Jen Kiggans: “I represent a military-heavy district with five bases, and all of those installations have buildings that are in…”

“I represent a military-heavy district with five bases, and all of those installations have buildings that are in disrepair or condemned. I am shocked at some of the conditions I see on the military bases in my district. I drive around, and it is disheartening to see the buildings that are in disrepair, that are falling apart, and that are eyesores. I have driven in family housing where right across the street will be an empty, old BOQ building that will have the doors swinging open and the curtains blowing in the breeze from windows that are broken and refrigerators sitting with their doors ajar out in the hallways. These are buildings that are awaiting demolition that sit literally for years and are eyesores. We haven't prioritized demolition projects on these bases. When I think about recruitment and retention for our all-volunteer force, I worry about those impressions that we are leaving with other families, with our military families and Active-Duty servicemen and - women that are driving through bases. Not prioritizing military demolition projects has created safety issues directly affecting the quality of life and quality of service of our military personnel, their families, and surrounding communities. Poor conditions on military bases can hamper operational efficiency and readiness. Condemned buildings may restrict space for training, maintenance, and equipment storage.…”