Letters from Cannon AFB Community to Commission Page: 4 of 83
This letter is part of the collection entitled: Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission and was provided to UNT Digital Library by the UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.
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DCN: 3397
May 31, 2005
General James T. Hill
BRA Corn mmission
2521 South Clark Street
uiteQo_
Arlington, VA 22202 !o n-nS JY
Ref: Cannon Air Force Base
Dear General Hill:
I was stunned and surprised to see Cannon Air Force Base on the base closure list that was released this
month. As a long time resident of Clovis I just haven't been able to understand the reasoning involved in
the decision to put Cannon on the list. Clovis and the surrounding area have always embraced our
military community arnd welcomed them. We are a very patriotic and supportive Christian based
community with the well being of our county at the top of the list. I believe that by closing CAFB, not only
would we be doing a huge injustice to our nation, but a huge economic impact would be felt in our
community.
Clovis, New Mexico is the ideal place to expand the base and remove it from the closure Fist. Perhaps the
most important factor supporting the removal of Cannon from the closure list is the abundant of air space
and the no encroachment issues. Our pilots would have the room to train realistically and safely with
virtually no major airport and very little air traffic around. The New Mexico Training Initiative
implementation will allow our pilots to fly at supersonic speeds during training mission also providing true
to lift situation. The weather in our area averages 320 days of almost perfect flying days a year. You
won't find that to be common. The Melrose bombing range is seconds from the end of the runway at
Cannon. Instead of wasting precious fuel by having to fly a long distance to train, our pilots can begin
their training missions almost immediately.
Clovis has much more lo offer our county and our military personal. You will find that the relationship
shared between Cannon and the surrounding comm unities of Clovis are unique and unlike most around
the country. Most businesses offer military discounts for example. There is currently a $60 million
expansion of our Medical facility taking place as we speak. Our local colleges offer classes on base.
New housing is being builtl A new VA Clinic will be opening this year and many new businesses have
been opened.
iF'-'--pn Clovis 'Portales Eastem New v Mexico; West Texas (including Amarillo and Lubbock) are home to a large
military retiree population. These people rely on Cannon Air Force base for healthcare, grocery
shopping, and more. There is not another installation close by to serve our retired military.
Please choose to leave Cannon open!
' ItThank you for your consideration!
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Letters from Cannon AFB Community to Commission, letter, June 30, 2005; (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc17033/m1/4/: accessed April 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.