FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rep. Green Calls for Funding for Fort Campbell’s Hospital Following COVID-19 Deployments
WASHINGTON – This week, Rep. Green sent a letter to Chairman Adam Smith and Ranking Member Mac Thornberry of the House Armed Services Committee urging funding for Fort Campbell’s hospital following the deployment of hundreds of Fort Campbell soldiers to locations in New York, New Jersey, and Boston to serve in the fight against coronavirus.
Green said, “The COVID-19 outbreak is challenging our Nation’s public health in an unprecedented way, but, as always, the United States Army has stepped up to do all it can to stem the tide. As a veteran myself, I am grateful to each and every soldier who is placing their own health at risk to protect our people. Our soldiers have always put service before self, and their service now is just as essential as ever. We cannot win this fight without them.”
“Unfortunately, Fort Campbell could end up with inadequate funding due to expending funds for the current deployments. The base hospital, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, will have to go without necessary improvements without a backfill of its funding. I urge Congress to prioritize a backfill of these funds in the upcoming NDAA. As we mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we must ensure the care and well-being of our troops and their families on the bases where they are stationed.”
300 soldiers from Fort Campbell’s 531st Hospital Center deployed to New York within 48 hours of receiving orders and have been assisting at Javits New York Medical Center since March 24. An additional 10 soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division have deployed to assist in New Jersey and Boston.
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