Press Release

Friday May 13, 2005                                                                                  Contact: Ben Beakes
For Immediate Release                                                                 304-558-6000 or 304-546-6759


Secretary Ireland vows to work with federal delegation, Governor Manchin, to keep 130th

Charleston, W.Va.: Secretary of State Betty Ireland is committed to working with West Virginia’s federal delegation and Governor Manchin to keep the 130th Airlift Wing at full strength.

“I am deeply saddened by the recent realignment plans by The Pentagon’s Base Realignment and Closure Commission,” Ireland said. “I am committed to working with Governor Manchin and our federal delegation to keep the 130th in tact.”

Secretary Ireland’s husband, Sam Haddad, spent over 20 years with the West Virginia Air National Guard and retired from the 130th Airlift Wing.

“West Virginians are the most loyal, hard-working and committed soldiers in our armed services and we all are personally affected by this proposed change in some way or another,” Ireland said. “What’s important is to help keep West Virginia among the most elite in our military.”

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