FT. RILEY, KS – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today toured schools on post, attended a retirement ceremony and held a Town Hall meeting with soldiers at Ft. Riley.

            Senator Roberts toured Geary County USD-475’s Custer Elementary, Jefferson Middle School and the new elementary school building site at Camp Forsythe. A key priority for Roberts and the Department of Defense is the rehabilitation of schools in need, especially with regard to modernization and efforts to address overcrowding.

            “Men and women in uniform who protect and defend our nation, should not have to worry about the quality of the schools where they send their children,” Senator Roberts said. “I am pleased the Department of the Army considers these schools a high priority for improvement and has secured the funds to construct new schools to meet the growing need at Riley.”

            Roberts was also on hand to celebrate the retirement of 10 members of the military and 2 civilian employees at the Fort.

            “The soldiers and staff retiring today represent nearly 400 (383) years of experience serving our nation and protecting our freedom,” Roberts said. “It speaks to the sacrifice and dedication of our Army. I am so proud to shake your hands today.”

            Senator Roberts was especially pleased to participate in the retirement ceremony because it brings, full circle, his relationship with retiring soldier, 1Sgt. Kevin Walker and his wife Patti. Senator Roberts first met Kevin and Patti at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Kevin was wounded in combat in Iraq in 2004. He was badly injured with a traumatic brain injury, and it was not known if he would survive. The Army assigned him to a hospital in Georgia, far from his family. Patti requested he be transferred to the hospital at Ft. Riley so he could be home with his family. Senator Roberts worked to straighten out the red tape, and when Kevin was well enough to leave Walter Reed, he went home to Kansas and care at Ft. Riley.

“I always get choked up whenever I think of Kevin’s story and meeting him for the first time,” Roberts said. “His recovery was nothing short of a miracle. Eventually he even was able to rejoin his unit. Not long after he had returned to work, Kevin came to my office, saluted me, and thanked me. But the truth of the matter is, I can’t thank Kevin enough, and our soldiers everywhere, for fighting for our freedom and liberties, and for putting their lives on the line for Americans every day. I also thank the families of our soldiers. Patti and her children were the glue that helped Kevin recover. I wish Kevin and Patti all the best in their new endeavors.”

Senator Roberts’ visit to Ft. Riley concluded with a town hall meeting with soldiers where he answered questions and listened to concerns of those present.

A former Marine, Senator Roberts is an outspoken advocate for men and women in uniform and their families.

-30-