The future of Missouri military bases are up in the air as Congressmen met in Jefferson City
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The future of Missouri military bases are up in the air as Congressmen met in Jefferson City

Date: April 4, 2012
By: Sarah Duffey
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
The possible formation of a Base Realignment and Closure commission that could cut military costs in Missouri, caused a meeting to emphasize Missouri's efforts to compete against other states for funding.
RunTime:  0:48
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Last month U.S Senator Claire McCaskill told the Pentagon they're "barking up the wrong tree" in regards to a possible Base Realignment and Closure commission.

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler held a meeting with legislators and others to plan for the state if the Base Realignment and Closure commission is established.

Lynn Lowder, Director of Military and Veteran Services at Central Missouri University says Missouri politicians need to get their concerns heard in Washington.

Actuality:  LOWDER2.WAV
Run Time:  00:11
Description: "Remember there is a lot of competition for military assets now, so its not a place, you need to have sharp political elbows, or you're gonna get elbowed out of the way."

Hartzler says the Base Realignment and Closure round table will meet again in six months to evaluate progress.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Sarah Duffey.

Intro: 
Congress members held a round table to find ways to prevent another Base Realignment and Closure commission and discuss its possible impact on Missouri military bases.
RunTime:  0:56
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Central Missouri Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler organized the Base Realignment and Closure round table to encourage a state wide effort to plan the future of Missouri's military involvement.

Lynn Lowder, Director of Military and Veteran services of Missouri at Central Missouri University says the main concerns for the round table is Missouri's two major bases, Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force Base.

Lowder says a Base Realignment and Closure commission could negatively impact Whiteman which is currently sending fighter planes overseas and the committee should understand the importance of Missouri military bases to national security.

Actuality:  LOWDER1.WAV
Run Time:  00:10
Description: "This state needs to turn every single asset they have thats applicable to keeping those two bases here, to make sure that happens, its the right thing to do."

Lowder says these meetings are beneficial to sharpen the politicians awareness of military financial needs. 

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Sarah Duffey.