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(Washington, D.C) U.S. Congressman Sam Graves secured $265,000 in funding for the 139th Airlift Wing in a bill that passed the House today. The funding will be used to upgrade aircrew helmet storage capacity, procure mobility and safety equipment and install a classified two-way video teleconference system.
“The 139th Airlift Wing is one of the best units in the country,” said Graves. “I’m proud that they represent St. Joseph and all of Northwest Missouri. This funding will help them prepare today for tomorrow’s missions.”
The funding was requested by Graves and included in the Defense Appropriations bill that passed the House of Representatives on Thursday by a wide margin. The funding was included in the earlier House passed version of the bill and included in the final Conference Report of the bill.
The bill fully funds a 3.5% pay raise for all service members. It also increases the funding for military healthcare programs.
“I believe the United States has the very best military in the world because of the quality of the individuals who serve in our armed forces,” said Graves. “Not only do they deserve a raise, but they deserve our support and respect for the tremendous job they do every single day.”
The annual bill funds the Department of Defense programs including equipment, personnel and training costs. An additional $11 billion was designated to make vehicles more resistant to improvised explosive devices (IED’s).
“We need to give our troops all the tools they need to win this war,” said Graves. “We all want them to finish the mission and come home safely.”
The 139th Airlift Wing has been deployed continuously in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It is home to 1,070 assigned personnel of which 330 are full-time personnel. Its yearly economic impact on the St. Joseph areas is just under $70 million.
The bill now moves to the Senate and is expected to be signed by the President. Graves has been able to secure over $2.2 million in funding for the Air Wing since 2001.
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