Congresswoman Tsongas expresses commitment, appreciation for U.S. military, Hanscom

  • Published
  • By Deborah L. Powers
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas shared some personal and professional accounts that framed her commitment to and appreciation of the U.S. military, and Hanscom specifically, during a presentation here Jan. 24.

Addressing the Boston Chapter of the National Contract Management Association at its monthly meeting at the Minuteman Commons, she said that commitment and appreciation is what led her to seek a seat on the House Armed Services Committee and a leadership position with the state's military task force.

Tsongas, who represents the Third Congressional District of Massachusetts, told NCMA members and guests that she sought a seat on the House Armed Services Committee for a number of reasons. Most significantly, she grew up in a military family - her father having served in World War II - which taught her the purpose of service and sacrifice.

She's also gained an appreciation for the state's military installations throughout her years living in and representing the commonwealth. "We have a great tradition of service - it's multi-generational in nature. I see it across my district wherever I go," she said.

That foundation also influenced her to serve on Gov. Deval Patrick's Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force, which engages with community members, industry, nonprofit, municipal and elected officials to enhance, expand or improve missions, programs, facilities and operations on or affecting the military installations in the commonwealth.

"I think it's reflective of a deep commitment we have to partner with our military installations," she said, expressing a similar personal perspective about the workforce. "I value deeply the synergies that take place here - that cannot take place anywhere else in this country - and as a result we're able to produce some tremendously innovative advances that help position us so well."

The congresswoman recounted a defining moment that brought to light what Hanscom personnel accomplish on a day-to-day basis. On one of her return flights from visiting troops in Afghanistan, she'd been sitting next to a contractor who worked on the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node, or BACN, program. Their last stop was at the United Arab Emirates, where the commander there showed a photo of a young service member huddled on the ground in rocky terrain. The contractor Tsongas had been chatting with on the plane put it all into perspective.

"He explained that BACN allows that soldier on the ground to communicate up to an unmanned aerial vehicle to send a message back that he needs some air support," she said. "And it was one of those moments where all that you do was made so real for me."

Tsongas also acknowledged some of the adversity that personnel have faced, including last year's furloughs and continuing budgetary constraints.

"So I thank you for all that you do here to add to our national security to make sure that we are well-positioned as challenges come along," she told the gathering of military, civilian and contractor personnel.