Community leaders pledge support

About 600 Red River Army Depot workers expected to lose their jobs in the coming months will have local assistance and support, community leaders said late Thursday.

“The depot is the largest employer in Bowie County. Job levels correspond with work-

load. With a reduction in workload, staffing is affected. Our community will be available to assist both the depot and those affected by this announcement in any way we can,” said Texarkana, Texas, Mayor Bob Bruggeman.

“The economic impact of the layoffs is of concern, but our primary concern is the impact on the lives of the many hard-working men and women in our community. They have served the depot and our military well and it is unfortunate that the depot’s workload is lower than previous year’s requirements,” said Dennis L. Lewis of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission.

Texarkana College has a site near Red River that turns out students ready to fill jobs at the depot.

TC President James Henry Russell expressed confidence about TC helping the depot and its workers.

“TC enjoys a wonderful working relationship with RRAD,” he said. “We regret the impact this announcement will have. TC stands by to assist with retraining and working with RRAD to provide high-quality workers to ensure the depot remains the highest performing depot in the U.S. Army.

“We feel that the leadership of RRAD is tops in the country, and we stand by to assist any way we can,” he said.