500 Form Letters from concerned citizens suggesting to "Please reconsider and take Cannon Air Force Base off the base closure list" Page: 1 of 500

                                
BRPDGN1f470

BRAC Commissioner, Chairman Anthony Principi                                    AUG J io205
Please reconsider and take Cannil Air Force Base off the base closure list because:
KEY-MILITARY FACTS:
 Abundance iriair space with no encroachments
* Safer, more realistic training scenarios for all types of planes and missions
* Once implemented, supersonic flying through the N.M. Training Range Initiative
 Great year-round weather for flying conditions
 Melrose bombing range is seconds away
 New runways on the base--two runways, not just one
* Ample space and ramp space for surge force requirements
* Support of training missions for F-22, F-35, Joint Strike Fighter, etc.
* Award winning base on ACC, Air Force, and NAF levels
* A relationship like none other with the communities of Clovis, Portales, and the
surrounding areas
 Large military retiree population within a 150 mile radius
KEY COMMUNITY FACTS:
a  $60 million expansion to Plains Regional Medical Center with new Heart, and Cancer
Wings, 10,000 sq. ft. Rehab Center as well as the addition of 60+ new medical staff
0  Expansions to Clovis Community College and Eastern NM University-classes offered on
base
 New VA Clinic opened this year
 Expansion and new industry is providing job opportunities for spouses and children
* Many new housing developments are providing housing needs
* New restaurants, building: suppliers, and retail businesses adding to the established base
* New Civic Center under construction for increased community events
 Military discounts offered by local businesses
 The best schools and teaching staff in NM
* A Christian-based community that is family oriented and caring
*  Portales community was not considered in the economic impact of closure
Signed: /, AA
This letter will be copied to send to the following:
CC: Commissioner James Bilbraiy                         CC: President George W. Bush
Commissioner Philip Coyle                               First Lady, Mrs. Laura Bush
Commissioner Adm. Harold MW Gebman, Jr.                 Governor Bill Richardson
CommissionerRep. James V Hansen                         Senator Pete V. Domenici
Commissioner Gen. James Hill                            Senator Jeff Bingaman
Commissioner Gen Lloyd "Fig" Newton                     Rep. Tom Udall
Commissioner Samuel K Skinner

Commissioner B.G. Sue Ellen Turner