Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Chambliss, Isakson Praise Decision to Keep Fort McPherson Commissary Open

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., praised the decision by the Department of Defense and the Army this week to keep the Fort McPherson commissary open for another year.

The commissary, which serves a significant number of active-duty military members, Guard and Reserve personnel, and military retirees, will be kept open for at least 12 more months while the DoD looks at long-term alternatives for replacing the commissaries at Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem.

The Defense Commissary Agency has already approved the construction of a new commissary at Dobbins Air Reserve Base. While the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission decided to close Fort McPherson, keeping its commissary open for another year will help in bridging the gap until the Dobbins commissary can be built.

"This is great news for Georgia. I am pleased that the Defense Department and the Army have considered the views of the Georgia congressional delegation, and have agreed to keep the Fort McPherson commissary open while we examine options for a long-term solution," said Chambliss. "This is important for our military personnel and veterans in the Atlanta area and in the region."

"I am extremely pleased with the Department of Defense's decision to keep the Fort McPherson commissary open for the next year as we work together to find a solution that meets our Georgia soldiers' and veterans' needs," said Isakson. "The United States government must honor our commitment to the men and women who have risked their live to protect our country, and this decision helps to do that."

Chambliss serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Isakson serves on the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.