Congressman Huelskamp asks Soldiers,”What’s unique and special about Fort Riley?”

Congressman Tim Huelskamp visited Fort Riley Thursday to talk with Soldiers in the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade to get insight on the Soldiers perspective of Fort Riley and the surrounding communities.

During his visit with the Soldiers Huelskamp asked them the same question he asks every soldier at Fort Riley,”Whats unique and special about Fort Riley?”

“Because, as we are going through a reduction of force throughout the D.O.D. it’s going to happen. No matter who the next president is there’s going to be some major changes,” says Huelskamp.

Huelskamp is wanting to hear what unique role Fort Riley plays in the Army and learn ways that he can continue to sell Fort Riley to those in Washington, throughout the current Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment. He pointed out multiple things that make Fort Riley a key part of the Army, such as the focus in Africa, and the training facilities and simulation facilities on post. The number one thing he continues to hear from Soldiers though is support they receive from the surrounding communities.

“What I continue to hear again and again is the same thing, and this is from Soldiers and Commanding Officers that have served around the country and around the world, is they love Fort Riley. They love the history and the support in the community.”

It has been known for some time now that the Army is looking to draw down it’s troop size from 490,000 to 420,000. As a part of the SPEA the Army is looking for feedback from the community’s surrounding military installations. They are accepting letters and emails up until Monday, August 25th.

Following the write in campaign Huelskamp said the process will really begin in Washington.

“I think we’re well positioned at Fort Riley, because of what we do and the people that are there.”

Representatives from the Department of the Army will also be traveling to Fort Riley sometime later this year to conduct a community listening session on post, similar to one held last year. The date for that listening session is still unknown at this time.