Lt. Governor Ellspermann Opposes Proposed National Guard Funding Cuts

Co-signs letter to President with 24 other Lt. Governors

INDIANAPOLIS – Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann joined 24 other Lt. Governors in a letter to President Obama opposing the administration’s proposed budget cuts for the National Guard.  The 2016 Army budget eliminates 8,000 Army National Guard positions. The letter states,

“As a unique state-based military force, the National Guard is the only military force that is shared by the states and the federal government. It is a ready, reliable, and essential force that responds to national disasters and emergencies, and is critical to peace and security at home and abroad.”

The Lt. Governor noted that Indiana has the 4th largest National Guard in the United States with a force of 15,800 civilian and military personnel.  She added, “The Indiana National Guard has served the citizens of Indiana and has provided well-trained forces to support the cause of freedom throughout the world. The Guard has also been critical in enhancing Indiana’s military assets including the development of the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center.”

“Much our Indiana National Guard’s success has been under the outstanding leadership of General Martin Umbarger who next month is concluding his eleven years of service as Indiana’s Adjutant General and 45 years in the National Guard.  Throughout his career he has earned the respect of his troops, his colleagues in state government and the citizens of Indiana.  I am honored to support National Guard funding on behalf of citizen-soldiers like General Umbarger and the men and women under his command.”