[Scan-DC] Fw: County Executive Baker Tours Joint Base Andrews (JBA)

[Alan Henney]

----- Original Message ----- 
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2011 12:43 PM
Subject: County Executive Baker Tours Joint Base Andrews (JBA) 




PRESS RELEASE



For immediate release:

June 7, 2011



For Information Contact:

Scott L. Peterson 

Acting Director of Communications

Office of the County Executive


 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EXECUTIVE RUSHERN L. BAKER, III TOURS Joint base andrews (JBA)

Attends briefings, meets with new JBA commander Colonel Kenneth R. Rizer, tours new facilities, and witnesses wounded veterans returning from Middle Eastern theaters.

UPPER MARLBORO, MD – On Friday, June 3rd , Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III toured Joint Base Andrews (JBA), met with Colonel Kenneth R. Rizer, and attended a series of briefings. In addition to viewing existing facilities and programs, the County Executive discussed future plans for expansion and construction on JBA,  as well as opportunities for upgraded private development off-base.

“Joint Base Andrews plays an essential role in the safety and well-being of this County, this region and this nation,” said Baker. “ Today I toured one of our biggest employers and discussed ways to increase its positive impact on Prince George’s County. I met with the Commander responsible for protecting our region from harm. And I witnessed the return of men and women who have put their lives on the line to keep our country safe.”

The County Executive was also joined by Senator Barbara A. Mikulski for briefings on the base’s many missions, including protecting the nation’s leaders and providing high quality health care.

“Joint Base Andrews is critical to our national security and is an important part of the community and economy of Prince George’s County and the National Capital Region,” U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski said. “I am proud to see JBA and the Prince George’s County leadership working together to create jobs today and jobs tomorrow while taking care of military and civilian families.”

The County Executive’s tour was facilitated by M.H. Jim Estepp, President and CEO of the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable and the Andrews Business and Community Alliance. “For the County Executive to take the time to visit and learn first-hand about the opportunities around the base underlies his commitment to economic development in the County,” said Mr. Estepp. “Senator Mikulski has been a longtime ardent supporter of the base by getting additional military and infrastructure funding.  Together, Senator Mikulski and County Executive Baker make a great team for the future of Andrews Air Force Base and the surrounding community.” 

The County Executive’s tour began with an inspection of the 1st Helicopter Squadron of the 11th Wing Helicopters. The County Executive was also driven by the new Jones Administrative Building, which will eventually house 2,500 employees coming to the base as a result of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). The tour passed by a youth center and a crisis action center, and stopped for a visit at the construction site of a new charter school. Before the tour, the County Executive viewed a recently landed Giant C-17 Aeromedical Flight carrying wounded troops from the Middle Eastern theaters and was on hand to watch President Barack Obama land and disembark from Air Force One.  

Andrews Air Force Base was renamed Joint Base Andrews after the 2005 BRAC decision that realigned a nearby Naval Air facility. It provides vital security and protection for the National Capital Region and has a strong impact on the local economy. Employing 13,000 people, with 3,000 more jobs being added by BRAC, JBA is quickly becoming the largest employer in the County. It generates a total of $1 billion in economic activity, and it is working closely with the County to increase small business contract goals, inject more money into the local business community, and revitalize the “Andrews National Defense and Technology Corridor.”

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