FORT RILEY, KAN. – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after his meeting with U.S. Army and Fort Riley Officials including Acting Senior Commander and Deputy Commanding General, Brigadier General Eric Wesley and Brigadier General Roger Cloutier:

“During my visit to Fort Riley, I had a valuable conversation about the impact of potential Army force reductions. My impression after visiting with the U.S. Army Leadership is that it is evident to them that Kansans support, care and respect those serving our country at Fort Riley. As plans for force reductions are reviewed, the infrastructure and investment that has already been made in housing, medical care and education would be difficult to walk away from. Additionally, the land and airspace available make it invaluable for training our servicemen and women. I will do everything I can to reduce the impact of sequestration and make certain Fort Riley receives the support it deserves from the Pentagon, so the Armed Forces and the Big Red One can continue to defend our nation.”

Fort Riley is one of 30 U.S. Army installations across the country that could face force reductions as the Army is preparing to reduce personnel to 420,000 due to sequestration. The worst-case scenario is Fort Riley could lose 16,000 civilian and military personnel.

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