Army officials will conduct a community listening session Tuesday evening to address end-strength reductions that will impact communities surrounding Fort Hood.

The session will take place in ballrooms A and B of the Killeen Civic and Conference Center, 3601 South W S Young Drive, at 6 p.m. The event is designed to allow local, state, and federal leaders to make Army officials aware of information they believe should be considered by the military’s station decision process.

KTEM received the following press release Monday evening:

Fort Hood and our community need you!

Several years ago, Fort Hood was home to 55,000 soldiers. Today that number is approximately 39,950. Possibly you have heard the news that the Army may have to reduce by another 70,000 soldiers overall in 2019. The Department of the Army is holding Community “Listening Sessions” at installations where further cuts may happen.

The Fort Hood Community Listening Session is scheduled for Tuesday March 24 at 6PM at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center. Please mark your calendars and help spread the word! Commit to attending and bringing 10 people with you and this to everyone you know!

I have read reports about massive turnouts (2-3,000) at other military communities. We MUST attend and invite everyone we know to come and hear the facts about The Great Place and the great communities that provide amazing educational opportunities, medical care, quality affordable housing and support of our soldiers. Our state and local governments will tell the story of Central Texas and demonstrate why so many military families choose to retire here!

Come early, stay late and let’s make our turnout TEXAS STRONG! A large, positive attendance will show the Army that this is the best and lowest cost place to station and train our military families. We cannot be complacent – we MUST show up. Don’t assume someone else will go in your place. Please send this on to everyone you know and urge them to attend as well.

See you there,

Jean Shine
Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army

In order to make financial reductions required under the Budget Control Act of 2011, the Army is reorganizing its force structure in order to maintain a strong defense strategy within tightening fiscal restraints. This means further cuts to spending and reductions of military personnel. Tuesday night's session will allow community leaders and citizens to discuss the impact such cuts will have on communities surrounding Fort Hood.

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