(Washington, D.C) U.S. Congressman Sam Graves announced he has secured $265,000 in funding for the 139^th Airlift Wing in a bill that passed the House this weekend. The funding will be used to upgrade aircrew helmet storage capacity, procure mobility and safety equipment and install a classified two-way video teleconference system.

 

“The 139^th Airlift Wing is one of the best units in the country,” said Graves. “I’m proud that they represent St. Joseph and all of Northwest Missouri. This funding will help them prepare today for tomorrow’s missions.”

 

The funding was requested by Graves and included in the Defense Appropriations bill that passed the House of Representatives Saturday by a wide margin. The bill will now go to the United States Senate and would need to be signed by the President before becoming law.

 

“We are constantly preparing to answer the call to serve,” said Col. Steve Cotter, Wing Commander. “We appreciate Sam Graves for securing this funding to ensure that we have all the tools we need to perform at a high level.”

 

The 139^th Airlift Wing has been deployed continuously in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It is home to 1,070 assigned personnel of which 330 are full-time personnel. Its yearly economic impact on the St. Joseph areas is just under $70 million. It will celebrate its 61^st anniversary later this month.

 

Graves has been able to secure over $2.2 million in funding for the Air Wing since 2001.

 

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