand at the ready to drive our modern warfare capabilities.
As a long-time leader in electronic warfare technology and the home of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, and numerous other Commands, Fort Huachuca should continue to define the cutting edge of cyber-security warfare. There is no question that this segment of military operations underpins the future of national security. Our military, and our nation, can only benefit from the vast expertise, legacy of excellence, and independent, innovative spirit that the families supporting our base bring to bear.
As the economic heart of Sierra Vista and Cochise County, Fort Huachuca commands respect from the surrounding regions and leaders. We will fiercely protect and strengthen the communities that sustain the base. As partners in the economies fueled by the military presence, it is essential to the ongoing health of our military communities that we work also as partners through any changes our military bases may face.
While Mayor of Mesa and President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, I had the privilege to advocate for Luke Air Force Base. I traveled to the Pentagon to share our insights into the sustainability and importance of Luke’s missions, and advised against sequestration-related spending cuts that would have devastated the local military community and critical defense assets.
As Governor, I will similarly continue to stand up for the Fort Huachuca Base. I am at your disposal as a partner in this realignment dialogue, and will do everything I can to ensure our shared goals of ongoing national security and military primacy are achieved in a balanced and strategic manner that strengthens our military communities. The evolution of our military assets need not come at the expense of our local economies.
As a long-time leader in both the private and public sectors, I know what it is to face tough decisions, and to stand for what is right in the face of politicized criticism. I am the only Arizona Republican candidate for Governor who stands with Governor Brewer in support of Medicaid Restoration, a position that protects health coverage for over 14,000 Arizona veterans, not to mention our tax dollars and our rural hospitals. I have shown I will lead through tough situations, keeping what’s right for our communities top of mind at all times. As Governor I will continue to support Fort Huachuca and the proud and honorable position we claim in the defense of our nation. I look forward to the opportunity to build from our long-standing military roots in Southern Arizona and to usher in the next generations of military authority.
MAYOR SCOTT SMITHis a fourth-generation Arizonan, elected twice as Mayor of Mesa. He served as president of the United States Conference of Mayors, the first Arizona mayor to ascend to that position. He and his wife Kim have been married more than 35 years and have three children and five grandchildren.
I always felt that Ft, Huachuca was too close to the border for its mission and an easy target.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.