HOW HE SEES IT Air base support is more vital than ever

The Youngstown Air Reserve Station is an enormously important asset for our community and for our nation's reserve capability. However, like every military installation in the county, it is at risk of being one of approximately 100 bases that will be closed when the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) meets to downsize and consolidate military operations.
Presently, the BRAC process is scheduled to begin early next year. But there is an effort under way in Congress to delay base closings for two years.
Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 2005 Defense Authorization Bill, which would postpone BRAC until 2007. I voted for the two-year delay. I do not believe that it is wise for our nation to reduce its military installations and operations without extensive review and consideration of our current and future military needs.
However, the provision to delay base closings is not included in the Senate version of the bill, so House and Senate members will have to take up this issue as well as others in a conference committee.
While I am hopeful that the final version of the 2005 Defense Authorization Bill will postpone base closings for two years, it will be September or later before we know for sure. More to the point, even if the delay is implemented, it simply buys the Mahoning Valley more time. It does not mean that bases will not be closed, just that the decision on which ones to close will be made in 2007 instead of months from now.
While a delay would be good news, we must remember that it is just a delay. It should not deter us from a community-wide effort to make additional investments that will help to ensure that the Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS) is in the best position possible to survive -- and grow -- through this round of BRAC.
Leading the effort
Through the leadership of Dave Hamilton and Reid Dulberger, Operation: Save Our Airbase Reservists (SOAR) is developing a comprehensive plan to do just that. They have hired one of the most accomplished military consulting firms in the country to assist them in understanding the YARS' strengths and its weaknesses and to make substantive improvements at the facility.
I know that if the two-year delay legislation is enacted, there will be a collective sigh of relief by community leaders across the country and that support and interest in their military installations will wane. That cannot be the response of the Mahoning Valley. If the base-closing process is delayed, I believe we can and must view it as an opportunity to have more time to do more to ensure and protect the long-term future of an asset that brings $100 million to our local community annually.
The Youngstown Air Reserve Station must be preserved, and I urge community leaders and organizations alike to join with me in supporting the work we need to do to ensure that YARS and its $100 million contribution remains in the Mahoning Valley.
XU.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, a Democrat, represents Ohio's 17th District.