WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today addressed the U.S. Army’s listening session in Junction City on the future of the Army’s presence at Fort Riley. The Junction City listening session was part of the Army’s nationwide tour of installations to determine recommendations on the fiscal impact of future force cuts. 

Senator Roberts focused his comments on the remarkable support Fort Riley receives from the local Kansas community and the unique advantages Kansas’ Flint Hills provide the Army’s current and future force.

“Army Strong means having the world’s best training, equipment, and support,” Senator Roberts told the Army officals and community members attending the listening session.

 “Support from surrounding communities, support from the base, and support at home. Ft. Riley embodies the qualities necessary to sustain the best soldiers in the world.

“In this tough budget time, the one thing you cannot put a price tag on is community support. Here in the Flint Hills region, you’ll find it in abundance.”

“Ft. Riley will always have the unwavering support of this Marine, the Governor, and every Member of the Kansas Congressional Delegation.”

Below are Senator Roberts’ remarks at the listening session as prepared for delivery to the Army officials in attendance, including Brig. Gen. Roger Cloutier, Jr., director of force management with the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff:

“General Cloutier, thank you for coming to experience Ft. Riley first hand.

“We welcome you to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Flint Hills and the hospitality Kansas is known for.

“I know you are already aware of what Ft. Riley currently offers the Army: uninhibited space, buffer zones, railheads, schools. The list goes on and on.

“Today, I want to help steer your focus on what Ft. Riley will offer the future force.

“Ft. Riley is unique because it lives in the heart of the country with communities on all sides ready, willing, and able to do whatever necessary to support our troops.

“That’s not just lip service.

“The Flint Hills region is among the first in the nation to embark on an Intergovernmental Support Agreement – which brings local governments and Ft. Riley in some unique partnerships.

“As a result, the community’s engagement with the installation saves taxpayers and the Army money and ensures common needs are met through a mutually beneficial relationship. 

“What the region has done here at Ft. Riley is arguably a model for the rest of the nation.

“This room is filled with folks I have the privilege to represent in the Senate.

“They have never relented in their faith, support, and belief in the soldiers who call the Flint Hills home.

“Going forward, Ft. Riley offers the option of expanded training space, as exemplified through the airspace agreement for Grey Eagles signed with the National Guard.

“Should the installation grow, there is amble space in the surrounding communities to accommodate soldiers and families who wish to live off post.

“And for the future generations, the recent infusion of federal funds to rebuild, upgrade, and expand schools on post have made them premier centers for learning.

“Army Strong means having the world’s best training, equipment, and support.

“Support from surrounding communities, support from the base, and support at home.

“Ft. Riley embodies the qualities necessary to sustain the best soldiers in the world.

“In this tough budget time, the one thing you cannot put a price tag on is community support.

“Here in the Flint Hills region, you’ll find it in abundance.

“Ft. Riley will always have the unwavering support of this Marine, the Governor, and every Member of the Kansas Congressional Delegation.

“No one will fight harder for their installation or their soldiers than I will.

“I have talked to the Secretary of Defense about these potential cuts.

“I have talked to the Secretary of the Army.

“I will call anyone I need to call.

“Dwight D. Eisenhower fought hard to bring the Division back from Germany in 1955, and I followed in his footsteps, fighting the same fight and winning in 2005.

“General, I will never give up the fight to make sure the Big Red One continues to call Ft. Riley home.”

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