U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, (R-GA), and U.S. Representative Austin Scott, (R-GA 8), along with representatives from the offices of Senator David Perdue and Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA 2), hosted the third annual Robins Air Force Base Congressional Breakfast Tuesday morning in Washington D.C. In attendance were some 100 other participants, including U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment Bob McMahon.
The purpose of the event is to showcase the central role Robins plays both for the United States military but also for central Georgia. The base directly employs approximately 23,000 people and has a nearly $3 billion impact to the Georgia economy every year.
“Robins Air Force Base plays a critical role in our national security and as a part of Georgia’s military strength. We’ve received good news this year about the future of Robins, with new hiring initiatives to fill the necessary jobs, and I appreciate the issues set forth and the attendance by so many stakeholders,” said Isakson, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “We’re going to make sure that our mission is enhanced and that we fully utilize that mission, and we are here to help.”
Also attending were regional officials, including Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce President April Bragg, Perry Chamber of Commerce President Darlene McLendon, 21st Century Partnership President Chrissy Miner, Warner Robins Mayor Randy Toms, Centerville Mayor John Harley and Fort Valley Mayor Barbara Williams.
Rep. Scott reminded attendees about Robins’ importance to the region. “Robins Air Force Base plays an essential role not only in Middle Georgia, but for our state and for the Air Force as a whole. The innovative technology and maintenance centers at Robins provide countless resources to the Air Force, as well as the surrounding communities,” said Scott. “I’d like to thank all the federal, state, and local leaders who were able to attend this event, as well as those who continue to support Robins who were unable to make the trip to D.C. The commitment of the Warner Robins community and the base are an integral partnership in Middle Georgia, and I know with continued support this relationship will grow and prosper for many years to come.”
Another guest at the event was one of the several Trump-era power brokers from Georgia, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “You may know that I grew up in Bonaire, right there in middle Georgia, I’ve lived near Robins Air Force Base all my life and know how important it is to the community, to Georgia generally and what it contributes to the overall economy,” said Perdue. “I’m honored to be a hometown boy and an ardent supporter of Robins at its mission, not only for the economy certainly – that’s a benefit – but for the national security of our nation and what it’s contributed to the men and women there who so willingly serve and deploy in an ongoing basis for the safety of our troops and the safety of our nation.”
