CT National Guard Members Give Tour to Legislators

**News Release Submitted by Connecticut House Republicans**

Sept. 18, 2023

Bradley Air National Guard Base, Conn.—Connecticut Army and Air National Guard members met with a group of about 35 legislators, including many from the Greater Danbury area, on Friday to show how state dollars are used, and to highlight their readiness to respond to emergencies.

It was announced last week that Connecticut's 103rd Airlift Wing was one of four units to receive a squadron of eight C-130J aircraft. The new aircraft will replace the unit’s current inventory of C-130H aircraft.

"These new planes will ensure Connecticut has an active air base for decades to come. Connecticut National Guard members play an integral part of storm response and help in other emergencies. They not only bring supplies to neighborhoods damaged by natural disasters, but also provided boots on the ground during the pandemic," said Representative Tony Scott (R-112).

They are funded with about $6 million from the state and $300 million from the federal government. There are 17 Readiness Centers in Connecticut, six storefront recruiting offices, four maintenance shops, two Army aviation sites, three training sites, one logistic site, two militia sites, two Air Guard sites, and a Military Working Dogs training site in Newtown.

"As a member of the Appropriations Committee I was pleased to see how well the Guard is able to leverage state dollars to get more federal funding. Their maintenance facilities were impressive, with equipment that's been deployed to Afghanistan currently being repaired to keep in good flying condition," said Representative Patrick Callahan (R-108).

Foncello is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel with 28 years of service and a former Homeland Security intelligence officer. He was called back to active duty following 9/11 while also serving as Brookfield First Selectman.

"It was great talking with current members of the National Guard to learn the latest about their support missions. Their sense of service and seeing the pride in the work that they do really resonates with me," said Representative Martin Foncello (R-107).

During the most recent legislative session, the General Assembly approved funding in the budget for recruiting and retention programs and increased the Connecticut Military Department's construction cost threshold from $2 million to $3 million.

“Touring the facilities of Connecticut’s National Guard was an incredible experience! Most of us civilians know the Guard only in context of our state’s emergency and defense readiness, but they are so much more. They’re about education in valuable skills, career advancement and, for many, a pathway to free college and great careers. They employ hundreds of highly skilled aerospace professionals, both enlisted and civilian, at the Groton Aviation Support Maintenance Unit, where they keep the helicopter fleets of 14-states flying, with structural re-builds of Blackhawk and Chinook choppers. I was proud to learn how our Connecticut “Home Team” saves U.S. and state taxpayers billions of dollars by rebuilding, a far less costly alternative to new replacement of engines and aircraft,” said Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-106).

While at Camp Nett, legislators met with National Guard members, including a handler from the working dog kennel in Newtown. The K9s work with TSA, State Police, and Homeland Security. They are trained to detect explosives and drugs. Legislators also toured the STEM trailer, which is brought to schools around the state to teach students about CAD for 3D printing, rocket kits to teach aerodynamics, and other related lessons. Legislators also got hands-on experience in the simulation training room to practice target shooting.

Major General Francis Evon Jr., Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard, outlined priorities in the upcoming year, including expansion of the tuition waiver/education benefits, expansion of the state licensing fee waivers, and clarification of applicable "military duty" terms for leave for state employees. He also wants to have legislators expand the Military Facility Leasing Program to generate outside funding for the National Guard.