Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/468256
FEB. 25 - MARCH 3, 2015 UCW 9 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM LETTERS TO EDITOR Dear Editor: The journey of the Air Force's 440th Airlift Wing stationed at Pope Army Air Field at Fort Bragg has been a disheartening one over the past couple of years. This proud group of some 1,200 service members has been an integral part of the Fort Bragg team. Fort Bragg's presence as the first responder to any number of situations has been made possible thanks to the hard work of these men and women. From dropping paratroopers at Normandy in World War II, to relief supplies to an earthquake-torn Haiti and to ensuring the training and readiness of our Airborne and Special Operations Forces today, the examples are many. But that presence is in jeopardy. We've known for some time now about the Air Force's plan to deactivate the 440th as they remove the C130-H aircraft from service. Hard battles have been fought to stop this from happening, as these men and women have become a vital part of who we are as a military community. Putting a dollar figure on it accounts for some $77 million each year in our local economy. Losing that would be a major hit to the growth and vibrancy we hope to sustain. Last year, it looked like the efforts spearheaded in part by the "Save the 440th Coalition," had worked to some extent. Congressional leaders were able to amend the National Defense Authorization Act to look a little deeper into what losing the 440th would mean to our nation's defense initiatives, and to our community. The hope was that in this review period, it would become clear that deactivating the 440th Airlift wing would impair our national defense by detracting from the training and readiness of our soldiers and airmen stationed at Fort Bragg. It would also become clear that much higher costs were likely on the horizon, as other aircraft would have to be flown to Fort Bragg from across the country, resulting in more fuel, personnel and maintenance costs. That's not even taking into account the millions in tax dollars already spent relocating the 440th to Pope as a result of BRAC, coupled with the millions additionally spent as recently as 2013 to provide flight simulation training facilities on Pope Field. But the Air Force appears to be resigned to folding the flag on the 440th. The review called for in NDAA hasn't happened yet. And with the deactivation date looming on the horizon, the 440th is starting to prepare for the worst. It's understandable because of the direct impact on so many fine men and women in our Air Force. These families need to know what their futures hold and how they'll live and grow. But the preparations taking place now put us on a clear and easier path for the deactivation. With these men and women being assigned to different locations and starting the next phases of their careers, there would be little left to save at Pope Field. The results of the Congressionally mandated report could prove to be worthless if these actions continue. We have to take action now. Congress must act to ensure proper enforcement action of the NDAA before it's too late and we've lost a vital part of our national defense and our community. Mike Lynch Military Affairs Liaison Fayetteville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce Dear Editor: Bravo, Mr. Bowman! I just read your entire article: NAACP and the Grievance Industry. Absolutely spot on. I wish more people would realize how theses race baiters make a living. Mary Ann Sherer Fayetteville DearEditor: It seems to me, only a person with privilege, in particular white male privilege, could write such an ignorant rambling article with utter insensitivity to what Mr. Barber and others are protesting. Unfortunately, although all of our "freedoms" are supposed to be guaranteed by our constitution, they apply much more to those who have money and power. Thank goodness there are those in this country who care enough about these imbalances of education and opportunity based on race and class that they make their voices heard through public protest. One has to wonder how much exposure to the daily indignities that some people face due to discrimination that the editor has experienced. Anne Smiley Fayetteville Congress Must Act to Save the 440th at Pope Army Airfield a STAFF REPORT Cape Fear Studios presents A Celebration of Music Musically themed artwork by Cape Fear Studios Members February 27 - March 23, 2015 Opening reception 4th Friday February 27, 6 pm - 9 pm with informative and entertaining musical presentations by Dr. Larry E. Wells, DMA (6:00-7:00 pm) and Jonathan Custer (7:15-8:45 pm) Located at 148 Maxwell St. Historic Downtown Fayetteville • Hours 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information: 910.433.2986 www.capefearstudios.com An artistic feast for the eyes and ears.