03.21.15

Hoeven: Our National Guard Members Deserve Recognition for their Vital Service

Senator Working to Support North Dakota Guard's Role in National Defense

BISMARCK, N.D. – Speaking at the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) Officer and Enlisted Conference today, Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) praised the National Guard for their contributions to U.S. national defense, noting NDNG’s work in support of the critical missions across the state, the nation and the world.

“Our National Guard plays a vital role in defending our communities, our country and our interests around the globe,” Hoeven said. “To that end, our Guard members have served with honor in multiple capacities. Whether they are fighting floods, serving overseas, supporting our nuclear deterrent or protecting our nation’s capital, these men and women have distinguished themselves and acted as the best examples of our people.

“Considering these contributions, it is only right that the head of the National Guard Bureau is now a member of the Joint Chiefs and that the Commission on the Structure of the Air Force has recommended an expanded role for our Air Guard members. In fact, the new leadership at the Air Force has adopted 41 of the 42 recommendations from the Commission’s report. It is great to see the work of our National Guard recognized, and we continue our efforts to support their role in our defense and their new and ongoing missions.”

As a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Senator Hoeven has worked to support the missions at North Dakota’s military bases. Through that position, Hoeven said he would help secure funding for the new intelligence targeting facility at the Hector Field in Fargo.

“We are very excited about the new cyber targeting mission for the 119th Air Wing, but our service members don’t have the space they need. I will help ensure that the $7.3 million facility makes its way through the appropriations process. We will work to include those funds for fiscal year 2016, so the building can be constructed and occupied by 2017.”

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