The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Military event had a recurring message: “Be prepared for war to keep the peace.”
“Russia and China are outpacing us in growing their defense. China is attempting to gain international order,” Capt. Hannah Kriewaldt, supervisor of shipbuilding in Newport News, said.
The region is home to 18 military installations with 125,000 military personnel that make up 40% of the region’s economy, said Rick Dwyer, executive director of Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance.
In order for the military to continue to support the country, certain issues need to be addressed: development encroachment near bases, sea level rise, quality child care, spouse employment, affordable housing and mental health services, Dwyer said. Nearly all the speakers said recruitment is down in part because of these issues.
About 200 people came to the James River Country Club on May 31 to hear from several presenters regarding how the military is performing. While there are successes, there are also challenges.
“It’s an important time in our country,” said Chuck Zingler, commissioner of the Virginia’s Department of Veteran Services. “We have to work on recruitment, retention and how we treat our veterans. It is our job to understand their needs, from the youngest to the oldest.”
The department is working on transition programs to help veterans dealing with homelessness and drug and alcohol abuse, Zingler added.
He also cited efforts by state leaders to ensure sustainability of the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program amid growing costs. The General Assembly reconvened to address the tuition waiver and stipend program as lawmakers added program eligibility changes in the recently passed two-year state budget signed by the governor.
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In the wake of recent suicides among Navy personnel living and working at the Newport News shipyard, Kriewaldt said there is now money set aside for improved housing and mental health services. Sailors lived aboard ships undergoing major midlife maintenance overhauls at the shipyard. The Navy committed to enhancing sailor quality of life with off-ship housing for junior sailors.
Brig. Gen. Catherine Jumper, commander of the Virginia Air National Guard, said over 7,000 soldiers and more than 1,200 airmen plus 800 part-time personnel support the commonwealth with emergency management. The Virginia National Guard has a 20-year partnership with Tajikistan and just entered into one with Finland.
Col. Matthew Altman, commander of the 633rd Air Base Wing at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, points to community support and engagement. Small businesses are regularly awarded contracts for base repairs. Last year, the base awarded $9.8 million to local small businesses. Working with Native American tribal leaders, base personnel repaired severe erosion to protect archaeology sites, among other community involvement.
The largest employer in York County, Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, has two storage magazines under construction. Cabins and a golf course are available. The base supports Yorktown’s July 4 celebration by suppling a barge to launch fireworks. It cares for nature by partnering with Virginia Institute of Marine Science for oyster restoration, Cmdr. Kurt Davis, executive officer of the base, said.
Work is also being done at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown. Cmdr. Sarah Geoffrion said at the center, there are 714 uniformed personnel, 118 civil employees and 142 contractors. Recently, a sewer pipe was replaced. It also hosts Sea Scouts to improve recruitment.
This is the first year the chamber’s Military Affairs Council presented the event. Led by Kathleen Jabs, special assistant to the president on military affairs at William & Mary, the council is comprised of installation commanders, representatives from the offices of U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, Newport News and Hampton city representatives and more who help the military, said chamber President and CEO Bob McKenna, a retired Navy captain.
The council also produces a job fair, military recognition events that award Military Citizens of the Year to members of each service who have distinguished themselves as outstanding servants of their nation and as volunteers in the Peninsula community.
