Sen. Cassidy, Gen. McGuire Speak at Luncheon

Fort Polk Progress and four regional Chambers of Commerce hosted U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy at a luncheon this morning. The luncheon comes just two months after the Army announced it would only be cutting 388 troops from the installation, a far-cry from the worst-case scenario of 6,500.

Guests heard from Senator Cassidy who delivered the key-note speech. Gen. Timothy McGuire also addressed the group.

Michael Reese, Chairman of Fort Polk progress, said in spite of the victory, the region must continue to oppose arbitrary sequester-driven reductions to defense. He said the Army should be funded at a level dictated by the national military strategy and by the Army’s mission, both of which would sustain a force of 450,000 or greater.

And, a special award was given at the event to volunteer Sara Simmonds of Alexandria. She leads the Apple Pie Brigade, a group of volunteers who meet arriving and departing soldiers and treat them with apple pies and soft drinks.

KLAX ABC 31 News 8/31/15