Rally for the 183rd

Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin is promoting a rally Monday at the airport in an effort to keep the 183rd Fight Wing here in Springfield. Plans now call for the Air Guard unit to be moved to FT. Wayne, Indiana. From the Mayor’s press release:

Mayor Timothy J. Davlin today invited the public to show its support for the 183rd Air Fighter Wing as he provided additional information about the events which will occur on Monday, June 20, 2005 in both Springfield and in St. Louis relative to the Base Relocation and Closure Commission. Davlin was joined by other members of the local BRAC Committee at an airport news conference.

"This will be a very important day for the economic well being of Springfield," Davlin said. "The future of our 183rd Air Fighter Wing is on the line. We will be hosting one of the BRAC Commissioners who will tour the 183rd. And, we will be providing testimony in St. Louis at the regional BRAC hearing."

[snip]

"We really want to have a good showing of support for our 183rd and that is why we are inviting the public to Capitol Airport and to St. Louis," Davlin said. "I can't stress enough how important this is to the future of Springfield and the 183rd."

Members of the public will have an opportunity to show their support at both events. To support the 183rd at Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport, they should arrive at the airport terminal by 10:45. They will be directed where to park by airport personnel. Flags, banners and home made posters and signs are appropriate. If anyone has questions about the airport event, they can call 788-1064 extension 112.

I've already tried going negative on Ft. Wayne (here and here). Maybe this more positive approach will have better results.