Governor McCrory Meets With Military Affairs Commission At Cherry Point | Eastern NC Now

News Release:

    Havelock, N.C. - Governor Pat McCrory met with the Military Affairs Commission today to hear from members and local officials about the status of the state's military installations, the Reserves and the National Guard. The governor also addressed the group, reminding them of his commitment to supporting and strengthening the state's military presence and personnel.

    "North Carolina has always played a pivotal role in our nation's defense, and I will not only continue that tradition, but work hard to enhance it," Governor McCrory said. "To that end, I've signed into law legislation that protects installations from encroachment so the military can conduct training to fulfill its assigned missions. In the General Assembly, we've garnered support for National Guard infrastructure modernization and improvements. Along with members of this commission, I have met with all service secretaries and with flag officers at the Pentagon to lay out what the state is doing for to support and protect the operational integrity of military installations in our state."

    Commission Chairman Mabry "Bud" Martin introduced Governor McCrory.

    Speaking about recent legislative accomplishments, the governor mentioned signing into law a bill creating the equivalent of in-state tuition for veterans at our state's community colleges and universities. He also discussed legislation he signed that provides college credit for military experience, as well as for professional licensing and certification.

    The governor cautioned that despite these recent successes, more needs to be done to ensure the state's proud military heritage stays strong. He discussed how the state has contracted with the consulting firm Matrix Design Group for Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) preparation and to work on base sustainability issues. The firm will provide SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of military bases and communities, as well as develop a statewide strategic plan to engage military installations, communities, local, state and federal government stakeholders. The firm will also provide advocacy support at the federal level.

    North Carolina Veterans Affairs Director Ilario Pantano, as well as the Governor's Military Affairs Adviser Cornell Wilson, addressed the commission.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov