Washington, D.C.--Sixth District U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas along with representatives from the Enid Chamber of Commerce--who are in Washington this week, attended a site briefing today at the Pentagon where they discussed Vance Air Force Base issues with top Pentagon officials.

"Yes, the Enid Chamber folks and I went to, in my opinion, an informative and optimistic briefing at the Pentagon this morning," Lucas said. "We visited with Brigadier General H. Marshal Ward, James Dishner and other Air Force officials."

Ward is the deputy director of operations and training, deputy chief of staff for air and space operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. Dishner is a civilian who serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations at the Pentagon.

"News of Vance Air Force Base=s future continues to look bright," Lucas said. "These military officials conveyed absolute confidence that the Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) mission of Vance would not be diminished and is, in fact, expected to expand for the extended future.

"I was pleased to hear the many compliments paid to Vance by these military officials," Lucas continued. "They could not emphasize enough the success they have observed at Vance in relation to the public-private relationships the Air Force base has established and maintained. Vance was frequently referred to as the ideal model for the Air Force and military in this regard.

"Finally, as always, the Enid community was complimented as a wonderful place to make a home, even if only temporarily for Air Force men and women," Lucas continued.

The Enid Chamber of Commerce and other city leaders set up individual meetings in the personal offices of each U.S. Representative and Senator, as well as held a congressional breakfast on Wednesday morning, and the site briefing at the Pentagon today organized by Congressman Lucas. Enid Mayor Mike Cooper, who is also the Vance Air Force Base Development Authority Chairman, serves as the Enid Chamber Military Affairs representative and is here on the trip.

"The Enid Chamber of Commerce has done a fabulous job of getting to Washington, D.C. each year to personally talk to me and other Washington officials about the city's agenda," Lucas said. "I look forward to next year's visit from the delegation."

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