FIR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Georgia Delegation, Friends of Fort Stewart Meet with Army Leadership
Congressman Kingston and Senators Chambliss, Isakson host meeting

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jack Kingston (R-GA) and Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA), today hosted a meeting with community leaders from Liberty County and the Secretary of the Army John McHugh to discuss the impact of the loss of the 5th Brigade Combat Team at Fort Stewart. 

 “I appreciate very much Secretary McHugh’s making this meeting one of his first in his new position,” said Congressman Kingston.  “He’s been a friend of the Georgia delegation’s for years and we believe he’s sincerely interested and wants to help.  I was encouraged by the meeting but wish we could get tangible short- and long-term solutions.  I believe all parties involved are committed to finding an appropriate resolution and keeping Hinesville and Fort Stewart prepared for future growth.”

“We had a very productive meeting and I appreciated the participation of all the parties involved today,” said Chambliss. “We discussed several possibilities for future growth opportunities at Ft. Stewart and ways to help the local community. I look forward to continuing our dialogue with Secretary McHugh and the Army to see that all possibilities are fully explored.”  

“I’m pleased Secretary McHugh was able to hear firsthand from leaders in Hinesville and Liberty County about how the Army’s decision to stop the growth of the Brigade Combat Teams has affected the community,” Isakson said. “With its strategic location and strong community support, Fort Stewart is still the ideal place to grow the U.S. Army, and we will continue to work with the Secretary to make that growth a reality.”

 In June, the Department of Defense announced a reversal of its plans to station the much-anticipated fifth brigade at Fort Stewart following Secretary of Defense Robert Gates’ decision to slow the Army’s projected growth. The decision came after the community invested millions to prepare the necessary infrastructure for the troops and their families.

Representing Liberty County in the meeting were State Representative Al Williams (D-Midway), Liberty County Commission Chairman John McIver, Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas, and Hinesville businessman Clay Sikes.

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