Wilson Tours Ft. Jackson

Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) toured Ft. Jackson facilities to observe the recently reported maintenance requirements which may be a factor in the upcoming Base Realignment and Closure Process (BRAC). Base commander Major General Abe Turner, a long time friend of Wilson's since Turner's service as Army Liaison to the House, conducted the tour. Wilson made the following remarks about Ft. Jackson: "I have trained at Fort Jackson frequently during my 31 years of service in the Army Reserves and National Guard and with two sons now serving in the Guard at Fort Jackson; I am familiar with the Fort's facilities. However, I do not want to take anything for granted as we prepare for BRAC," said Wilson. "I saw the shortfalls of maintenance, but I am confident they can be endured and working together upgrades will be made. We want the best for our volunteer service members who are being so successful in protecting the American people in the War on Terrorism," explained Wilson. "Fort Jackson is an extraordinary base with exceptional political, public and private sector support. By possessing a conducive training climate, multiple lines of communication, minimal environmental issues, affordable infrastructure costs, and no encroachment, the base serves our country well. I am particularly pleased with the strong relationship Ft. Jackson has with the surrounding community and its overwhelming local and state economic impact." "In the BRAC process, I appreciate the team efforts of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, led my Ike McLeese, the City of Columbia with Mayor Bob Coble, the state led by Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom, Gov. Mark Sanford, and General Stan Spears, working with our new consultants and expert Fort personnel," said Wilson. "I believe Fort Jackson has proven it is of the right meteorological climate for year round training and enjoys broad community support." The U.S. Defense Department will appoint the BRAC commission in March and will announce assessments for closure on May 15th.